Small business owners always have a lot on their plate. They are responsible for day to day operations, managing employees, and making sure the products or services they offer are top notch. With all of that to worry about, Outbrain notes that it can be easy to let marketing fall by the wayside. However, during the holiday season, small businesses need to be extra vigilant about their marketing efforts. This is because consumers are bombarded with ads and promotions from big businesses, and it can be tough to compete. That's why having creative holiday marketing is so important for small businesses. Read on for ideas on how to use marketing to draw in more holiday customers courtesy of the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce.

Host a Unique, Engaging Event

The holidays are a great time to host a special event at your small business. This could be something like an open house, holiday party, or even a themed night. This is a great way to show your customers that you’re invested in them and appreciate their business. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to network and build relationships with other local businesses.

Hold Special Contests

Hosting a giveaway or contest is a great way to generate some buzz around your small business. You can promote your giveaway or contest on social media, in-store, or even through email marketing. Just be sure to make the rules clear and easy to follow. And don’t forget to pick a prize that will appeal to your target audience.

Give Back by Partnering with a Local Charity

The holidays are all about giving back, so why not use your small business as a platform to support a local charity? There are plenty of ways to do this, such as hosting a donation drive, holding a fundraiser, or even simply making a donation yourself. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will also show your customers that you care about giving back to the community. And who knows—you might even get some good PR out of it!

Take Advantage of Social Media

Social media is an essential tool for small businesses, and the holidays are no exception. Use social media to engage with your customers and followers by sharing holiday-themed content, running promotions, and even holding contests. Just be sure not to overdo it—you don’t want to come across as spammy. A little goes a long way when it comes to social media during the holidays.

Provide a Comprehensive PDF Gift Guide

One way to ensure that your customers think of your small business when they’re doing their holiday shopping is by creating a gift guide. This is especially effective if you sell products that can be difficult to buy for friends and family members (think: electronics, home goods, etc.). 

If you’re used to using Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, you can create your guide in that file format. Once you’ve created your gift guide, ensure it's in PDF form by converting it using an online tool; you can use a PDF converter for this task. Doing so is easy, as it takes just four quick steps, from choosing the originating file or dragging and dropping it to downloading it. Then you’re able to share it via email or on social media using an eye-catching image and an irresistible call-to-action (CTA). Then sit back and watch the sales roll in.

Get Festive with Holiday Packaging

During the holidays, take some time to invest in festive packaging for your products. This doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate—even just adding some festive ribbon or tissue paper can make all the difference. Your customers will appreciate the extra effort, and they’ll be more likely to remember your small business when they see those beautiful packages.

Show Appreciation for Loyal Customers

One way to show your appreciation for your loyal customers is by rewarding them during the holidays. This could be something as simple as giving them a discount on their purchase or throwing in a free gift with purchase. Moosend points out that you could even create a loyalty program where customers can earn points toward discounts or freebies throughout the year—then offer bonus points during the holidays as an added incentive. Whatever you do, make sure your loyal customers feel appreciated this holiday season.

There are plenty of creative ways you can market your small business for the holidays. By hosting unique events, holding giveaways or contests, supporting local charities, engaging via social media, creating PDF gift guides, investing in holiday packaging, and rewarding loyal customers, you can ensure that your small business gets noticed—and drives sales—this holiday season!

Join the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce to network with other local entrepreneurs and access valuable resources for helping your business grow.