Holiday Marketing Inspiration from Three Small Businesses
As we grasp onto the final days of summer, it’s hard to think about things like jingle bells and snowflakes. However, if you are a small business owner who wants to end 2016 with a BANG, then it is essential that you start planning your holiday campaign now. The National Retail Federation reports that businesses can make as much as 30 percent of their annual sales in November and December alone! There is fierce competition to win customers’ during the holiday season, so a mediocre marketing campaign just will not do.
Inspiring Ideas for Local Holiday Marketing
Many businesses focus their holiday marketing efforts online, relying on tools like social media and paid advertising to reach potential customers. However, local businesses should never underestimate the importance of traditional and tangible marketing materials such a signs, banners, and postcards. Customers will be able to see and interact with these elements in real life. They have a more ‘personal’ feel and can also drive word-of-mouth marketing in your local area.
So how are you planning on marketing your business this holiday season? If you are in need of inspiration, I would like to point you to an article I just read on The Business Journals website titled How 3 Small Businesses use Staples Print & Marketing Services to Market for the Holidays.
[Tweet “3 #smallbusiness #marketing campaigns you can use this #holiday season.”]In the article, you will read about how Stella Blue Designs (Chicago), Hank’s Oyster Bar (Washington, D.C.), and Steve McKenzie’s (Atlanta) have already kick-started their holiday planning. Their stories are sure to fuel creative ideas for your business too! For example:
- A banner that has just the right colors and wording to lure people from the busy street outside into your store.
- Postcards shared when the check is delivered at a restaurant that reminds people to “give the gift” of a gift card this holiday season.
- Eye-catching posters that announce special promotions like a gift wrapping workshop.
There are more ideas where those came from too. Plus, the article also details the hiccups that each business owner faced along the way, and how Staples helped them problem solve while also offering next day service.
I won’t give any more details away – you really have to hear about these marketing ideas from the small business owners themselves! Get your creative juices flowing this holiday season by reading the article here.
This article was written in partnership with Staples; however, all opinions and experiences expressed are my own.