How to Better Leverage Your Holiday Promotions

With the holidays fast approaching, many Canadians are frantically trying to buy all their gifts, ready their homes for guests, finalize travel plans and are dreaming about some down time with family friends.So if your business is geared towards helping with any of these things, it’s time to start spreading some cheer with holiday promotions.Here are some tips to help you get started: Spread the holiday cheerSharing promotions on your website and in social media is a great way to get customers’ attention. There’s so much to share and celebrate, why not try some of these:Share holiday special offersDistribute a coupon for a seasonal meal special, or discount on larger purchases. The possibilities are actually endless, so start letting people know what exciting things you can offer. Also, should your goal be to increase your brand awareness, you should promote your holiday offer on a free online listing to get a maximum return on your investment!Host an eventCelebrate this season with an event, such as an in-store shopping event, while giving your valued customers a special gift or discount that day. You could also have an online event to let people know how your business is celebrating the season this year, while linking them to your online listing or website. For example, if you have a coffee shop, create a week long Facebook Event with a fun name like a Festive Peppermint Mocha Social to let people know about your seasonal drinks. Share a ''Buy 1 Get 1 Free'' coupon and encourage people to bring a friend.Run a social media contestRun a special holiday contest on your Facebook Page or across your social media platforms. Get people to Like, share or comment to enter and have a great holiday giveaway that entices people to share with friends.TIP:Don’t have time to update all your social platforms? Consider using NetSync to enhance your online reputation from one, user-friendly platform!Give a littleTis the season of giving, so why not take the initiative? Let your customers know how much you appreciate them by giving them a treat. There are many ways to give, but here are a few ideas:

• Create special holiday content with seasonal tips and tricks

• Send thank you cards or e-greeting letting your customers know that you appreciate their business

• Present coupons or small gift cards

• Give away gift bags, samples, or other promotional items

• Provide gift wrapping services

• Offer free shipping

TIP:Be sure to add a personal touch. Use a tone that is unique to your business, or address customers personally.Package your offers and make suggestions Instead of just telling people about your offers, consider sharing holiday bundles or packages. Gift ideas and packages are a great way to promote many things at once. Before doing this, consider asking yourself the following:

• Who are my customers?

• What are my best and worst sellers and why?

• What items compliment each other?

• How can I make it relevant for the holidays? (Ex. Is this a great time saver for the busy season, or a great gift for a neighbour or loved one?)

Once you answer all of these questions, be sure to let your customers know the idea or reason behind your suggestion(s). Schedule promotions around key datesA good time to promote things is a few days before key dates. You could also create a holiday countdown and post daily deals on social media or even at your location (ex. 12 days till Christmas).And finally…Don’t forget to share holiday store hours and your phone number on your website and social media pages.Do you also have this information on your Yellow Pages listing? If not, clickhereto claim your free listing!