The holidays are a busy time for everyone, especially small business owners. In addition to the day-to-day tasks of running a business, you also have to find ways to stand out from the competition and attract holiday shoppers. Luckily, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce has put together a list of nine holiday marketing tips to help you make the most of this festive season.

1. Post Interactive Content

People love getting involved in the holiday spirit, so why not give them some content that they can interact with? Host a holiday-themed contest or giveaway on your social media channels or on your website. Not only will this create some excitement around your brand, but it will also help you boost engagement and grow your following.

2. Hold Giveaways or Contests

Who doesn't love getting something for free? This holiday season, try hosting a giveaway or contest on your social media channels or website. You could offer a discount on products or services, a free gift with purchase, or even just a simple drawing for a chance to win a prize. Be creative and have fun with it.

3. Create a Gift Guide With PDFs

If you're not sure what to get someone for the holidays, chances are they're not either. Make things easy for your customers by putting together a gift guide featuring some of your best products or services. You can create a gift guide quickly in Word, and then upload your file to convert it to a PDF. You can even write multiple guides targeted to different shoppers. This is especially useful to offer something that can be personalized or customized for the recipient.

4. Offer Holiday Packaging

Make sure your products are holiday-ready by choosing festive packaging and wrapping paper. This small touch can really make a big impact and get people in the mood to shop with you. Bonus points if you can find a way to incorporate eco-friendly packaging.

5. Engage With Customers on Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect with your customers and build relationships. This holiday season, take some time to engage with customers on social media by responding to comments, answering questions, and sharing relevant content. You could even use social media to run a contest or giveaway (see tip #2).

6. Host a Holiday Event

Get people in the door (or virtual door) by hosting a special event during the holiday season. This could be an in-person event like an after-hours shopping party or trunk show, or an online event like a webinar or virtual party. Whatever form it takes, make sure your event is memorable and fun.

7. Support a Favorite Local Charity

The holidays are all about giving back, so why not support a favorite local charity? There are many ways to do this, such as donating products or services, hosting fundraisers, or volunteering your time. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will also give back to the community that supports your business all year long.

8. Reward Your Loyal Customers

Show your loyal customers how much you appreciate them this holiday season by giving them special discounts or rewards. This could be anything from early access to sales or exclusive access to new products and services. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that will make them feel valued and appreciated.

9. Partner With Other Local Businesses

Small businesses have to stick together. Find another local business that complements yours and partner up for the holidays. This could involve cross-promoting each other's products or services, co-hosting an event, or even just teaming up on social media campaigns. Whatever you do, make sure it's mutually beneficial and will help both businesses reach their goals.

The holidays are an important time for small businesses to attract new customers and boost sales. But with all the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. Use these tips to make the difference. From posting interactive content and holding giveaways to supporting local charities and partnering with other businesses, there are plenty of ways to spread some holiday cheer while growing your business at the same time!

Looking for business support? The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce champions our community’s economic and cultural growth through networking, events, and advocacy. Become a member today!