Every business chooses its marketing strategy to be suitable for the products and services they offer. Marketing strategies are necessary for each business to promote their products. Even if a business is not successful, there is no reason to be upset, that’s why marketing strategies are made to help improve sales. In this festive blog we’ll look at a few ideas you could implement, and not all will break the bank. Many of these strategies could help benefit your business and brand identity.
Christmas 2021, is going to be a mixed one. The memories of the previous 20 months still feel raw. On top of this, lots of small business owners find it difficult to plan in the midst of long working days. We all know small business owners who say they simply ‘don’t have time’ for self-care; yet, the number one killer for small businesses is burnout. So, what can you do about it?
If you’re like us, you want to do all you can to be sure that your small business thrive. You can help ensure success by creating a present-looking marketing plan that includes concrete goals and the resources it takes to achieve them.
Recognise your customers who have supported you
We won’t be doing gifts this year. Instead, we will send out a personal thank you message to all of our customers and clients, letting them know how much we appreciate their loyalty. Christmas is a special time for both young and old, and a simple message is a great token of your appreciation.
Whether you’re thanking your clients, partners, contractors or employees it’s nice to send them a little present. This can be anything from a personalised calendar for the New Year that shows off your company branding to branded company merchandise such as stationary or…even vouchers for discounted products that your business sponsors. Your business is unique and so should be your thank you gifts. So start brainstorming and set yourself apart from your competitors with the best gifts, calendars and fundraisers.
Christmas Parties
By throwing your own Christmas Party you can not only build team spirit, but also build strong relationships with current and potential future business partners. Consider doing something different this year to thank your employees or clients by throwing your own holiday party. Why not have a one off open evening for customers and offer mince pies and a glass of mulled wine to say thank you. It is a great way to engage with customers whilst also making them feel special. If you work in a hospitality setting you could offer a Christmas theed cocktail making session.
The last 20 months has seen a massive change in how we engage and operate in a business setting, but you can still utilise bits to your advantage.
Maximise social media
Social media is all about sharing. If you want to help solve social problems with your business, then find ways to spread the word about what you do. Not a year goes by without anticipation over John Lewis’ annual Christmas campaign. It was widely reported that on Twitter, 16 million users follow John Lewis during Christmas. The brand is very good at standing out from the masses, crafting an experience every customer can be part of. Social media is a fabulous way of engaging customer interest in your product or service. It’s an extension of your website, so it only makes sense to share “good tidings” on your social media channels over the holidays!
You can run special promotions, offers and discounts for your followers as a way of “giving back” and engaging with them. Test different strategies to find out what works best for your audience.
As a small business owner you have a unique opportunity to overtake your competitors even in times of economic hardship. A bettor strategy will ensure that as your consumers become more receptive to receiving your marketing tactics positive results are guaranteed.
Newsletter
Sounds simple enough, but so many people get this wrong. The newsletter is a useful tool for keeping in touch with customers and is far more cost effective than other offline advertising. Keep it relevant and your customers and clients will greatly appreciate receiving a seasonal edition of your regular email newsletter. It reassures them that you haven’t dropped off the radar and helps build goodwill, trust and brand recognition for your business moving forward.
Christmas Competition
Add your brand to the challenge with a competition asking customers to create their perfect Christmas day in 25 words. Offer a voucher or similar prize for the winner, and ask followers to tag you in their posts. Then think about what you or your company can offer in return for engagement with your brand. Christmas is right around the corner, remember that this segment of consumers are highly targeted and totally engaged with their family.
Christmas Blog
The end of a year is a great time to take a step back and look at the year from another perspective. Do you see any trends that you can use to your advantage in 2022? You can use these reflections to write about or share on blog posts. Will next year be a great time to expand into a new sector.
Google Ad words
If this is a tool you use as a business, it is imperative to keep Google Ads up to date for Christmas 2021! This also extends to other advertising campaigns you may utilise including Facebook.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback and at this point we’d like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas 2021.