If you're like us, we always find it a little funny to see shops ready for Christmas before Thanksgiving. On the other hand, those active campaigns drive tons of business and can be a big indicator of sales to come. Aside from just the time commitment involved, marketing for the holidays can become stressful for small business. It is also difficult to know when to start these campaigns and to know whether or not your holiday campaign efforts really made a difference. Unfortunately, some companies decide pass on the holiday marketing festivities.
Not so fast... according to Media Post, in 2010 the top five days by sales conversion volume included Black Friday at 23% (the day after Thanksgiving), Nov. 28 and 30 at 17%, Dec. 6 at 17%, and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) at 16%. The proof is here. Marketing during the holidays works! Furthermore, the holidays are on the minds of these buyers, and your company should capitalize on that by getting into the holiday spirit.Marketing for a specific holiday is a fun experience. Many companies choose to recycle holiday commercials and materials each year to help make it even more worthwhile. The general rule of thumb is to start marketing for Thanksgiving just after Halloween (and Christmas just after Thanksgiving), but as the statistics show above, there is still plenty of time. Consider a few of the things you can try to help jump-start your holiday efforts:
- Greeting Cards – Send Thanksgiving themed greeting cards to your customers thanking them for being loyal. Consider giving out a coupon in the spirit of the holiday.
- Newsletters – The holidays are a great way to jump-start that newsletter you’ve always wanted to offer. Customers and clients will be more apt to join during the holidays in the hopes that your company will help them know what to buy their friends for the holidays!
- Thanksgiving Deals – If you offer a deal specifically around Thanksgiving, consumers will certainly pay attention. While Christmas promotions are common, Thanksgiving deals are still a hidden secret.
- Fall Occasions – Creating a fall event is a great way to get consumers interested in your company. Consider setting up a corn maze, fall festival, or pie eating contest to help draw in new customers. This may be a bit on the expensive side, but it should be a very positive way to get people noticing your business.
- Volunteer – Thanksgiving time offers many opportunities to get involved with other companies. This will help you not only network and spread the word about your company, but you’ll be doing something that really matters (ex: work at a food shelter, donate toys for children, etc.).