Preparing Your Business for the Holiday Season!
As we begin the holiday season, business owners can take several strategic steps to prepare their companies for key changes in customer trends and increased festivities. Here are some key actions to consider over the next couple of weeks:
Inventory Management: Assess current inventory or maybe some overstocked items and find creative ways to "move" the product or services for the season. For example, if you have some extra liquor that has just been sitting on bar shelves, what creative holiday cocktails can you develop to move the inventory during this holiday season?
Also, research trends and forecast demand for popular products or services, this time of year. Stock up on high-demand items and consider popular seasonal offerings. For example, if you own a fitness gym, and it’s usually hard for your clients to stick to their regular work out routines, based on travel, being in different places for celebrations, not enough time, what are some unique ways to still keep your fitness clients engaged at home or on the road?Marketing Strategy: Develop a holiday marketing plan that starts with who your target market is (have at least 3 different ones) and include promotional campaigns, social media strategies, and email newsletters to engage these specific customers. For example, if you are a dog sitter, walker, or groomer - consider who your target markets are and what kinds of ads or promos can you put out there for your programs or services, knowing that many clients may need extra support during holidays with travel or out of town guests, etc.
Website Optimization: Ensure your website is user-friendly and optimized for mobile. Update product listings, service offerings, and consider adding holiday-themed content. Knowing that many folks will be traveling or shopping while waiting in lines, website optimization for mobile devices can be key to attracting new or repeat business.
Holiday Hiring and Training: As you do your research and start marketing new products and services, determine if you need to hire some extra "staff" over the season. Ensure staff have necessary information on holiday promotions, returns, or cancellation policies, and customer service best practices to handle increased traffic and inquiries. Also, don’t forget as you hire for the holidays, you want to potentially look at these temporary employees as future long-term staff as well. It’s almost as if this will be their “test” period and if they perform well, you can keep them on your back-burner, should you need to hire in the new year.
5. Promotional Events and Collaborate with local businesses: Plan in-store or online events, such as holiday sales, giveaways, or black Friday specials, to attract new customers. Even finding ways to partner with your neighboring businesses and providing joint promotions or events can enhance community engagement. For example, if you have a retail bookstore and you invite a local coffee cart or coffee kiosk to sell hot cocoa or holiday flavored coffee during the event, this will then cross promote both businesses and help each other’s campaign be even more successful.
6. Social Responsibility: Consider ways to give back during the holidays, such as charity drives or community outreach events, which can enhance brand loyalty. An example of this is an insurance agency doing a toys for tots or warm coat drive for the community. Your clients will be feeling “warm” and fuzzy with this gesture and want to encourage utilizing your products or services even more.
By planning ahead and being proactive, businesses can maximize their opportunities during this holiday season. Do you have any additional suggestions or specials for your business, during this time of year? Please share.