10 Christmas marketing ideas to give your business a sparkle
Christmas will soon be around the corner. The countdown has begun. Start planning now to make the most of the festive season and help promote your business. Like it or loathe it, you can't afford to ignore the busiest period on the retail calendar.
In the UK the average person spends £567 each year according to an article by Finder and November is the most popular time that people like to get their Christmas shopping done. On average, people buy presents for between 5 and 10 people and the average person spent 44% of their budget on children. But only half of their spending is on gifts.
But don't think if you operate in the business to business sector that you can't take advantage of the season and make it relevant to your sector. Read my blog exclusively for business to business Christmas marketing ideas.
Engagement at this time of the year is crucial. It is a good time to increase awareness, loyalty and drive sales.
Whether you own an online business, are in retail, or a B2B company, there are ways you can promote your business throughout the weeks ahead. Here are some ideas to make the most of the season.
1. Christmas guides
We all recognise the importance of blogging and now more than ever, we need to get our thinking cap on and start writing blogs which tap into the mindset of our customers. What will our customers be looking for help and guidance with?
Creating a free guide and series of blog articles on the best Christmas gifts, trends and tips is the perfect way to get in front of your audience no matter what sector you work in. If you need some inspiration on blog ideas then always start with Google. Alternatively I find BuzzSumo very helpful.
2. Give your website and store a Christmas twist
Simple but effective to give your retail estate, show window and online presence a festive feel. A refresh of your imagery with Christmas and winter colours and backdrops using free photo libraries can make your social and online presence relevant and up to date.
Plus remember it is important to update your website regularly to aid your search engine optimisation.
3. Christmas cards
Send a Christmas card to your customers. It may sound obvious, but businesses often neglect this and ensure the message is personalised and handwritten. Even better have a card designed with your branding. This is a simple way to thank customers and businesses that you've worked with over the year, and don't forget to include any prospects and key colleagues you've met throughout the year. It will ensure your business is forefront of mind and is a way to reconnect with lapsed customers. You can also prompt a new year meeting and inform them of any exciting news.
4. Business thank you gifts
Similar to Christmas cards, but a more tangible and thoughtful way to thank customers, suppliers and partners for their support over the year. There are so many options from traditional hampers to stationery. Consider what your customers would like, what has longevity and what is appropriate. Some businesses have strict guidelines on gifting so always check first. It can be a token gesture and doesn't need to be extravagant. It is also a chance to show off your creativity.
5. Host a Christmas drinks party or throw a New Year networking event
Why not host an informal gathering down the pub or hold off until next year when the diary is less crazy to get a few clients together to say thank you. It is a good chance for everyone to network in a more social way.
6. Promotions
Are there any particular products or services you wish to promote that could do with a little push? If they are seasonal, then now is the time to think of ways to incentivise purchase. Before you do this, work out how much you can afford to give away – what is your acquisition cost, how much margin are you making? Or are you going to give something away as a loss leader, in order to get rid of stock or acquire a customer. Include services that make Christmas shopping more convenient for your customers such as gift wrapping and free or next-day delivery.
7. Gift vouchers
Gift vouchers are a key way to boost sales and extremely popular at this time of year. Make sure these are prominent on your website/your store. Don't assume that people are aware that you may stock/offer gift vouchers, ensure you make them a key priority and do several campaigns to push them. Make it as easy as possible for people to receive them.
8. Send out a festive newsletter
A Christmas round-up is a nice way to disseminate company news and you could also combine relevant tips and hints to your customers to see them through until the New Year. This is also an opportunity to talk about you and if you employ any staff, your team. Talk about the more personable and fun side of things to show your personality and get into the festive spirit.
9. PR
Approach the local/national or trade press with some Christmas gift ideas. Publications are always looking for new and interesting angles on Christmas, so try and create something new and up to date, picking up on the latest trends. Although, this is often done several months in advance, you may still be able to make online publications.
10. Give back to the community
Lastly, you could sponsor a charitable event. This may be a local event for which you are already involved, have interest in, or a simply a way of giving back to the local community.
Not only is this a genuinely enjoyable and satisfying thing to do, but it will also show your customers that you’re a business that has positive values. Make sure you keep your customers up to date with how much you raise. It’s a good way of staying in touch with them over the holiday season.
I'd love to hear your most successful campaigns that have worked for your business at Christmas. Do you repeat the same things or are you planning on trying something new this year?
For more useful business tips, feel free to visit my blog the sharp end