The Dos and Don’ts of Holiday Marketing

The final push before the holidays can get overwhelming for small business owners. Here at Yext, we understand that it's hard to remember to market for holiday shoppers when you're trying to wrap your own presents. Here are a few simple dos and don'ts for the last week before Christmas.

Dos

• Offer special discounts for loyal customers. Make a list of your best customers and email them special discounts for the last few days before the holidays. You might consider using the PowerListings Special Offer field to advertise holiday offers.
• Have a holiday party! If you have a store, stay open late to host a holiday party for customers. Throw up some decorations, put out some hors d'ouervres and let your customers peruse. Your event marketing might vary based on what industry you're in. Own a boutique? Brand your party as a girls' night out for stressed ladies doing last minute shopping.
• Make sure that customers know your holiday hours. Consider extending them for last minute shopping. Display your hours prominently in your store, on your website, and on your social media accounts. PowerListings are a great way to update your hours of operations instantly!
• Prominently display and advertise gift cards as a quick and easy gift.
• Make sure customers know your shipping policies and timelines, so there's no confusion.
• Reach out to your customers with joyful holiday messages via social media or ecards. It's free and it'll make them feel good.

Don't:

• Waste money on holiday greeting cards. They'll probably just be thrown away.
• Think that your entire year's success depends on this final week. Yes, it's an important week, but the week between Christmas and New Year's is also an important one. All those lucky people who received your gift cards and cash for Christmas will be returning to your store to spend more.
• Mark down your products too much, hoping to sell everything before Christmas. You still have time.
• Let your inventory run down too much so there's not enough for customers to look at both before and after Christmas.

Most of all, don't stress! The holidays are a time for happiness and cheer and let that infuse all of your decisions.

Happy Holidays from Yext!

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