Social Media | Content Marketing | By Mike Hawkes
The Local Marketing Holiday Guide 2023
The holiday season is coming in hot. And while the supermarkets might’ve jumped the gun on the cranberry sauce back in August, now’s the time to get serious about your holiday marketing game. Let’s be real—if you’re just now thinking about your holiday strategy, you’re a little behind the curve. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Google dropped some knowledge last year, revealing that 86% of consumers used online sources to make holiday shopping decisions, and 32% relied on maps to find businesses. What does this mean for you? It’s time to make sure your digital presence is not only ready to rock but also optimized to handle the holiday rush.
Let’s dive into the essential steps to make sure your local business is prepped for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, Hanukkah, and everything in between.
Social Media Checklist for the Holidays
When it comes to social media, clear communication is the name of the game. Whether you’re rolling out a special menu, tweaking your opening hours, or launching a full-blown holiday campaign, your audience needs to know. Here’s how to nail it:
1. Communicate Your Offers
Get the word out about your holiday deals, gift cards, and discounts. Use your social channels to let your customers know what’s up and how they can benefit. Make it easy for them to see the value in what you’re offering.
2. Share Any Updates to Opening Hours
Even if you’ve updated your Google Business Profile (GBP), don’t assume everyone will check there. Post your holiday hours on all your social channels—make it impossible for customers to miss when you’re open.
3. Show Off Your Seasonal Menu
Got some festive specials on the menu? Share them. Whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook, or even TikTok, get people excited about that holiday-inspired dish you’ve been perfecting all year.
4. Post Photos of Holiday Decorations
If your business is decked out for the season or you’ve got holiday products on offer, show them off. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to creating that festive vibe.
5. Promote Special Events
Hosting a holiday event? Running a one-off experience? Let people know ahead of time so they can plan to be there. Create a buzz that makes your event the one not to miss.
6. Consider a Holiday-Specific Campaign
You don’t need a complex, six-months-in-the-making campaign. Something as simple as an advent calendar of daily offers or 25 days of sharing gift ideas can work wonders.
7. Run a Social Media Competition
Want to drive engagement? Try a “like and share to win” contest. It’s a simple way to get your audience involved and excited about your offerings.
8. Add Holiday Flair to Your Graphics
A little snow here, some festive colors there—get creative with your social media graphics. It’s a small touch that can make a big impact.
9. Offer a Gift Guide
Retailers, this one’s for you. A well-curated gift guide can be the difference between a customer choosing your store over another. Showcase your products in a way that makes shopping easy and enjoyable.
10. Partner with Other Local Businesses
Collaboration is key. Team up with local businesses to create unique holiday offerings or shared content. Whether it’s a gift basket or a joint event, two heads (and audiences) are better than one.
11. Spread the Holiday Cheer
Don’t forget to wish your audience a happy holiday season. And remember, inclusivity counts—acknowledge the different holidays your audience might be celebrating.
Get Your Website Ready for the Holidays
Your website is the digital hub of your business. Here’s how to make sure it’s holiday-ready:
1. Prepare for Heavy Traffic
Expecting a rush? Make sure your site can handle the extra load. Consider queue systems or server upgrades if needed.
2. Pin Seasonal Posts
Got evergreen holiday content? Pin it to the top of your blog or homepage so customers can easily find it.
3. Showcase Seasonal Reviews
Seasonal products and services often come with their own set of reviews. Highlight these to build trust and showcase what you’re offering this year.
4. Update for Freshness
If you’re reusing content from previous years, make sure it’s up-to-date. Google’s not a fan of rehashed content, so add something new to keep it fresh.
5. Optimize Your Sales Pages
Your holiday promotion pages should be evergreen—alive all year but updated for the season. This helps them gain authority and rank better over time.
6. Check for Consistency
Your messaging should be consistent across your site. Don’t confuse customers with mixed messages.
7. Double-Check Your Metadata
Make sure your meta titles and descriptions are accurate for the current year’s promotions. This is often the first thing customers see—make it count.
8. Communicate Key Information
Whether it’s special deals, restricted hours, or final shipping dates, make sure this info is front and center on your site.
How to Smash Your Email Marketing This Holiday Season
Email marketing can be your secret weapon during the holidays. Here’s how to make it work:
1. Reinforce Opening Hours
Make sure your holiday hours are clear in your emails, just like they are on your website and social channels. Your customers should have no excuse for missing out.
2. Highlight Ordering and Delivery Deadlines
Don’t let your customers miss out on getting their orders in time. Communicate these deadlines early and often.
3. Prepare a ‘Signing Off’ Email
If you’re closing for the holidays, send a final email wishing your customers well and reminding them of when you’ll be back.
4. Promote Shopping Local
The holidays are the perfect time to remind your community of the value of shopping local. Highlight unique products, personalized services, and the stories behind your business.
5. Automate Key Messages
Plan your emails ahead of time and set them to go out automatically. This way, you can enjoy the holidays while your marketing works in the background.
Make Sure Your Promotions Are Optimized
Holiday promotions need to stand out in a crowded market. Here’s how:
1. Be Descriptive
Avoid generic messages like “Black Friday Sale.” Be specific about what you’re offering and why it’s a great deal.
2. Create Urgency
Use countdowns, flash sales, and exclusive offers to create a sense of urgency. Make your customers feel like they can’t afford to wait.
3. Reward Loyalty
Consider special offers for your loyal customers. Whether it’s early access to sales or exclusive discounts, show them you appreciate their business.
4. Plan for High Demand
Ensure you have the stock, support, and logistics in place to handle the holiday rush.
Preparation Is Key for a Relaxed Holiday Season
Ready to take on the holiday season like a pro? Our guide should help you get everything in place, from social media strategies to website tweaks and email campaigns.
Before you dive into your holiday marketing strategy, why not run a Google Business Profile Audit or benchmark your visibility with Local Rank Tracker? Make sure you can measure the impact of everything you’re doing across Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and beyond.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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