Get Your Small Business Ready for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it's time to start thinking about how you can make the most of this lucrative time of year. If you're a small business owner, that means having a solid plan in place to take advantage of the uptick in consumer spending. Luckily, we've got you covered. Read on for top tips from the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce on how to get your small business ready for the holiday season.
Get Festive
One of the best ways to attract holiday shoppers is to make your store look festive and inviting. Put up some holiday banners and decorations, and make sure your storefront is clean and well-lit. This is also a great time to do any necessary repairs or maintenance, as no one wants to shop at a store that looks like it's falling apart.
Hire Temp Workers
If you don't already have a team of reliable seasonal staff, now is the time to start recruiting. The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for businesses, so it's essential to have enough staff to handle the increased customer volume. Seasonal staff members can be a great asset during this busy time, so don't be afraid to reach out to your local community college or temp agency to find qualified candidates.
Give Your Marketing a Holiday Update
Staples suggests taking some time to update your marketing materials with any holiday specials or sales you'll be running, and consider distributing them in nearby neighborhoods. You can also get creative with your marketing by hosting holiday-themed events or giving away branded Christmas card ornaments. Whatever you do, try thinking outside the box to ensure maximum visibility for your business during this important time of year.
A Digital Gift Guide
An excellent way to attract holiday shoppers is to create a gift guide featuring some of your most popular store items. GoDaddy notes that you can easily create a professional-looking PDF document using free online tools. Be sure to include beautiful product photos and descriptions, as well as links back to your website or social media accounts. The great thing about PDFs is how easy they are to manipulate and edit, plus you can easily send them via an email newsletter or post on your social media sites. You can try this free online PDF editor to get the job done easily and efficiently.
Time to Give Back
This time of year is all about giving back, so consider ways that your business can help out those in need. You could hold a food drive, collect toys for disadvantaged children, or donate a portion of your sales to a local charity. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will also generate positive publicity for your business. And who knows—you might even attract some new customers who appreciate your commitment to giving back.
Capturing the Last-Minute Shopper
Let's face it: Not everyone does their holiday shopping early. If you want to attract last-minute shoppers, make sure your store is well-stocked with popular gift items and offer express shipping options for those who wait until the last minute. You could also promote gift certificates or offer discounts for customers who purchase multiple items at once. Whatever you do, do your best to be prepared for those procrastinating shoppers. They could be vital to your bottom line this holiday season.
The holidays are a crucial time for small businesses; however, with careful planning and execution, they can also be a huge opportunity. By decorating your store, hiring seasonal staff, updating your marketing approach, creating a gift guide, and giving back to the community, you can set yourself up for success this holiday season. Get started today and see how much difference a little preparation can make!
Access even more great resources to help your business grow and thrive in our community by joining the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
