Boost sales and make this festive season a success with these 9 easy steps to get your business ready for the holidays:
1.) Enhance your website and make sure information is current
- Update and optimize your site! Online shopping offers the convenience many of your customers want or need.
- Web traffic will likely increase this time of year, so make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate with fast load times.
- Make sure your basic business information, including your street address, email address, business times, phone number, social media accounts, and even parking information, are not only correct but easy to find on your site.
2.) Promote yourself on social media
- Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, give you another way to reach your customers!
- Use your social media channels to promote your business with great photographs and share promotions such as holiday sales and gift ideas. Update important information for your customers, such as hours of operation, return policies, shipping guidelines, and your company’s physical address.
- Stay active and share new content regularly to get the most out of these platforms and maximize your engagement.
3.) Figure out what sets your business apart, and advertise it!
- One of the keys to successful holiday season sales is finding the thing that sets your business apart. What makes your store, product, or service better than the rest? Focus on what makes your company special when advertising your business.
- Offer special perks such as generous return policies, coupons, or free shipping.
- Advertise on your website, social media, email lists, and other creative ways to reach previous customers and attract new ones, too!
4.) Order supplies
- Review last year’s orders and place orders early to avoid rush shipping orders. Do you have the packaging materials you need? Gift cards for your holiday shoppers? Supplies for your business’s restrooms? Being prepared with these basics can make your customer experience a positive one.
5.) Clean and decorate your business, in real life and online
- If you have a brick and mortar location, make sure your business is ready! Get your holiday décor up before the holiday rush starts. Not only do you want to provide a welcoming and festive atmosphere for customers, but it gives you the chance to make sure your store is organized and easy to navigate.
- If you offer in-home services – such as plumbing or other contracting services – review your website and social media sites to get them holiday-ready. Add seasonal decorations to your website, and make sure your special holiday deals and items are noticeable and easy to find on social media platforms.
6.) Make holiday schedules for your staff
- Plan your holiday operating hours sooner rather than later. If you plan longer than normal hours or are closed for a few days, let your staff and customers know what to expect. In addition, ask your staff to request any holiday time off by a certain date so you can plan accordingly.
- Share these hours with your customers! Regularly update your hours on your door, social media posts, website, and any mail or emails you send for the holidays.
7.) Extra help during the holidays
- Some businesses hire on extra help for extended hours or increased business. If you plan to hire seasonal employees, do so sooner rather than later!
8.) Have extra inventory on hand
- Anticipate holiday orders by manufacturing additional product or placing orders with your vendors. Don’t forget that your suppliers may have ordering deadlines to ensure you get the supplies you need. Track these dates on a calendar to avoid last-minute problems.
9.) Don’t forget post-holiday shopping:
- Many businesses make a large portion of their yearly profits after Christmas, so plan for special price reductions and sales and how you’ll promote them. Have a plan in place to deal quickly and efficiently with returns to avoid frustrating your customers.
While not all of these tips are applicable to every business, we hope this list helps you prepare for a successful and festive holiday season at your business.
Looking for insurance for your business? Visit our products page to see if Merchants has the coverage you need, then find an independent agent near you to discuss details and get a quote!
*This article was originally published November 11, 2019. It was last updated on November 22, 2024.
