How To Make Your Business Stand Out During The Holidays

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If you are a business owner, you are probably thinking about new ways to make your promotional activities stand out. No matter which line of business you are involved in, the competition is probably rough. Therefore, you have to do everything you can to make your business and your brand stand out from the crowd, and this is particularly important during the holiday season.

Here are some ways to keep an edge over other just-as-determined businesses during the period when most people are in a giving and buying mood and frenzy.

Holiday Freebies, Promotions, and Sales

The first thing to think about is the following: freebies, promotions, sales, discounts, gift certificates, and all the other goodies that will get your customer, both loyal and potential, talking about you. Standing out is never easy, but you can do it if you get into the holiday spirit and start giving away free stuff. Statistics have shown that businesses that give out freebies for the holiday season experience large bumps in sales.

Vamp Up Your Online Presence

Social Media is a blessing during the Holiday Season, and now more than ever, consumers are following their favourite brands and looking for promotional material on these sites. But remember, use these sights wisely, don't just push your products, engage your customers. Social media sites like Facebook are great ways to share fun holiday information, possible charity events that your company is supporting, or even giving your audience the chance to share their opinion on your products, increasing your product awareness to their networks.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

WOM marketing is a very powerful and effective type of marketing, especially during the holiday season. You should do everything you can do get people talking about your business, as it is estimated that a well thought-out WOM marketing campaign can get you three more customers from one satisfied customers who decides to spread the word about your business. Do this by not only offering great products, but most especially give them the customer service they can't help but come back to - yes, even if it's extra hard to be as nice when there's a buying frenzy going around.

Feature Product/Services of the Day or Week

Why not create 12 days of "your product" or a product or service of the month? Feature and market a product or service every day during the holidays. Think about focusing on high margin products or items your customers don't know about. Companies in the food business use this strategy a lot. Think beer of the month, cheesecake of the month, or coffee of the month… Maid service companies could feature an extra cleaning detail each month, trainers or consultants can offer featured webinars, reports or newsletters.

And don't forget to communicate this themed promotion on your website, social media, email, posters, and flyers.

Donate to Worthwhile Causes

It is a great idea to share the spirit of giving with your customers by allocating a small amount of the proceeds from each sale to your chosen cause.

Make sure the customer knows that this is the case, so when they see the price tag, they know that a percentage of that money is actually going to be donated to people who need help. Some people have different (and negative) opinions about these kinds of strategies, but for as long as your main purpose is to help out the needy, then there is nothing unethical about it. You can't give what you do not have; therefore, it is not a wise thing to overdo it. Get enough to help make the less fortunate's holidays happier. But leading your company into bankruptcy in the name of charity is ultimately foolish.

Spread The Love and Good Cheer

Don't forget to send the love. There is nothing better than receiving a holiday card or gift basket from someone you least expect; the Holiday Season gives businesses a great excuse to show your favourite customers how much you truly appreciate their commitment to your brand. But instead of sending the usual eCard, get creative, social sites like Pinterest offer great DIY ideas that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Whatever you decide on doing, remember that the holidays is a season of cheer and generosity. Don't be greedy by jacking up prices while everyone else is using techniques which promote the spirit of giving.

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