Small Business Season brings a beautiful rush or familiar faces and new customers. Your business is abuzz with activity and you’re doing the hard work. You’re showing up. And yet, youcould beleaving opportunity on the table simply because life gets busy and marketinggets…well, pushed to the corner like a forgotten present in the back of the closet.That’s why when it comes to marketing, you need to go for the low-hanging fruit, the easy wins.Many businesses rely heavily on their email lists and that’s great. Those lists can be gold. Butthis time of year, inboxes are overflowing and it’s easy for even your most loyal customers tomiss something.Here are five areas worth a gentle tune-up. These missed chances can deepen connection andspark repeat visits with very little effort.
Treat Loyal Customers Like Insiders
If someone chooses your business again and again, they’re not casual shoppers. They’re yourpeople. Don’t rely on email alone to keep them updated. When they’re already in front of you,share what’s coming up.
Something as simple as “By the way, we’re doing a holiday sip-and-shop next Thursday if youwant to swing by” creates a moment of attention. Loyal customers love being in the know. Givethem that moment.
Don’t expect them to see every email. They’re as busy as you are during the holidays.A gentlereminder or heads up can ensure they make it to your next event or special. You have more thansales to gain by doing this(or loseif you don’t). If you’re hosting a big event (particularly onethat will sell out), your most loyal customers may feelslighted if they don’t know about ituntilit’s too late. Telling them “you should’ve received an email” won’t make them happy if it’ssomething they wanted to attendandnow it’s sold out.
Post Your Specials Where People Actually Stand
Storefronts are full of magic this time of year, but too often the only place a December dealexists is…in a newsletteror email. Add in-store signs, tabletoppers, checkout prompts, or asimple “What’s happening this week” board.Sure, some customers may forget the second they step into the parking lot. But many won’t. Aquick snapshot of a sign or a note in their phone is all it takes to turn a one-time visit into aplanned return.
MakeYour Social Feed a Living Bulletin Board
People scroll while waiting in line. They scroll when they can’t sleep. They scroll when AuntLinda starts talking politics.They’re scrollingeven during the busiest time of year—especiallyduring the busiest time of year.During the holiday season, don’t be shy about posting reminders, deals, behind-the-scenes teases,and event invitations. You’re not being repetitive. You’re helping your fans remember you in anoisy season.
Create a Simple In-store “Highlight Moment”
If someone discovers something delightful when they visit—whether it’s a staff favorite, alimited-edition item, or a seasonal service—give them a reason to mention it to a friend. A simple prompt like “Perfect for holida y gifting” or a tiny card explaining why it’s special creates a moment customers can repeat later. You’re giving them a story to share, and stories travel farther than coupons.
Additionally, if you see someone hesitating on a purchase, surprise them with a discount on the spot. You can tell them Santa just informed you they were on the nice list and deserved a little something extra. If another customer overhears the offer, extend one to them too. A purchase is better than a stroll in and out of your store.
You can also do this via text. Send them a message telling them you heard from Santa or they “won” is discount or bonus with purchase. The thrill of the surprise may bring them in
.
Invite the Next Step While They ’re Still Smiling
Small Business Season is full of warm exchanges: conversations at the register, compliments on décor, “I love this place” moments. Those are perfect openings to invite one more action.
Invite the Next Step While They ’re Still Smiling
Small Business Season is full of warm exchanges: conversations at the register, compliments on décor, “I love this place” moments. Those are perfect openings to invite one more action.
A follow-on step could be:
• joining your text list for specials
• grabbing a punch card
• picking up a flyer for next week’s event
• taking advantage of a “today only” add on
People are most receptive to engagement at the moment they’re enjoying your business. Use that natural goodwill.
• joining your text list for specials
• grabbing a punch card
• picking up a flyer for next week’s event
• taking advantage of a “today only” add on
People are most receptive to engagement at the moment they’re enjoying your business. Use that natural goodwill.
A Final Marketing Reminder
The goal isn’t to cram more marketing into your December. We know you’re already busy. It’s to make the most of the interactions you already have. You’ve worked hard to bring customers through the door. A few small, thoughtful touches can turn those holiday visits into return trips long after the lights come down. If you have a special event, promotion, or sale coming up, let us know about it. We’d be happy to spread the word
The goal isn’t to cram more marketing into your December. We know you’re already busy. It’s to make the most of the interactions you already have. You’ve worked hard to bring customers through the door. A few small, thoughtful touches can turn those holiday visits into return trips long after the lights come down. If you have a special event, promotion, or sale coming up, let us know about it. We’d be happy to spread the word
