4 Traditional Holiday Marketing Strategies That Just Work

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After you’ve decided which quirky holiday tradition you want to start within your business this year, it’s time to focus on the tried and true; the more classic methods we all know and love that roll around like clockwork each year around late November. Take a look below at some of the techniques we’ve highlighted that are almost proven to bring in more sales for your business.

1. Let's start with promotions

It’s more than likely that your guests are expecting some sort of deal or special offer during the holiday season, so be sure not to disappoint! Have some fun with it by having a 25 Days of Christmas (or 12 days) celebration, in which you offer a different incentive each day leading up to Christmas. Your discounts don’t have to be offered to everyone though; exclusive offers can actually work in your favor. For example, offering a 20% discount to the first 100 guests of the night might draw in bigger crowds.

2. Speaking of exclusive, consider limited time specials

In addition to discounts and deals, exclusive menu items can also help bring in bigger crowds than usual too. Have a full bar? Get creative and offer a different holiday cocktail each day of the month! Think about it—if your Gingerbread Eggnog White Russian is offered for one day only, the chances are pretty great that your guests will make an effort to come in and see what it's all about. Don't serve alcohol? You can incorporate this idea into your appetizers menu or your daily specials also. 

3. It's time to get festive

Have you ever driven out of your way to see the most decorated house in town? It's safe to say that a majority of your customers have, and have even made this a family tradition. Your business—with the right decor—can get the same kind of attention this year. You don't have to go crazy; just make sure that your establishment stands out! String lights always add a great touch, and maybe your staff will even be willing to get crafty with some window paint. 

4. Treat your Nice List

If you have customers who have willingly opted into your mailing list, now is the time to thank them for their loyalty! These are your customers who really care about what's going on in your business, and they deserve some recognition. You can make them feel special by simply offering them an exclusive reward just for being part of your mailing list, like $10 towards their next purchase. Remember, a little bit goes a long way when it comes to great customer service.

'Tis the Season for Partnering with Local Businesses
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Working with other local businesses in your community is always a good idea, but teaming up during the holiday season can be even more beneficial for your business. Looking to start a local collaboration but not sure how? Keep reading for some ideas!

1. Start a Toy Drive

Collecting toys for children in your neighborhood is something that your whole community will be happy to get involved with, especially in honor of International Children’s Day on December 11th. Place a bin or decorated cardboard box somewhere inside your establishment so that your patrons can drop off wrapped toys; be sure to put the guidelines on social media! Simply ask other nearby businesses if they’d like to participate, or have some fun and make it a friendly competition to see who can collect the most toys!

2. Find local charities & organizations 

It might be the most wonderful time of the year for some, but for others, the holiday season is extremely difficult. Do some research on local organizations in your area and consider how you can help those who need it the most. Imagine the impact you can make throughout December if each of your guests donated just $1 while paying the check!

3. Collaborate to create a gift basket

Alleviate the struggles of holiday shopping for your customers by creating a gift basket filled with local goodies and treasures. Work with what you have in your area to pick a theme for your basket. Located near a bunch of local shops? Go with a food theme by collecting your neighborhood’s finest chocolates, nuts, wines, cheeses, or olive oil, for example. If you’re in a less populated area, focus on what your town or state does best! Did you know that every state has its own pie? Maybe you can contact the best baker in town to make a couple of your state’s pies to sell in your business. Whichever theme you go with, tie it all together with merchandise or a gift card from your own business!

Thinking Ahead & Planning for January's Events

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Come January, the holidays are over and you can take a breath... well, sort of. Things may be slower at the business, but as mentioned earlier, now is the time to set and work on those 2019 goals.  Can 2019 possibly top 2018? We think so! Get a fresh start by being prepared for the following:

1. Updated menus

If you’re still offering the same dishes that you rolled out when the temperature first dropped, it’s time for a change! It’s officially winter, and that calls for some new dishes—even if you're located somewhere warm. If you’re not sure what you want to add, just ask your customers! Use social media to hear what they’re looking for this season.

2.  Check your online presence

If monitoring your business online wasn't a priority for you in 2018, this has to be something you focus on in the new year. Simple mistakes or lack of information on websites like Yelp or Facebook can mean lost business for you. Take a couple of minutes to do a quick search to see how your information is being displayed, and correct any errors that you spot.

3. Noteworthy days

The holidays are over, but there's no reason for the fun to stop at your business. Keep the excitement going by following some of the fun holidays of January, like National Pie Day on the 23rd or National Cheese Lovers Day on the 20th. January is also the National Month of Hot Tea and Soup. We see a lot of opportunities to get creative and whip up some enticing specials here!