This is the time of year when people are out shopping for gifts, and if you can capture even a fraction of that holiday spending, it can make a big difference for your bottom line. But how do you get people to shop with you instead of the big box stores? With a little holiday marketing magic from the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, that's how!

PDF Gift Guides

One of the best ways to get people to shop with you during the holidays is to create a PDF gift guide. This is a great way to showcase all of the unique items that your store has to offer, and it's an easy way for people to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Plus, if you include coupon codes or discounts in your gift guide, people will be even more likely to make a purchase. You can even create multiple gift guides to serve the needs of different shoppers. You may have them in one document, so if you're trying to split pages, use an online tool to create the individual files. Then you can share the PDFs on your website and through social media.

Holiday Packaging and Gift Wrapping

Another great way to get people in the holiday spirit is to switch up your packaging and wrapping. If you normally use plain brown paper bags, try switching to red or green bags with festive designs. Or, if you typically wrap your products in tissue paper, try using holiday-themed wrapping paper instead. Little changes like these can make a big difference when it comes to getting people in the mood to shop.

Holiday Giveaways and Discounts

People love free stuff, so why not give them what they want this holiday season? Hosting a holiday giveaway is a great way to attract new customers and get people excited about shopping with you. And if you offer discounts on holiday purchases, even better! Just be sure to promote your giveaways and discounts heavily on social media and in any other marketing materials you create.

Useful Web Content

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so make life easy on your potential customers by posting useful web content. This could include things like gift guides, recipes, tips for dealing with holiday stress, etc. Whatever you post, just be sure that it's relevant and useful to your target audience. If it is, they'll be more likely to visit your website (and maybe even make a purchase).

Social Media Engagement

Social media is always important for small businesses, but it is especially critical during the holidays. Make sure you're regularly posting updates about any holiday promotions or events you're hosting, and be sure to engage with customers who comment on or share your posts. The more active you are on social media during the holidays, the more likely people are to think of your business when they're ready to start shopping.

Local Business Partnerships

One great way to attract attention during the holidays is by partnering with other local businesses. For example, you could team up with a nearby restaurant or café and offer a discount on purchases made at both businesses. Or, if there's a popular holiday event happening near your business, see if there's any way you can get involved (e.g., setting up a booth or sponsoring an activity). Partnerships like these are win-wins because they help promote both businesses while also giving customers something extra to get excited about.

Holiday Events

Nothing gets people in the holiday spirit quite like attending festive events—so why not host one yourself? If you have the space (and the budget), consider hosting an ugly sweater party, gingerbread house decorating party, or something similar at your business. You could also team up with another local business to co-host an event—just be sure to promote it heavily on social media and in any other marketing channels you're using.

Local Charitable Work

Finally, one great way to show that your business cares this holiday season is by supporting local nonprofits. There are plenty of ways to do this—from donating products or services to hosting fundraisers or donation drives—so find an approach that makes sense for your business and go for it! Not only will this help support worthy causes in your community, but it will also endear potential customers to your business. Who doesn't love supporting businesses that give back?

There are lots of different ways that small businesses can market themselves during the holidays—from creating PDF gift guides and switching up their packaging to hosting events and partnering with other local businesses. No matter which approach you choose (or approaches!), be sure that your goal is always clear: attracting new customers and getting them excited about shopping with you during the busiest time of year!

Join the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce to network with other local entrepreneurs and access valuable resources for helping your business grow.