Marketing Ideas for the Holiday Season

Sometimes we become so used to doing business a certain way that we miss obvious opportunities that could have such a tremendous impact on our company. With the holiday season quickly approaching, are there creative ways you can take advantage of the excitement and spirit of giving that come this time of year?

Great Customer Care
The holiday season is a great opportunity to thank your customers or strategic partners, but you need to start preparing right away. Just because sales fulfillment is over, is really no reason to stop appreciating your biggest fans – your customers and strategic alliances. Can you find a way to touch base and say a heart felt thanks?

Handwritten Christmas Cards – You may have heard me preach this before, but I’m really not convinced you are getting your money’s worth if you send one of those generic company cards in the mail, with nothing personally directed to the receiver. Why not start now, and write a few cards a day that include a personal note to the people who have helped you achieve your success this year. Even if you suffer from writer’s cramp, you can choose an option like Send Out Cardswhich not only allows you to add a personal message, but they will stuff the envelopes, add the postage and send them for you – all for very little more than the typical price of a card and postage!

Thank You Gifts -These days there are so many creative and cost affordable ideas to show your appreciation.

Have a look at promotional product catalogues, or perhaps for a group gift, consider a creative basket of goodies. The Gift Designers create the best baskets locally in the Calgary area and I was thrilled to see that Costa Cana Imports has created some lovely and affordable baskets (see picture on left) where part of the proceeds goes to CUPS (more on charitable giving, later).

Unique Gift Ideas
Costa Cana has the right idea. They found a way to take their product and bundle it into a unique holiday offering. Is there a way you can do the same? Can your product or service be used a different way? I know Hook-Her which develops hooks for purses, selects out their holiday colours and positions them as beautiful stocking hangers. Can you possibly offer gift certificates if you are more service based or team up with other complimentary companies and cross market to each other’s customer base? Don’t forget a referral strategy where you offer a Free or Trial sample of your product or services for your strategic alliances to include in their holiday offerings. Last but not least, remember to send the press your unique offering or approach for the holiday season.

Charitable Giving

Remember this is the perfect time of year to share in the spirit of giving. Dexterity Consulting, a Calgary based company that shows individuals and companies how to get the biggest social impact out of their charitable giving is putting together a Survival Guide to Holiday Giving. Additionally, you can give on behalf of your customers, or look for cards and gifts with a charitable component.
Whatever you choose, happy planning!

Source: Hubspot 2