Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Though 2021 has been a rollercoaster, there’s still something to celebrate: the festive season.
From stocking up for Christmas dinners to celebrating New Year’s Eve, people typically flock to their local shops and restaurants at this time of year.
But peak season also brings with it a surge of competition. To stay top of mind during the festive season, you need to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few unique (and low-cost) ideas for promoting your company during the Christmas rush — starting with print marketing.
End-of-year budgets are almost always tight. So, focus on marketing that’s affordable and impactful, such as personalised postcards and other creative collateral. And, because fewer businesses use these channels, you’re more likely to get noticed. Not only does it keep your brand top of mind, but it also increases your return on investment.
Keep your customers coming back all season long with these 6 simple retail marketing ideas that remind them of all your business has to offer. From postcards and flyers to calendars and clothing, you’re sure to find a way to stay top of mind over the festive season.
6 Christmas marketing ideas:
- Promote festive news with postcards.
- Highlight festive specials with brochures.
- Prepare clients for 2022 with custom calendars.
- Show lasting gratitude with personalised mugs.
- Attract return business with flyers.
- Get the word out with wearables.
1. Promote festive news with postcards.
During the festive season, get customers excited about your products and offerings with virtual events or in-store deals. Then, get the word out. Personalised postcards that feature key details of your events and offerings are the perfect promotional outlet. In addition to all of the critical information, tease incentives like discount codes and gift-wrapping services.
2. Highlight festive specials with brochures.
Another way to appeal to Christmas customers is to introduce a selection of seasonal products or services. Spas can offer a rejuvenation package that helps customers feel fabulous for the new year. Restaurants might offer a list of seasonal drinks or desserts made with festive ingredients. And retail shops could offer a themed giveaway — think, the 12 days of Christmas, for example.
Then, spread the word about your festive specials with a brochure. Not only can you display brochures in your brick-and-mortar shop, office and local community centres, you can also post them to potential customers and send them home with shoppers.
3. Prepare clients for next year with custom calendars.
Everyone is already excited for 2022 — build on customer enthusiasm for the new year with customised calendars. Add on-brand imagery and personalised dates to remind your best customers of upcoming sales and more. Calendars are effective (and affordable!) ways to stay top of mind all year long — they’re often displayed in high-traffic areas, so your customers will constantly be reminded that you’re open for business.
4. Show lasting gratitude with personalized mugs.
Sending Christmas cards to clients is common practice. But once the festive season is over, your card will (most likely) get thrown away. Personalised mugs, on the other hand, get used on a daily basis, making them a lasting medium for a thank-you message. Mugs can also make great gifts for employees, who might use them outside the office and attract attention to your brand.
5. Attract return business with flyers.
Christmas is a busy time of year, so you’re sure to see a lot of foot traffic from both new and returning customers in December. But how can you ensure these customers come back once the rush is over? Seasonal flyers are a fantastic, cost-effective way to encourage one-off customers to come back. Before the festive season begins, order a large quantity of flyers promoting an enticing bounce-back offer that’s only valid after the Christmas rush. Throughout the festive season, display them prominently, and send one home with everyone who walks through the door or places an online order.
6. Get the word out with wearables.
One of the easiest ways to extend the reach of your small business is to give away free clothing and accessories. These gifts act as travelling advertisements, showcasing your brand and logo wherever the wearer goes.
Personalised tote bags are sure to make an appearance at food shops and local markets, while custom drawstring backpacks are great for hiking excursions, beach days and bike rides. Branded T-shirts offer even more space to advertise your business and make customers feel like part of your community.
