Creative Campaign Ideas to Boost Your Small Business
The holiday season is a make-or-break time for many small businesses. It’s a period filled with opportunity, as customers are in the buying spirit and looking for the perfect gifts, festive experiences, and holiday treats. The majority of Canadians (86%) are planning to make a purchase from a local small business for their holiday shopping. But to make the most of this season, your business needs more than just great products or services—it needs a strategic marketing plan that stands out in the crowded holiday market.
This blog will guide you through 12 creative and actionable holiday marketing ideas that can help boost your sales, increase brand awareness, and build lasting customer loyalty. Whether you’re running a retail store, an e-commerce site, or a service-based business, these tips are designed to fit any small business looking to thrive during the holidays.
Day 1: Launch a Holiday Giveaway
There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with a giveaway that gets everyone excited. Holiday giveaways are a fantastic tool for attracting new customers and engaging with your existing audience. You can run the giveaway on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where participants can enter by liking your post, following your account, and tagging friends.
Tip: Encourage participants to share the giveaway on their own profiles or stories to expand your reach. This not only increases visibility but also brings in potential new customers who might not have heard of your business before.
Day 2: Festive Email Blast
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach your customers directly. During the holiday season, it’s crucial to keep your brand top of mind with a festive email blast. This is your chance to announce upcoming sales, offer exclusive discounts, or provide early access to your holiday promotions.
Tip: Use festive email templates and personalize your messages to make your customers feel special. A simple “Dear [Name], we have a holiday surprise just for you!” can make your email stand out in a crowded inbox.
Day 3: Highlight Gift Guides
Help your customers find the perfect gift with a curated holiday gift guide. According to the Retail Council of Canada, 48% of Canadian shoppers rely on online gift guides to make their holiday purchases. Gift guides simplify the shopping experience by offering suggestions based on different categories like “Gifts Under $50,” “Gifts for Her,” or “Top Picks for Tech Lovers.” You can share these guides on your website, in emails, and on social media.
Tip: Include clear calls to action in your gift guide, directing customers to purchase directly from the guide. The easier you make it for them to shop, the more likely they are to buy.
Day 4: Host a Flash Sale
Create a sense of urgency and drive quick sales with a holiday flash sale. According to a survey from Deloitte, 71% of Canadian shoppers will seek items on sale in the holiday season and 29% will seek less expensive retailers to patronize. Flash sales are limited-time offers that encourage customers to act fast before the deal disappears. Promote your flash sale through social media, email, and website banners to maximize its reach.
Tip: Offer a significant discount on a popular product or service to make the flash sale irresistible. A well-timed flash sale can create buzz and bring in a rush of last-minute shoppers.
Day 5: Partner with Another Local Business
Two businesses are better than one, especially during the holiday season. Partnering with another local business allows you to reach a wider audience and offer something unique to your customers. Collaborative promotions can boost sales by up to 30%, as shown in a 2023 Consumer Spending Report by the Government of Alberta. Consider collaborating on a joint promotion, hosting a co-branded event, or creating bundled products/services that complement each other.
Tip: Choose a partner business that shares a similar customer base but isn’t a direct competitor. This way, you can both benefit from each other’s audience without stepping on toes.
Day 6: Holiday-Themed Content Post
Content is king, even during the holidays. Create holiday-themed content that resonates with your audience and showcases your brand’s personality. This could be a blog post with DIY holiday tips, a video showing behind-the-scenes holiday preparations at your business, or a festive photo series on Instagram.
Tip: Involve your customers by encouraging them to share their own holiday traditions or photos featuring your products. User-generated content can help build a sense of community around your brand.
Day 7: Customer Appreciation Day
The holidays are the perfect time to show your customers some love. According to Made in CA’s research, almost 2/3 of Canadian consumers say they like to show loyalty to Canadian brands. Host a Customer Appreciation Day where you offer special discounts, free gifts, or exclusive events just for them. This not only makes your customers feel valued but also encourages repeat business.
Tip: Personalize the experience by sending out individual thank-you notes or recognizing your long-time customers in a special way. Small gestures can leave a lasting impression.
Day 8: Social Media Poll or Contest
Engage your audience with an interactive social media poll or contest. These can be fun, lighthearted ways to get people involved with your brand. For example, you could run a “Best Holiday Tradition” poll or an “Ugly Sweater Contest” where participants share photos and vote on their favorites.
Tip: Offer a small prize for participants, such as a discount code or a holiday gift, to encourage more entries. The more fun your contest, the more likely it is to go viral.
Day 9: Limited-Time Bundle Offer
Holiday shoppers love a good deal, and what’s better than a bundle of products or services at a discounted rate? Create special holiday bundles that cater to different needs, such as a “Relaxation Bundle” for spa services or a “Family Fun Pack” for game stores.
Tip: Offer bundles at different price points to appeal to a wider range of customers, from budget-conscious shoppers to those looking to splurge.
Day 10: Highlight Customer Testimonials
Social proof is a powerful tool, especially during the holidays when customers are looking for trustworthy gift options. Share customer testimonials and reviews that highlight your products or services as perfect holiday gifts.
Tip: Use visuals like photos or videos of happy customers using your products to make testimonials more engaging. Seeing is believing!
Day 11: Free Shipping Day
Shipping costs can be a deal-breaker for online shoppers, especially during the holidays. Mindshare reports that 44% of Canadians shop online because convenience is “extremely important” to them. Offer a Free Shipping Day to encourage more online sales. Promote this offer heavily through your email list, social media, and on your website.
Tip: Consider adding a minimum purchase requirement to qualify for free shipping. This can help increase your average order value while still offering a great deal to your customers.
Day 12: Final Day Countdown
As the holiday season winds down, create a sense of urgency with a final countdown to your holiday sales or shipping deadlines. Use countdown timers on your website, reminders on social media, and urgent messaging in your emails to push those last-minute shoppers to take action.
Tip: Remind customers of the shipping deadlines to ensure their gifts arrive on time. This can be the nudge they need to complete their purchase.
The holiday season is a golden opportunity for small businesses to connect with customers, drive sales, and build brand loyalty. By implementing these 12 creative marketing ideas, you can make the most of this festive time and set your business up for success.
Don’t let the holiday season pass you by—start planning your marketing strategy now. And if you need personalized advice tailored to your business, don’t hesitate to book a free consultation with one of Business Link’s expert advisors.
Sources:
CTV News – Weak Economy Looms Over Holiday Shopping Season as Consumers See… [2023]
OWNR – Holiday Season Consumer Shopping Trends [2023]
Made in CA – Holiday Spending Canada Statistics [2024]
Strategy Online – Consumers Remain Loyal to Canadian Retailers: Report [2019]
