Thanksgiving is an important time to reflect on and express gratitude to the people who have supported your business throughout the year — especially your customers. Here’s how to give thanks while boosting sales this fall season.
Email marketing ideas
The stress of family gatherings and all that they entail can take the shine off a pretty wonderful time of the year. Why not invite your best customers to take advantage of some retail therapy? Perhaps you could offer an in-store mini spa treatment — a chair massage, makeup refresh or manicure — to every customer who makes a purchase above a certain amount. It’s a lot easier for shoppers to feel festive when they’re relaxed.
Moreover, take a look at your email lists and reach out to the customers whom you haven’t heard from in a while. Send a targeted message to this group, thanking them for their business and offering them a discount if they come back and make a purchase during the holiday season.
Social marketing ideas
This time of year, it’s easy to get so caught up in what’s happening with our own friends and family that it’s easy to overlook the people who need the most help. Social media is a great way to spotlight charitable organizations doing good work. It can help them gain free (and often much-needed) publicity, as well as present an opportunity for partnership.
If you don’t already partner with a local charity, consider teaming up with an organization that makes sense for your business, such as a domestic violence shelter if you own a boutique, or a food pantry if you operate a cafe. Then, offer a discount when customers bring in donations like gently used clothing or nonperishable food items. As a small business, it’s crucial to have ties to the community, and customers feel good about patronizing a company that gives back.
Promotion ideas
Set yourself apart by offering pre-Thanksgiving deals. If you have an online store, think about offering free shipping and other enticing offers. Or parlay daytime shopping into a festive evening soiree.
Things get hectic around holidays, and that means regular business hours aren’t always convenient for your customers. Try extending your hours, hiring a DJ and a photo booth and hosting a special night-owl shopping party, complete with great offers.