2024 Small Business Season
November 1 - December 31
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It feels like articles about holiday spending in recent years have all started with the same intro—costs are up, consumers are looking for value. While this year is no different, there are a few parts of the consumer landscape that present a unique set of challenges for small businesses.
According to the latest BizInsure holiday spending survey, there are a couple of things you should be doing to adapt and thrive this Small Business Season.
This year, there are approximately 69.31 million Generation Zers living in the United States, which constitutes about 20% of the U.S. population. Their generational cohort is between the ages of 12-27, making them a target market for many small businesses. If you’re one of those businesses and you’re looking for ways to become one of their favorite places, you need to focus on who they are, what they want (it’s all about the vibe), and creating a scene they want to be a part of.
As you would expect, that begins with content.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Cozy lights, warm smells, family nearby, and cheap gifts from big box stores, right?
Not so fast! While the convenience of online giants can't be denied, small businesses have a secret weapon: the power of nostalgia, tradition, and beloved memories.
This holiday season, you can tap into those warm, fuzzy feelings to create a marketing campaign that truly resonates with your customers and beats big every time. Here’s how:
Gift cards are the ideal gift during the holiday season. They’re a convenient go-to for customers. They always fit, are always in the right color, and they are an ideal gift for people you know well and people you’re just getting to know. Gift cards also make terrific employee gifts, thank yous and bonuses.
If you have a small business, you should look at gift cards as a strategic tool—not just for boosting holiday revenue. Gift cards can also help you foster long-term customer relationships and assist you in increasing revenue for today for services rendered or goods purchased in the future.
Many businesses discovered the value of offering a gift card program during the pandemic (and at time of natural disasters). During these challenges, gift cards can be a source of revenue even when the business is not open.
While the twelve days of Christmas are traditionally celebrated between December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 5 (the eve of the Epiphany), consumer businesses often celebrate with the “12 Days of Deals” observance where they offer a new deal every day for twelve days leading up to Christmas Eve (although any 12 consecutive days during Small Business Season works).
The discounts can be incredibly effective in generating buzz and drawing crowds. After all, everyone wants to know what tomorrow’s discount will be. In this article, we’ll walk you through how you can capitalize on your own “12 Days of Deals” during Small Business Season.
Even if you’re not a traditional retail business, remember all customers enjoy a deal (or, better yet, 12 of them!).
What does nearly every feel-good holiday movie have in common? A small business owner, of course! And that’s because there’s something magical about following your dreams and being part of a community.
If you think back to some of your most cherished holiday memories, they probably revolve around your favorite winter activity, meeting up with loved ones at a beloved restaurant, drinking a decadent hot beverage (from the place that has the very best coffee/cocoa and desserts), marveling at the businesses decorated in holiday lights, and shopping at your favorite store where you can always find that perfect something.
And one of the things that makes it all so special are the traditions you’ve created at those places with the people who mean the most to you.
