Service businesses often fight for dollars and airtime during the 6 big shopping weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year – so we put our thinking caps on and came up with 5 strategies that can give your business an edge and boost holiday sales. Choose the one that suits your style the best, or bundle them for even more impact. The Soft Sell: Highlight Stories of Impact and Client Success Share “Year in Review” stories, case studies, or testimonials that highlight how your service has made a difference for clients. Yours can be shared as videos, blog posts, or a mini-series on social media. Give it a consistent look, in line with your branding; consider giving the series its own logo, badge or header. Why does it work? These stories build emotional connection and trust by showcasing real benefits. Your stories provide credibility and serve as social proof, especially valuable during the crowded holiday period when trust is key. This is the ultimate soft sell – IF you remember to keep the focus on your clients’ experience, and keep your role as “guide” vs “hero.” The Excitement Builder: Launch a ‘Countdown to New Year’ Mini-Campaign Run a series of short, engaging posts, ads, or emails over a set period (e.g., “12 Days of Tips” or “Countdown to a Better Year”) that showcases useful information or insights related to the service. Each day can feature a tip, a testimonial, a flash sale, a bonus-with-purchase deal, or simply a holiday-inspired call to action. For best results, don’t just fizzle out at the end, build to something exciting. You might bundle the campaign with an engagement motivator like a prize drawing for those who follow, share, like or comment. Or make a plan to launch a new service or package at the end of the countdown, and schedule a live (in person or virtual) announcement with limited availability only to followers or clients, or an introductory bonus or special pricing. Why does it work? Regular, bite-sized content with a fun spin boosts holiday sales by building awareness, keeping your business top of mind, and reinforces the value of your services in a way that doesn’t feel like a hard sell. The Reinvented Classic: Create a Limited-Time Holiday Offer with Added Value Develop a holiday-exclusive package or bonus that aligns with your business's core services – maybe a “New Year, New You” consultation bundle, or a discounted holiday maintenance or planning package. Consider co-partnering with a business for an added-value element that will delight buyers, while also expanding your reach. BOGOs (buy-one-get-one) or Buy-5-Get-1-Free-for-Yourself offers can fit if your service is gift-able. Why does it work? People are already in a spending mindset but often look for deals and added value. Presenting a time-limited offer gives a compelling reason to act now. The Go Getter: Create a New Year Vision Offer with Early Bird Incentives Many services can leverage (or incite people to) urgency and motivation with a “Start the Year Right” campaign that encourages clients to get a jump on the new year, and even greet it in a better position, with the help of your services. Appeal to their pride by flattering them for their dedication, grit, or higher vision by starting now, during the holiday season. Offer early-bird discounts or bonuses gradually decreasing in value as you get closer to December 31. Why does it work: The holiday season may be hectic and full of parties, but for many it’s also full of reflection and forward planning. This type of offer appeals to customers’ desire to start the new year fresh and organized, while also creating urgency around limited-time savings. The Give to Gain: Offer a Giftable Service Package with Personalization Bundle your service in a giftable format that customers can purchase for friends, family, or colleagues. Include a custom certificate or card for that personal touch, and offer complimentary follow-up consultations in the new year. Make it extra special… Why does it work? Many people look for meaningful, experience-based gifts during the holidays. This approach gives you a chance to reach new clients and makes your services feel like a thoughtful, high-value gift option. It’s hard to break through in the holidays, but by focusing on relationship-building, storytelling, and adding a dash of urgency, you can ensure you stay top-of-mind and relevant during the holiday season – and set yourself up for a strong start in the New Year, too! If you’d like help planning or implementing your holiday or post-holiday campaigns to boost holiday sales in social media, email, or even direct mail, just have your elf reach out to our elf 😉.
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