Small Business Holiday Marketing Tips (From a True, Slightly Hangry Story)
Picture this: your family flies in for the holidays and you’ve planned the perfect afternoon downtown—your favorite shops, the cozy café you rave about, the whole “move-here-already” tour. You circle, find (pricey) parking, bundle everyone up, and… the café is closed.
Sure, there’s a cute hand-drawn sign on the door, but their Google and their socials? Still show “Open.” Now the group is hangry, the plan derails, and you end up at a chain they have in their town anyway. Bummer.
Names and locations changed to protect the innocent—but the lesson stands. Running a small business is a lot (we know!). During the holidays, it’s even more. Setting your own hours is a perk—just make sure your customers can actually find them. Here are a few tips to keep your season merry AND profitable.
1) Lock Your Hours Down Everywhere (Early!)
If your hours change, make them impossible to miss—and do it before the rush.
Update: Google Business Profile, Apple Maps, and Yelp
Post your holiday hours and pin the post to the top of socials, and reshare those holiday hours on your stories multiple times
Put a small “Holiday Hours” bar at the top of your website
Pro tip: schedule these updates now so you’re not posting them from the ski lift.
2) Announce Promos 2–3 Weeks Ahead
Shoppers build their plans early—be part of the plan.
Tease your Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday or December specials with dates, exclusions, and product previews
Create a simple promo calendar graphic and reuse it across channels
Collect emails at checkout now so you can send a VIP early access note later
Bundle gifts (e.g., “Hostess Set,” “Self-Care Kit”) to simplify decisions for stressed gifters
3) Show Gratitude (With Heart)
Big brands can’t do “local heart” like you can.
Spotlight staff going the extra mile (with their permission)
Share customer thank-yous and traditions featuring your products
Partner with a local cause (toy drive, food pantry) and make it easy to give at checkout
Write a sincere “Thank you for shopping small” post and pin it for the season
4) Save the Last-Minute Shopper
Aunt Linda is coming after she said she wasn’t—and they need to find a gift FAST.
Create a “Gifts That Always Work” list: evergreen items under $25/$50/$100
Offer grab-and-go gift bags and pre-wrapped options
Post daily “Today’s Gift Pick” Reels the week before Christmas
Add buy online, pick up in store cutoffs and post exact dates/times
Gift cards: digital + physical – put them in your site nav and at the register
5) Have Fun—People Feel It
Let your personality lead.
Create a festive window or counter vignette people want to take photos in front of
Provide a simple in-store game (spin-to-win, “mystery envelope” with purchase)
Share staff “Top 5 Gifts” board with names and doodles
A short “Holiday How-To” (styling, pairing, wrapping) that features your products
The holidays magnify everything—delight and disappointment.
A few proactive updates and thoughtful touches can turn a potential hangry detour into a “we have to move here” moment. Start early, communicate clearly, and lead with heart. Your future five-star review (and your sanity) will thank you.