Prepping your business for the holidays

Fall and winter holidays are quickly approaching. And whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or a combination of any, your customers may be in a different mindset during the next few months. Think about their needs during this time. It's never too early to prep your business for the holidays!

Retail and Food
Your methods of engaging with customers may change a bit in the next few months. Rather than just buying for themselves, your customers are most likely looking for gifts for their special someones. Make gift-giving simple by offering new customer packages, easy gift card or certificate options, and pre-packaged deals for one-stop shopping.

Service Industry
For those in the service industry, the above scenarios related to the retail and food industry may be true, but you may also be working with customers looking to get all their ducks in a row before the new year hits (ie: end-of-the-year contributions). Take a look at trends from previous years and be ready. Also, touch base with customers who you may not have been in contact with recently to see if there are any end-of-the-year needs to be met.

Recognition
Right now is the perfect time of year to update your customer database and thank your existing clientele for their business. Send out personalized holiday cards, thank you notes or coupons for your top customers. And don't forget your vendors; acknowledge the relationships that have helped grow your business this year. 

Websites
The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday sales, including online sales, will grow 2.8 percent this year. Is your website up for the challenge? Keep your content fresh and updated and if you offer online purchase options, make the check-out process easy to navigate. For more ideas on how to keep up your website during the holidays, check out this article by Business Week.

It can be fun to think of new ways to send out your message during the holiday season. These are just a few ideas to get your thinking. What has worked for your business in the past? What new things are you excited to implement this year?

Melissa Harrison is owner and principal at Allée, a marketing and communications firm in Albertville. Feel free to catch up with her through email or "like" the Allée Facebook page for more marketing and small business information.