Ultimate Holiday Sales Strategy Guide for Small Business Owners

With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to start thinking in BIG WAYS for the holiday season!

The holiday season is a crucial time for small business owners! I’m talking about the MAKE or BREAK season! So I’m gonna share PROVEN strategies to help you boost your sales and MAKE THE MOST out of this holiday season

Make sure to read all the way through because I have a FUN little announcement at the end! Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Understand your audience

You can’t SELL MORE if you don’t even know WHO you’re selling to! You feel me?? It’s like trying to sell lip balm to someone who has no lips. Understanding your key clientele's needs and preferences is the key to having a successful holiday. So, how do you figure out WHO you should be selling to? Think about your business and the demographic you want to serve but also the people you are accessible to. In my bakery, we were in the middle of a TON of schools and family-based communities. Initially, I didn’t want to serve cupcakes or offer grab-and-go products because I really fell in love with the art of making over-the-top fondant cakes. But, I realized that I needed to create products for my CUSTOMERS and not create products just because I love them. Remember, you’re in business to make MONEY, and to make money you need to sell and not everyone is going to be in love with what you love to create.

2. Plan early and set goals

Planning ahead is crucial for a successful holiday season. If you have NO PLAN then you’re gonna be scrambling at the last minute trying to close sales. When it comes to the holiday season, the early bird gets the worm. A good rule of thumb I like to follow is working about 10 weeks out. I know this sounds crazy when you think about planning Halloween products in July. But by planning and setting intentions earlier- you’re more organized, you have a clear understanding of what you’re offering and promoting, and you set the stage for what your customers can expect or look forward from you. As a business owner, who ran a bakery for 12 years, I always LOVED to follow the Target algorithm when it came to promoting and planning my holiday offers. Think about this…

Target ALWAYS seems to be the FIRST one to “plant the seed” for the holidays. They’re always the first ones to talk about Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Fall, etc…

By doing so, they are conditioning their customers into thinking that THEY should also be starting to purchase and plan their holidays.

So, whenever I see Target or Costco roll out their holiday offerings, I would do the same in my business.

I guide you through the process of setting realistic goals and creating a timeline for your promotional activities inside my How to DOUBLE your holiday sales class which you can get access to by clicking here!

3. Create IRRESISTIBLE OFFERS & PROMOS

Enticing offers and promotions are a PROVEN way to capture customers' attention during the holiday season. People don’t want basic ass cupcakes or cakes anymore. They want something they can SHARE with their friends and family in person and online. I love to use Pinterest to find inspiration but I also look at what’s trending in the industry and how I can put my own spin on it. This is the FUN part of holiday planning so go wild with this!

4. Optimize your online presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for holiday sales success. This means optimizing your website, your social media, email marketing, etc. You want to make it EASY for your customers to buy from you but you also want your offers to be plastered everywhere your clients look.

5. Leverage email marketing and automation

Email marketing is a powerful tool for nurturing relationships and driving sales. Fun Fact: The ROI (return on investment) on email marketing in comparison to social media is $36 per $1 spent. That is an INSANE difference! I don’t know about you but making $36 sounds a helluva lot better than $1.

6. Collaborate with Influencers & Partners

Collaborating with influencers and strategic partners can amplify your brand's reach and attract new customers. A fun way to collaborate with some influencers or creators in the same industry as you is to create something together. Figure out what strengths you bring to the table and how this creator or influence can complement those.

7. Provide EXCEPTION customer service

I feel like customer service is a dying art form. So many people think they offer exceptional customer service when really they are THE. WORST. Customer service sets your business apart from your competitors insurmountable and drives repeat sales. Customer service is a part of WHY people fall in love with not just your products but your brand. Think about a time when you hired someone for a service or went to a local coffee shop and the service was amazing. You probably remember the service more than the actual product. And that’s why you keep going back or constantly refer them.

8. Track and analyze your results

Tracking and analyzing your holiday sales efforts allows you to identify what worked and what needs improvement. I recommend looking at last year's sales and finding out what type of product did well and breaking down WHY it was so popular. If you can get down to the bones of why this product did well or why your sales were at where they at, you’ll set yourself up for greater success!

By implementing the strategies outlined in this blog, you can make this holiday season your most successful one yet. Remember, preparation, understanding your audience, and providing exceptional customer service is key!

For more tips on HOW to MAXIMIZE your holiday sales, you can take my class at this year's Bake Fest! And for a limited time, you can use the code “THECAKEMAMAS15” for 15% off!

Hope to see you there!