Are you all prepared for the Holiday Rush? I’m not thinking about your personal Christmas and Chanukah shopping. I’m talking about preparations for your small business. Here are five tips to help your small business get ready for the holiday shopping season.
- Have you purchased all the needed supplies for the products that you make? If you haven’t, you might want to first check out the nooks and crannies of your supply closet. In fact, cleaning out your studio before you go shopping is a good first step. I’m always surprised at the “new” supplies that I find (and have forgotten about) when I do a purge of my studio. Running low on any shipping supplies? Better to place an order now so you will be prepared.
- Write down your business goals for the holidays, i.e., “I plan to make, and sell, xx number of items.”
- List any new venues where you might sell your items. Maybe you primarily sell online. Then why not check out that recently opened gift shop in town. Meet with the owner, show her some samples of your work and drop off a brochure and business card. Follow up with the owner in a week or two. Contact the Art Guild in your town as well.
- Will you offer Web customers any holiday specials or promotions? Write up the copy for these specials today. Take any related photographs at this time too.
- When selling online, give some thought to your holiday presence. Similar to brick and mortar stores, it’s your job to get your potential customers into the holiday spirit. You might want to redecorate your shop or blog with festive visuals. Also, create some special, and helpful, holiday content, e.g., “Easy holiday wrapping tips.” Include photos that tie in with those tips. Customers will appreciate the help during this hectic season.
I realize it’s better to have all these plans in place a few months earlier than September. But if you don't, there’s still time to tweak your pre-holiday work and selling plans. What are you doing to get your business ready for the holidays?
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