Shop, Drop, and Be Merry!

Jennifer Bushong
Owner of JBe Marketing Group, LLC.

Holiday shopping often brings new customers. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3% and 4% over 2023 [VF1] to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. Great marketing leading up to the holiday season is a great time to not only retain your loyal customers, but show the benefits of your products and services over your competitors. Demonstrate why your business cares about its customers and truly values their business. While the hustle and bustle can be the merriest time of the year to increase profits, it could also be disastrous if you forgo customer service.

Here are a few ideas to consider this holiday season:

1. Know your customers: Now more than ever, is the time to target your customers. Identify which marketing techniques worked well in 2023. Analyze metrics and sales volume. Outline 2024 campaigns that will drive new growth opportunities. Set initial strategies for 2024 with fluidity to tweak throughout the year.
2. Offer limited time:  If you plan to offer an end of the year sale or discount before Christmas, make the savings or service that your new or existing customer cannot refuse. Consider a wraparound weekend sale or offer a special coupon code to gain eyeballs back to your website. Capture customers’ email through sign-up or subscriptions and you will have the ability to market to them throughout the new year.
3. Engage your customers: Now is the time to send a holiday greeting, conduct a quick two-question survey, or offer an in-store giveaway. The holiday season is a great time to engage customers in a discussion that establishes a relationship and builds trust for potential future sales. It will set the business up for a strong first quarter.

Implementing good marketing tactics will help ease overall customer demands and offer the ability to shop, drop (more dollars) and be merry to roll into 2024.

Jennifer Bushong, MA is the owner of JBe Marketing Group, LLC., a full-service strategic marketing and public relations firm in Washington State. JBe can implement marketing, communications, or branding campaigns using a variety of tactics. To learn more or book Jennifer as a speaker, jennifer@jbemarketinggroup.com or visit www.jbe-marketing.com