For many retailers and small businesses, October through year-end is a critical time to increase foot traffic and convert sales. The term Black Friday originated from turning the corner to positive profitability, or where revenue exceeded costs and put the business in the black instead of red. Use this three-step printer’s guide for holiday sales success to help your customers increase demand and have a blockbuster holiday season.
During the holidays, businesses compete heavily for attention, so your customers must stand out through marketing and promotions. Start with any in-house list of valuable customers that is available from the point-of-sale (POS) system or loyalty program. Guide them through creating a multi-touch campaign with a direct mail component to cut through the digital noise and overwhelmed email inboxes. Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a great option to reach specific ZIP codes when an in-house list does not exist or needs expansion. Remind customers to include information on extended store hours, online shopping and in-store pickup options, along with any special in-store events like a visit from Santa. Suggest promotions and discount coupons to increase in-store foot traffic.
The holiday experience starts by drawing attention from passersby and compelling them to stop and shop. Teardrop flags and window graphics are a fast and easy way to get attention, so suggest them to your customers. Window graphics project the feel-good aspect of the holidays while weaving in promotions. Instead of the standard business branded flag, suggest a seasonal version to promote in-store events. Encourage them to involve the community with special in-store events like holiday craft making for kids, live music, and photo opportunities fitting of the holiday cheer. Telescopic backdrop banners from 4over are a perfect way to create a winter wonderland scene for customers to take photos with friends and family. Don’t forget to work the business branding into the creative design of the backdrop.
Take the experience into the community as a pop-up event using custom event tents and outdoor banners. Outdoor markets filled with local businesses are common during this time of year. Sponsoring a food or toy drive with other area businesses is another way to deepen community ties - and it all calls for signage! At any of these events, educate your customers to build their marketing list for future direct mail campaigns by having shoppers register for promotions and giveaways. Stickers and magnets are cost-effective giveaways that can include variable message. They can even become collectibles. For larger promotions, head over to promo.4over.com and create a seasonally appropriate mix for your customers that might include knitted hats and coffee mugs.
Be the go-to for print and promotional needs. Create an experience bundle of these products from 4over to make it one-stop-shopping for your retail and local businesses.