Holiday Marketing Tips for Non-Retail Businesses

You're likely to be ready for the holidays if you have a retail business. There's plenty of expert advice available to help you succeed. What about non-retailers? Here are some holiday marketing tips that non-retail businesses can use to get new customers.

Law firms, landscapers and plumbers are service-based businesses that offer services year round. They are not as likely to have doorbuster sales or encourage people to queue up in December like their retail counterparts. However, as a service-based entrepreneur myself, I can assure you that it is possible for non-retailers still to participate in the holidays.

These are just a few of the ways that your non-retail business could create an unforgettable seasonal customer experience.

1. Make a holiday discount

Non-retail businesses can offer their customers discounts on their services. This is one of the best holiday marketing tips. For a percentage discount on a customer's next order, create a holiday special discount. You can share the news via your social media channels, email newsletters, website, or print mailers.

Encourage customers to share the news with others and encourage them to sign up to your newsletter. This is a win for email marketing as well as engaging customers for future updates to your business.

2. Create a unique storefront experience

You might not be selling traditional products. Your business still has a physical location. Clients can walk in and out of the space whenever they make appointments. These additional services can be offered to holiday shoppers.

Hold an open house. Perhaps you are new to the area or want to meet other small businesses. Open house with food and music, as well as information about you, should be holiday themed. Inform employees about your plans. Encourage them to meet visitors and answer questions.

Create a "Santa's Workshop" You've probably heard of the "naughty and nice" list. You can let your customers know that you are here to make their holidays easier by taking one item off of their to-do lists. This could include gift wrapping or a 15-minute consultation.

Decorate your shopfront. Holiday participation will increase foot traffic.

3. Don't forget to give back to the cause you believe in

Is your company a supporter of a charity? Give back to a cause that you believe in by donating a portion of your profits to charity. Giving back to the community may be something you consider doing. Discuss with your team the possibilities of helping out in the community. You might decide to volunteer in a soup kitchen or at retirement homes. Or sponsor families for holiday gifts.

4. Employee morale can be improved

Successful holiday shopping seasons are driven by employees, whether they be interns or managers. They work hard all year. It may be busy season, but it is important to show appreciation for your team's hard work by creating fun, creative initiatives.

Are you unsure where to begin? These simple and inexpensive gifts can boost morale.

Send a personalized, thoughtful thank you card.

Cater for breakfast and lunch.

To send a candycane gram, pair up with random colleagues in the office. This is a candycane with a note attached.

Hosting a white-eagle gift exchange.

Enjoy a fun post-work activity such as going to a movie or ice skating rink.

5. Your clients and partners should be thanked

We're not just talking about thanking employees. You should also thank your existing clients and partners. Send personalized thank-you cards to clients and partners, and express your gratitude for working with them. Let them know how they helped you succeed, and cheers for the next year.