Do you think it’s too late to attract holiday shoppers into your business? Whether you’re a retailer, a hot food take-away or a service provider. The spending doesn’t stop after Christmas, either—consumers with gift cards or gift cash in their pockets are out and about, eager to treat themselves, to celebrate and splurge. How can you attract customers to your business for the holidays?   Here’s a few tactics that I suggest you might try....

1. Focus on existing customers. Instead of putting all your effort into attracting more new customers, put most of your effort into getting existing customers to buy more. Current customers are already in the mood to buy from your business—all they need is a nudge. Stay in touch with your current customer list via email, direct mail or even phone calls with enticing offers to get them into your store or outlet. When customers make a purchase, give them a coupon good for a few dollars or a percentage amount off the next purchase—but make it a limited-time offer, such as a week or 10 days.

2. Put it on display. If your business depends on foot traffic, such as in a mall or a town shopping centre, the importance of signage and window displays in attracting customers inside should not be underestimated. Use sidewalk signs to announce specials, sales or deals inside. Make sure your store windows convey all the specials you have to offer. Put holiday lights and décor up outside, if local zoning regulations allow. Consider having a salesperson offer free samples, or have someone selling impulse buys at a small gift table outside your shop’s door (zoning permitting of course).

3. Create a festive atmosphere. Sights, smells and sounds attract shoppers at the holidays, and these are what separate in-store shopping from clicking through a website. Make sure your store feels inviting, with holiday music playing, and décor that conveys your business’s brand. You could even have your employees (if appropriate to your image) dress in red and green, or wear Santa hats or sleigh bells, so they stand out from the crowd. 

4. Know your stuff. Knowledge is power, so make sure your salespeople have as much knowledge about your products as possible, and cheerfully approach customers and offer to answer any questions they may have about the product. Point out the benefits of buying from you, such as being able to get the item now instead of waiting for it to arrive by mail, store warranties or any other benefits you can think of.

5. Use the right marketing messages. It’s not hard to get people to ease up on the purse strings this time of year—if you take the right approach. What marketing messages resonate at the holidays? Attract consumers who’ve been spending, spending, spending on friends and family with marketing messages that encourage them to treat themselves. Appeal to frazzled mums by urging them to take time out to relax and renew their spirits. Get just about everyone to open their wallets with marketing messages about making memories and enjoying family togetherness.

Try these marketing tactics, and watch your business profit from the holiday spirit.