Cordial Greetings

Charlie Brown, you are the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem."   Linus  (Charles Schultz)

It's September.  It comes every year.  The month when we begin to hear the whispers of the approaching holiday season.  It begins slowly.  Back-to-school clothes replace the brightly colored shorts and tees.  Before long, the appearance of the first turkey serving platter.   It's only a matter of time. 

This year, why not get a head start and prevent the heretofore inevitable deer-in-the-headlights moment when, standing amidst hanging snowflake ornaments and over-stuffed Santas, you realize that (again) you're too late to market and advertise effectively for the season. 

Here are a few easy-to-do suggestions that will jump start your advertising campaign and will advertise for you!

I'm here for the wooden spoon set.  An interesting study by the Yale School of Management indicates "the shopping momentum effect" is alive and well.  Draw customers into your store and get them to buy just one thing -- and you'll find that they will immediately begin looking for other things to buy.   When you advertise to bring your holiday shoppers through the door, keep that in mind and offer special pricing on an item or service everyone can use. 

Haul out the holly.  Literally.  Decorating your storefront will set the holiday atmosphere before they ever walk through the door.  Change it just a bit each week and you'll keep interest piqued! 

Stick to your reputation.  A holiday card in an envelope sealed with a sticker will be less likely to be tossed and will show your customers that, true to your reputation, you take that extra step to make things perfect. 

Don't break the bank.  Take advantage of early-bird specials on 2014 calendars and holiday cards.  When you order early you save not only money but you buy yourself time by having your cards in-hands and ready to be addressed whenever you are ready! 

Gift cards ... keep giving!  Stock up on gift cards and keep them on display at the register.  Not only are they great gift giving ideas for your customers -- but great gifts for your customers, as well.  Consider advertising a free $10 gift card with every $50 purchase.

Local Saturday.  Focus on local traffic on the Saturday before Christmas.  Last minute shoppers will welcome ideas for those last minute purchases.  

Hope this list spurs some ideas that will encourage you to begin strategizing early -- hopefully avoiding those last minute marketing misses!