With October rolling in, it’s hard to believe that we’re so close to the holidays already! This is the season where most retailers are making the majority of their sales, which trickles down to all the small businesses supplying their stores through wholesale and consignment.

So what happens when fewer and fewer people are stopping into a store on their way home to browse? Well, as I mentioned in this post on networking on social media, many people are adapting to their new life of shopping and interacting online.

So how do you take those people and turn them into raving fans? I’d suggest using the holiday cheer to your advantage by planning ahead with these social media tactics.

#1 Start planning and promoting now.

People are shopping early this year, so let them know about your offerings NOW instead of starting in November. I wouldn’t say it’s time to break out the holiday graphics, but at least hint that people should follow along because you have something extra special in the works.

#2 Amp up your online presence.

Randomly posting online? Rarely interacting? Only sharing personal content?

It’s not too late to turn it around. Make a plan to post regularly on each platform, engage and answer questions, make yourself available to check in with your online presence a couple times a day. Do it now, so you’re top of mind when the holidays roll in.

#3 Start making videos now. Seriously.

People buy from those they know, like, and trust. When someone walks into your store or offices and gets a big smile and a friendly ‘hello’--it increases their enjoyment.

Give your audience a reason to interact and get to know you online with video content.

#4 Hold a promotion/sale.

Money might be tight for some of your usual customers because of everything that has happened this year. Edge out your competition by holding a promotion using your social media platform.

If they love what you have on sale, they might just buy it for 3-4 people on their holiday list!

#5 Hold contests around each major holiday.

People are already going to be in a state of anticipation online during the holidays. Get people even more excited with a contest leading up to them.

#6 Start a blog and boost those posts.

Blogging is having an incredible year as people go online to search for things to do, presents to buy, and search out reviews and comparisons.

Use your time wisely and start a blog. Maybe start with a gift guide that happens to include your product or service.

#7 Email that newsletter.

Yes, I see you there. With that list you haven’t emailed since March. The holidays are something most people want to get excited about so use this time to relaunch your newsletter.

Fair warning, if you haven’t emailed in a while you might get a few unsubscribes. But don’t let that worry you! You can always win them back later.

#8 When the holidays do finally roll in, update those bios.

I see a lot of outdated bios in my Social Media Audits, so make sure you schedule the time to update your bios.

Bonus: Add a little festive cheer by using updated graphics with holiday themes.

Extra bonus: Make sure your website is up to date as well!

#9 Charity always looks good after labour day.

Partner up with a local charity this holiday season. If there’s one that holds a special place in your heart, aim to promote them, amplify their content, and get your audience on board as well.

#10 Think outside the gift box.

Instead of relying on boosted posts alone for this holiday season, consider saving some of your holiday marketing budget for local influencers. Or partner with someone else to create a combined offer. (i.e. if you sell bath bombs, finding someone who makes wine for the perfect combination of gifts)

Supporting Local businesses and makers has never been so important.

Plan ahead this holiday season to make sure you’re on the top of your game by the time thanksgiving wraps up and the days get even chillier.

Start posting, growing your base, boosting your posts and engaging regularly to make this holiday season your best yet.

Have a local business you need help publishing regular content for? Let’s chat!

10 Social Media Tactics For The Holidays