It's nearly November, Christmas is approaching faster than Santa on his sleigh, and we know it can all feel a little overwhelming for small businesses. But don’t worry - whether you’re a seasoned pro or this is your first holiday season as a business owner, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into a stress-free checklist to help make your holiday season a success!
1. Plan ahead (yes, you’ve got time!)
I know it’s tempting to just wait and see what happens, but trust me, early planning can save you a whole world of stress later on. Set some clear goals - what’s your main focus this holiday season? Is it increasing sales? Growing your customer base? Boosting brand awareness? Or all three? Either way, these will help guide your planning so you know what to focus on.
Make sure you’re stocked with the right products and packaging to avoid last-minute scrambles. And it doesn't hurt to create a timeline - map out key dates like Black Friday (for 2024 it's 29th November, just FYI), shipping deadlines, and any holiday promotions. Stay ahead of the curve by setting yourself some reminders - and have a read of our blog here for some more tips on planning ahead and being prepared this Christmas!
2. Get your packaging holiday-ready
Holiday shopping is all about the experience, and your packaging plays a BIG part in that. Make it shine with some eco-friendly wrapping, festive stickers, or handwritten thank you notes. Small details like these leave a lasting impression. And don't forget how much today’s shoppers care about the environment - use recyclable materials or encourage your customers to reuse your packaging (and let them know how, so you can show how much you care about sustainability too!).
And everyone loves a good unboxing experience, right? Adding a lil something extra, like some packaging accessories (tissue paper, ribbon, stickers etc), ups the prettiness, and a discount code for their next purchase can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.
Make sure to organise your packaging station - keep all your supplies neatly arranged so you can work quickly when the orders start rolling in. Batch your tasks too - group similar orders together to pack them faster (and cut down on stress).
Need some tips on crafting a Christmas packaging range? Check out our blog post here!
3. Streamline your shipping
This brings us nicely to shipping - which we know can be a challenge during the busy holiday season. A little preparation goes a long way - double-check deadlines to ensure you know your cut-off dates, so both you and your customers can avoid any surprises.
You can offer multiple shipping options for your own products too - some customers will want it fast, while others are happy to wait a bit longer for cheaper shipping. Give them the choice! But either way, let your customers know when they need to place orders by to receive their items in time. And don’t forget to provide tracking updates - it’s one less thing for them to worry about (and for you too).
4. Don't forget about returns
Nobody loves returns, but they’re a reality for many businesses during the holiday season. The good news? With clear, simple instructions, you can make the returns process smooth and stress-free for both you and your customers.
Ensure your returns process is simple and customer-friendly, and include details on your website and in your packaging.
5. Boost your online presence
Holidays often mean one thing for shoppers: online browsing. Make sure your website and social media are ready to dazzle. A festive banner or seasonal offer on your website can make all the difference here, but you don’t have to go overboard - a simple touch can go a long way in setting the right mood.
Refresh your product descriptions as well to add a bit of holiday magic and remind your customers how they can be used for the season. Or simply create a Christmas category - either way, you're pointing customers in the right direction and making your products relevant to the holidays.
Use social media to share behind-the-scenes content of how your business is gearing up for the holidays. Maybe even throw in a few holiday-themed giveaways to get people talking. Speaking of...
6. Offer holiday promotions (without overwhelming yourself)
We all love a good deal - but there’s no need to slash your prices right down to the bone. Be strategic with your holiday promotions, you could pair products together for a special ‘holiday gift set’ to add value without requiring deep discounts.
And introduce some limited-time offers - nothing gets people to click faster than a sense of urgency. Try a 24-hour flash sale or a free shipping weekend. Show your regular customers some love too with a special holiday discount or early access to your promotions.
And of course there's Black Friday - make sure you take advantage! Check out these blogs for getting your small business Black Friday ready with lots of practical tips and ideas to make it a success.
7. Take care of yourself (seriously!)
Running a small business can be hectic, especially during the holidays, but your wellbeing is important. Pace yourself - remember the holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic goals and don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it's from friends or family or a new team member.
Prioritise self-care too - we all need this now and then, and whether it’s taking a short break for a walk or treating yourself to something nice, a little me time will keep you refreshed and ready to tackle the holiday rush. And no matter how big or small, take a moment to celebrate your successes this season. You’re doing amazing work - don’t forget to give yourself some credit!
8. Reflect and recharge
When the holiday dust settles and the last order is shipped, take time to reflect on what worked and what you can improve for next year. Jot down notes on your favourite moments and any lessons learned, so you’ll be even more prepared when the next holiday season rolls around.
The holiday season can be a whirlwind, but with a bit of planning and the right mindset, it can also be the most exciting and rewarding time of the year for your small business. You’ve got this! Keep things simple, focus on what matters, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride - after all, ‘tis the season to shine.