Are you taking advantage of Christmas this year?

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

December’s only just started and already Christmas is in full swing. Shops are playing Silent Night on repeat, six foot inflatable Rudolph’s are standing in front gardens and the Christmas crowds are already forming a six mile tail back on the M1 – you’d be forgiven for wishing that Christmas was over.

Of course, that would mean waving goodbye to all of the business opportunities that the festive season brings.

Show Your Customers That You Care
…after all, isn’t Christmas all about spreading love and festive cheer? It can be as simple as sending a Christmas card – anything to show your customers that you value them.

It’s not often that people are given something without being expected to do something in return. Most of the time that you contact your customers you want something – a phone call to remind them that you need payment; a letter promoting your newest product range and asking them to buy; a quick email to remind them to act fast because your sale ends soon. But a Christmas card doesn’t require them to do anything. Yes, you hope that it will show them that you care. Yes, you hope that it will earn you some brownie points. Importantly though, none of that takes any effort from their side.

And, if that still hasn’t convinced you to send out company Christmas cards, consider the advertising opportunity. Think how much it would cost to buy a few centimetres of advertising space in the middle of your customers’ desk. And not just on one of your customer’s desk, but hundreds of them, thousands even. Get your Christmas cards out and you could have your company name sat right in front of your customers from now through to the New Year. That kind of advertising is invaluable.

Consider Going Green
Alternatively, why not send out e-cards? It may not offer the same advertising opportunity, but it costs a lot less. Forget the expensive print work, the cost of materials and the price of postage, sending an e-card is an inexpensive way to show your customers that you value them. And, as people become increasingly concerned about the wellbeing of the planet, being eco-friendly can create a welcome impression whilst helping your company do its bit for the world.

The Value of Novelty
The holidays are all about giving, so why stop at Christmas cards? There are certain benefits to be found in giving personalised novelty gifts to your customers. What about a Christmas bauble, complete with your company name across the front in glitter? It might seem slightly tacky but then again, tacky isn’t necessarily a bad thing when it comes to Christmas decor. Besides, having an ongoing presence on the Christmas tree throughout the holidays takes some beating.

Alternatively, what about a wind up Santa? A Christmas stocking? Or perhaps some individually wrapped Christmas puddings? Just make sure that whatever you send, you personalise it with your company’s name.

Receiving a gift, however small, makes people feel good. Getting people to associate your company with the feel good factor is something which will benefit you for a long time to come.

Give a Helping Hand
Most people are on a mad spending spree over Christmas, despite setting a budget that they swore they would stick to. So, any special offers or vouchers are always welcomed with open arms. Reward your customers for their loyalty with a bit of help when they need it and you’ll not only increase sales now, but your customers will remember your generosity in the future too.

Be Clear
Remember, if you are going to repeatedly contact your customers with special offers and advice over the holiday season, it may be in your interest to warn them. Tell people what they can expect from you. Too much unexpected contact can make your customers opt out of your newsletter/offers, particularly if they think that you’re taking on a new aggressive approach to your marketing. Explaining to customers that you will be contacting them with exclusive offers at regular intervals over the Christmas period will help to prepare them and hopefully reassure them that you won’t be bombarding them forever.

Remember, whatever type of marketing you do this Christmas, make it count!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Whichlist.com!

Posted in B2B Marketing, B2C Marketing, Business Lists, Consumer Lists, Email-Marketing, Mailing Lists, Uncategorized