Have you ever noticed how most big stores basically give away a lot of key items after the holidays? On December 26th, you’ll have no problem finding a fake Christmas tree for up to 75% off. If you’re a particularly clever shopper, you can probably get an even better deal than that.
That same store will resume to business as usual right around the turn of the year. The lights come down, the Mega Sale signs are stored away and the regular prices resume. Even a lot of online markets will call it a day after the holiday rush, reverting back to a business-as-usual approach.
If you are a small business owner working online, this is the exact opposite of what you should be doing. The few weeks after the holidays are one of the most vital times to ramp up your marketing efforts. While others are ending sales and returning to everyday functions, you should keep that holiday-like attitude of selling at the forefront of your business.
Think of it this way: how many gifts did you get for Christmas that you already know for sure you are going to return? Chances are, there’s at least one (and in fact, research shows an honest number is more like three). There are many like you out there that will be returning gifts. And they’ll be looking for somewhere to spend that return-money.
Sure, they may be a bit more selective with that money than they would a gift card to one of their favorite stores, but you need to make sure that whatever it is that you are offering, your sales tags and Christmas lights are still on at full force.
You can make yourself more visible by sending newsletters or sending out blasts via social media outlets to let your target audience know that your business is just getting started while others are winding down. In the void that is mid-January, the majority of business are beginning to wind down from the holiday onslaught and inboxes aren’t being as attacked by marketing ploys.
Take advantage of this and strike while the others are resting. If you can manage to remain visible while others regroup, you stand to make some of your best profits in January.
