How to Get Your Ashtabula Small Business Ready for the Holiday Season

Small business owners know that the holiday season is a crucial time for their businesses. This can be an opportunity to get people in your door and make some money, so you want it to succeed as much of this process goes! With just a little planning ahead of time--and maybe pulling out those old tricks from past years--you'll find yourself prepared when December rolls around again.

 

The Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce provides insight into what steps should come first during one’s annual preparation ritual:

Dress up your storefront

Dress up your storefront this holiday season! Make sure that your storefront is looking festive and inviting to your customers. By dressing up your storefront, you'll be sending a strong message that you're open for business and ready to serve your community.

Employ seasonal staff

If you're expecting increased customer traffic during the holidays, employing seasonal staff can help you out. They're specially trained to handle busy periods, so you can focus on enjoying the season yourself.

Improve your marketing strategy

It's time to start thinking about how you're going to be able to make your marketing strategy stand out this year. Maybe try something different like creating an interactive campaign, or maybe offer discounts on certain products to attract more customers?

Create a PDF gift guide

A PDF gift guide is a great way to showcase your products and make it easy for customers to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. Showcase your products and make it easy for customers to find the perfect gift with a simple guide that you can create affordably. If you need to split the pages of your guide, this shows how to separate PDF pages quickly. Then you can share the files online and through social media.

Secure your inventory

Now is the time to make sure you have enough inventory on hand to meet the increased demand. This demand won't last forever, so it's important to be prepared. Having a well-stocked inventory will ensure that you're able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Payback to your community

The holiday season is a great time to give back to the community that supports your small business. There are many ways to do this, such as donating products or services to local charities or hosting an event at your storefront.

Charm last-minute shoppers

Last-minute shoppers are often charmed by businesses that go above and beyond to make their shopping experience enjoyable. There are many ways to do this, such as offering complimentary gift wrapping or providing holiday-themed snacks and drinks in your store. Lasting memories are created when consumers feel valued and heard. It's not always easy to do this, but it sure can be fun! Businesses that work hard at making their customers' last-minute shopping experience enjoyable will receive rave reviews from those looking for great customer service in a quick turnaround time.

 

The holidays are an important time for small businesses. With a little planning and some extra effort, you can make sure that your business is ready for the influx of customers. These are just a few tips to help get you started on your way to a successful holiday season. With a little bit of effort, you can create an inviting storefront, staff your store with the right people, and put together a marketing strategy that will draw in customers. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!



If you’re ready to grow your business with the help of great local resources and partnerships, join the Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce.