10 Cool Holiday Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

Small businesses and organizations can easily get trapped in the day-to-day operations of their businesses to spend any time brainstorming cool holiday marketing ideas. Some businesses worry that marketing is too expensive, others may find it too time consuming.

Without keeping top-of-mind awareness with your prospects and customers, how will anyone remember you?

Here are  10 Cool Holiday Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses and Organizations . Save these ideas and use them to celebrate any holiday – all year long.

1. Be a Giver!

Give a gift that shows you care with a donation to your prospects and customers favorite charity through  Charity Choice . Or get your employees involved and volunteer for a local or industry charity event. Write a holiday newsletter or blog with pictures and details about your positive impact.

2. Say “Cheese” For The Video Camera.

It’s a digital world, so why not think about creating a video holiday card? Record your office singing or video employees’ individual greetings. Post on YouTube or your website, then send them a link to view their special gift. 

3. Think BIG.

Everyone (including your prospects and customers) loves a chance to win BIG prizes like a Tablet or iPad, and now is the time to give them that chance. Ask people to sign up for your newsletter, etc. and enter them in a random drawing. And while in the spirit of giving, donate one to a local children’s hospital or community center.

4. Dress For The Occasion.

This holiday season have some fun by dressing up your website with festive backgrounds and graphics. Extend your theme to your e-mail signature and social media accounts too! Spread holiday cheer everywhere you can – just keep it appropriate for your entire audience.

5. Pick Up The Pen.

Express your holiday wishes and gratitude in a handwritten letter (mailed in a hand-addressed envelope of course). Enclose quality stationary or note cards personalized with their name or logo and you won’t just have a customer for life – you’ll have a friend too.

6. Options For Those Who Have Photo Block.

So you have a face for radio?  You can still take advantage of the digital “cool factor” (and save a tree) by sending your customers an eCard. Check out sites like  Enteract  f or a variety of designs and fun ways to personalize your greetings.

7. Think small.

Segment your holiday list and purchase gifts aligned with the value each customer, vendor, center of influence, or employee provides. Need something really special? Visit local boutiques or online shops like  Etsy.com  for unique, handmade items they will cherish.

8. Create a Picture to Remember.

Forget the corporate card catalogs and do something different. Hire a caricature artist to draw your department’s crazy characters, or have a professional designer create a cool holiday scene with your office and logo. Use your art for cards, calendars or your website.

9. Bypass Traditional Holidays.

Why not skip the holiday card clutter altogether? Eliminate the competition and stand out by celebrating new beginnings with a New Year’s mailing. Or, show a little love on Valentine’s Day.

10. Resist Temptation.

Sure, you are sending something to a lot of people and spending money on postage anyway. Why not slip in a brochure or business card? Save that for a later time and focus on sharing nothing but good cheer this holiday season. You will be rewarded with respect.

Question: What cool holiday marketing have you done before?

Please Subscribe to my newsletter  for more free marketing tips, news and links.