Preparing Your Small Business for the 2025 Holiday Season

Well, it's that time again. The holiday season is upon us and with it comes an opportunity to market your services and make some sales before going into the slower winter months when folks start hibernation.

This year there is added stress with everything going on in the world—the economy, the job market, tariffs, you name it. But enough with the doom and gloom.

Stepping into the 2025 holiday season, put your best foot forward and create some truly great opportunities for your business. Here's how to make the most of these crucial months.

Don't Just Rely on Social Media

Social media is great, but it's not enough. Algorithms change, posts disappear, and you're competing with everyone else's holiday content. Diversify your approach:

Email your dedicated clientele about gift card specials. A GWP (gift with purchase) is always a nice incentive—think "Buy a $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus card free" or "Purchase a holiday package and receive a complimentary add-on service."

Text your regulars if you have their permission. A simple "Holiday gift cards available—perfect for last-minute gifts!" text can drive immediate sales.

Update your website homepage with holiday offerings front and center. Don't make people hunt for your specials.

Keep Your Google Business Profile Current

This is non-negotiable and takes 5 minutes:

• Update your holiday hours immediately (and mark any closure days)

• Post about your sales and specials directly to your profile

• Add holiday photos of your space, products, or special offerings

• Respond to reviews promptly—people are checking reviews before making holiday purchases

• Enable messaging so potential customers can ask questions easily

People searching "gift ideas near me" or "[your service] open today" need accurate information right now.

Create Irresistible Gift Card Packages

Gift cards are easy money for service businesses, but make them more appealing:

Package deals:

• "Holiday Pamper Package: 3 services for the price of 2"

• "New Year, New You: January package at holiday pricing"

• "The Ultimate [Your Service] Experience Bundle"

Make them giftable:

• Offer physical cards with nice packaging (even if you also do digital)

• Create printable "gift card holders" customers can download

• Include a card with suggested uses: "Perfect for: stressed-out moms, recent grads, anyone who deserves a treat"

Add urgency:

• "Order by December 15 for guaranteed physical delivery"

• "Holiday pricing ends December 31"

• "Limited holiday packages available"

Appeal to Shop Local Sentiment

You can't compete with Amazon, Target, and other big box stores on price or convenience—BUT you can appeal to your community's humanity and encourage them to shop local.

Tell your story:

• "When you shop with us, you're supporting a local family"

• "Your purchase helps us employ [X] local team members"

• "We've been part of this community for [X] years"

Make it easy to choose local:

• "Same-day appointments available"

• "Personal service you won't get at a chain"

• "Custom options for your unique needs"

• "Supporting local businesses keeps our community thriving"

Share the impact:

• Post photos of your team

• Thank customers publicly (with permission)

• Show behind-the-scenes of your business

• Highlight other local businesses you work with

Collaborate, Don't Compete

Create a network of support with other local businesses:

Cross-promotion ideas:

• Partner with complementary businesses for joint promotions

• "Show your receipt from [local coffee shop] and get 10% off"

• Create a "local holiday gift guide" featuring multiple businesses

• Host a joint shopping event or open house

• Share each other's posts and tag each other

Referral networks:

• Hair salon + nail salon + spa = complete holiday package

• Photographer + boutique + florist = perfect gifts

• Wellness practitioner + yoga studio + health food store = self-care bundle

Community presence:

• Participate in local holiday markets or fairs

• Sponsor community events

• Donate services to local charity auctions

• Get involved in shop local initiatives

Create Urgency Without Being Pushy

Holiday deadlines work:

• "Last day to book December appointments: [date]"

• "Gift card shipping cutoff: December 18"

• "Holiday inventory selling fast"

• "Book now for January at holiday pricing"

Scarcity is real:

• "Only [X] holiday packages available"

• "Limited appointment slots for holiday week"

• "While supplies last"

Make Buying Easy

Remove every possible barrier:

Multiple payment options:

• Accept Venmo, PayPal, credit cards, everything

• Offer payment plans for larger packages

• Make gift card purchase dead simple (online and in-person)

Clear instructions:

• "How to redeem your gift card"

• "How to book your appointment"

• "What to expect for your first visit"

Mobile-friendly everything:

• People shop on their phones—make sure your website works perfectly on mobile

• Easy click-to-call and click-to-text buttons

• Simple online booking if you offer it

Don't Forget January

Everyone focuses on November and December, but January is when people actually use those gift cards and book services with their holiday money.

Plan for January now:

• "New Year, New You" promotions

• "Use your holiday gift cards" reminder campaign

• Fresh start packages for resolutions

• Post-holiday self-care messaging

Stay visible:

• Don't go silent in January

• Keep posting and emailing

• Remind people you're here when they're ready

Quick Holiday Marketing Checklist

Week 1 (Early November):

• Update Google Business Profile with holiday hours

• Create gift card packages and pricing

• Update website homepage with holiday offerings

• Plan your email campaign schedule

Week 2:

• Send first holiday email to your list

• Post about gift cards on social media

• Reach out to local businesses about collaborations

• Order any physical gift card supplies

Week 3:

• Launch gift card promotions

• Post customer testimonials and success stories

• Share holiday hours everywhere

• Start holiday content on social media

Ongoing through December:

• Email your list weekly with different angles (gift ideas, last-minute options, deadlines)

• Post 3-4 times per week on social

• Update Google Business Profile weekly

• Respond to all inquiries within 24 hours

Early January:

• "Use your gift cards" email campaign

• New Year promotion launch

• Thank you message to holiday customers

• Plan your winter marketing strategy

The Bottom Line

The holiday season can be stressful, but it's also your biggest opportunity to connect with your community, bring in revenue before the slow months, and set yourself up for a strong start to 2026.

You don't need a massive budget or a complicated strategy. You need consistency, clear messaging, and a genuine connection with your local community.

Focus on making it easy for people to choose you, give you as gifts, and feel good about supporting a local business. The rest will follow.

Wishing you the best this holiday season!

Need help creating a holiday email marketing campaign, strategizing your promotions, or updating your website with your offerings? I help service-based businesses make the most of the holiday season with practical marketing that actually works. Let's make this your best holiday season yet.