Infographic:  7 Holiday Marketing Mistakes That Can Cost Your Local Business (and How to Avoid Them)

The holiday season can make or break a local business. It’s the most competitive time of the year, and while the potential for sales is high, so are the chances of making costly mistakes.. Below are seven common holiday marketing mistakes and how to avoid them, so your local business can make the most of the season.

1. Starting Too Late

43% of consumers start their holiday shopping before November. Don’t wait until December to start promoting your holiday sales. Begin teasing your offers as early as October to capture early shoppers. Create a content calendar that builds excitement over time, ensuring you’re top of mind when the holiday rush begins.

2. Ignoring Mobile Shoppers

79% of smartphone users made a purchase online using their mobile device in the last six months.  Ensure your website is mobile-optimized. Slow load times or poor mobile navigation can lead to lost sales. Test your checkout process on various devices to ensure a seamless experience for on-the-go shoppers.

3. Overlooking Local SEO

76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day. Boost your local SEO by optimizing your Google Business Profile for holiday hours, updating business descriptions, and posting holiday-related content. Make it easy for customers searching locally to find your store, services, or promotions.

4. One-Size-Fits-All Promotions

67% of consumers expect offers and promotions to be personalized.  Instead of generic holiday promotions, segment your customer base to create targeted offers. For example, offer loyal customers an exclusive early-bird discount, and new customers a “first-time shopper” deal to attract and convert them.

5. Forgetting to Upsell or Cross-Sell

Upselling increases revenue by an average of 10-30%.  Use the holiday season to upsell and cross-sell related products. Suggest gift bundles or holiday packages that include complementary items. For instance, a clothing store could offer discounted scarves or hats when a customer buys a winter coat.

6. Neglecting Email Marketing

Email marketing generates an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. Use email marketing to remind customers of holiday deals, exclusive promotions, and countdowns to the big sales. Create a series of engaging emails that build anticipation, offering sneak peeks or VIP deals for email subscribers.

7. Lacking a Clear Call to Action

70% of small business websites don’t have a clear call to action.  Every piece of holiday marketing—whether it’s an email, social media post, or landing page—should have a clear, compelling call to action. Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Claim Your Discount,” or “Reserve Your Spot,” make sure the next step for your customers is obvious.

Conclusion (Powerful Takeaway):

The holiday season presents a massive opportunity for local businesses, but it’s easy to stumble if your strategy isn’t airtight. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll not only survive the holiday rush—you’ll thrive. Remember, the holiday season is about more than just sales—it’s about building lasting relationships with your customers that extend well into the new year.