Last year, around Black Friday, I had an “I DID IT” moment. 

For many, many Black Fridays before that, I had “I TRIED” moments. 

This pretty much sums up all of business ownership, doesn’t it? Some things work well that you didn’t expect, others you spend oodles of time on, and they flop. Trust me, I get it and I know from 16+ years of experience that for as many successes, there are more failures. Hello, entrepreneurship!

I’m here to share some things that have worked for me personally in hopes it can inspire you as you begin rolling out your offer.

Sales Approaches to Consider for Marketing Your Offer this Holiday Season

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year for local business owners. We all look forward to the influx of cash flow and an uptick in sales and foot traffic. Though every business has its own set of challenges and busy seasons, as a brand and website designer I find that people are inspired as they get ready to step into the new year and are anxious to get clear on how to communicate with their audience through strategic branding & professional visual design.

In this post we will explore some bite-sized small business strategies to market your offer this holiday season. By implementing these tidbits, you will be well on your way to a successful Small Business Saturday and beyond.

Relationship First, Sales Second.

By nurturing your customers, you can create trust, so when you are ready to ask them to purchase from you, it doesn’t feel weird. Show gratefulness and true appreciation often and show that your heart is genuinely IN the mission of your business when you're in sales mode.



Example: Whether that looks like engaging in 1:1 conversations, personalized emails with exclusive offers or social media engagements, or supporting a client by purchasing from them, all the little touchpoints matter. Help your audience feel seen by you!

Put on your Sales Strategist Hat

Let them know that you are solving a problem they need from you! Whether it’s a last-minute gift, holiday prep or a customer's need for something restful, help them see that they have found the solution to their problem, which is the offering you are providing. Using different sales strategies like exclusivity, urgency, or inspiration to entice them to act can sweeten the deal and help them purchase faster.

Here are some sales strategy examples that work well: 

Sense of Exclusivity

Create a sense of exclusivity by offering only a few spots for your offering. Offer only a few spots for your offering. This helps you from getting overbooked and overwhelmed, and it inspires your customer to act quickly.

Example: “Limited spots are available through (date), so don’t miss your chance to book our [holiday offering]! Only [number] spots left for the season to get the best service without the holiday rush.”

Create a Sense of Urgency

Exclusive deals don’t last forever. They may not see this deal again until this time next season. Putting a deadline on an offer gives the buyer a reason not to wait to think about it, and potentially forget about it.

Example: “We know this year has been busy—let us take care of your [service], so you can focus on creating holiday memories.”

Capitalize on the New Year!

You know people need your services. Give them an opportunity to jump-start their New Year’s resolution by using your services to support their goals. You could offer discounted packages for a limited time or early bird access for better deals to start the year off right! 

Example: “Start the new year strong with [service]! Whether getting organized, improving your health, or planning for future goals, our [service] helps you hit the ground running and stay on track.” 

Incorporate Festive Language

Holiday-related words and phrases can reinforce the spirit of the season and create a warm fuzzy effect. Your words illustrate how much you care about your customers and how much you want to build relationships with them. 

Example: “Give yourself the gift of (your service) this holiday season – because you deserve a little extra cheer.”

Make Images and Visuals Festive but KEEP THEM SIMPLE!

Go ahead, design yourself a promotional graphic for socials. Then go back in and EDIT to make it as SIMPLE and streamlined as possible. Leave space and a good MARGIN in your designs. Use the visuals on all of your promotional touchpoints for brand consistency.

Steal my Free Holiday Instagram Templates >>>

Example: Make your color palette streamlined with your brand and make sure the design elements are aligned with the holiday theme?

Be Brave and Talk about Your Offer…A Lot

You know what they say….If you aren’t completely sick of talking about it before the end of the promotion, you aren’t doing it right. Just kidding, I don’t know if that’s a thing, but I do know It takes a lot of exposure for someone to consider purchasing. You’ll want to provide some excitement and teaser content before you launch your offering and then heavily promote it.

Example: Jump on Instagram stories and talk to people about how your offering would benefit your customers. Use direct linked, countdown timers and talk about your limited time offer.

Always Include a Call to Action (CTA)

All of your messaging should include a strong call to action, telling their customers exactly what you want them to do next and how to do it.

Example: “Ready to make this holiday season your best yet? Book your [service] now for [solution] you won’t want to live without.”

Don’t forget that this holiday season is a prime opportunity to connect with your customers and ultimately boost your sales. Try using some of these strategies so you can maximize your offer.

Here are some additional resources for you as you prepare for the holiday season.

Take the 3-Day Holiday Offer Challenge (available through January 31, 2025) >

Product-Based Offerings to Sell Online this Holiday Season >

How to Choose & Implement Your Online Holiday Offer as a Service-Based Business >

Remember that building relationships with your customers is always the first step as a small business, but going a step further by putting on your sales strategist hat can make it your most profitable year yet!

Your designer friend always,