Your blog is a great place to let customers know you are a source for all of their holiday needs.
‘Tis the season to market online and position your business as the go-to place for great gift ideas, according to Susan Friesen of the website Business to Community.
“Shoppers are flocking online in search of gift giving ideas,” Friesen explained, in a post filled with ideas on how to better leverage social media and your website to attract those holiday shoppers. “According to Mashable, 65 percent of shoppers tap social media looking for the perfect gift … and two out of three shoppers purchased a gift they found via social media.”
One area you don’t want to neglect during this busy season: your blog. That’s especially true in the first weeks of December (yep — right about now) when customers are still researching gift ideas and looking to experts (you) for info and advice.
Friesen’s suggestions for holiday blogs include:
Post Reviews. “If you offer one of the hot new products of the season, consider writing and posting a review about it on your blog,” Friesen said. “You could mention your own offerings that would be a great gift accompaniment.” (Looking for “hot new products” with some obvious floral tie-ins? Check out must-have home décor gift lists from Elle Décor, Overstock, Target, and, if you’re feeling really fancy, Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Gift Guide, which this year features a $5,000 vase by the artist Jeff Koons.)
Suggest Stocking Stuffers. “Help idea stumped shoppers by offering suggestions for small items for everyone on their shopping list,” Friesen wrote. “Write a blog post with the hottest stocking stuffers for the season. Share daily stocking stuffer ideas on social media using hashtags like: #beststockingstuffers2016 #cheapstockingstuffers #stockingstuffersforwomen.”
Reward Loyalty. “Offer to give a gift card to a randomly selected customer caught posting a picture or video with your product on social media,” Friesen suggested. “Set up a campaign having them use a special hash tag like #christmascountdown. This can help your promotional campaigns to go viral as customers share on their timeline and family/friends see their post.”
Share the Spirit. “Engage your customers by asking them their favorite holiday tradition,” she said. “Get people to interact with your brand by asking them to share.” Friesen’s ideas include:
- Beloved family holiday recipes (in a follow-up post, offer centerpiece suggestions to complement the meals)
- DIY Christmas decorating tips (be sure to weigh in on classes or materials you have that could help people put their ideas into action)
- Easy gift wrapping suggestions (a great spot to note any merchandise you have for one-of-a-kind packaging)
