As soon as October hits, the word “Christmas” starts floating around in business circles—and for many of us small business owners, it instantly triggers a bit of panic.
You don’t actually need every single detail mapped out right now, but here are four quick steps you could take today to start moving in the right direction:
Define your Core Message
Here’s the think, you don’t actually have to know the specifics in order to start working on your Christmas plan. Just like how people who are already starting their Christmas might not yet know if Christmas is happening at their house or elsewhere yet. The core elements will stay the same either way.
For example, as I write this in early October, I can safely say that I have no idea what my December plan is – honestly, I don’t even know for sure where I’ll be living. I know I will likely bring back the Ace Christmas Collab but I’ve yet to sit down and plan what that will actually look like this year. But what I do know is that January is always a popular month for inquiries – so my main focus leading up to January needs to be staying at the front of people’s minds.
That is my core message, that is what I need to base my plan on.
TASK:
Put the kettle on, find somewhere to sit for a little while and define what your core message for the end of year needs to be.
Audit your Page / Profile
While we focus on creating content, it can be easy to forget to maintain our page or profile. This isn’t just a background space – it’s the first landing page a potential customer gets to. How easy is it to navigate? Is it really working towards your goals? Is your Core Message obvious?
TASK:
Download this free checklist and give your page or profile a little TLC.
Start mentioning Christmas
It’s not too early to start mentioning Christmas. I know lots of people who’ve already started their Christmas shopping. And here’s the thing: they haven’t started to worry about the budget yet, they are just buying things because they know it’s right.
But mentioning Christmas doesn’t have to be super salesy – especially if you’re a service-based business without any special Christmas Offers. It could be simply reminding people how much time is left between now and then – it’s an easy timeframe for people to understand. It could be sharing your views on seeing so much Christmas stuff in the supermarkets already. It could be sharing what you’re most looking forward to.
TASK:
Search ‘Christmas’ on social media and find a post that makes you think ‘I like that approach, I could do that’.
Plan for the end of the year
The last seven weeks of the year can be really powerful. For some, it’s an opportunity to make a load of sales before Christmas (and once people have some Christmas money to spend). For others, it’s a time to have some fun, to show the human side of the business and to get remembered.
Your plan can be flexible. Your plan doesn’t commit you. Your plan gives you the freedom to post about the things you want to and takes the pressure off.
TASK:
Check out the Core Content Kit to see how we can help you plan and create your core content for the last 7-weeks of the year.
I help passionate small business owners with their social media so that they can create a powerful and supportive space to promote their business.
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