Is Your Business Holiday Ready? Here are 9 helpful tips:
Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Labour Day or Anzac weekend, holidays can cause disruption for businesses of every shape and size. From reduced hours and limited staff to shifting customer expectations and delivery hiccups, there’s a lot to consider when preparing your business for a break.
Planning ahead makes all the difference, and the earlier, the better. Whether you need fresh signage, an updated website, a seasonal promotion or a whole holiday campaign, Nettl can help you get it sorted. We’ve pulled together a list of 9 practical tips to make sure you’re ready for the next holiday, no matter the season.
The best part, we can support you with everything below, from design through to online updates, print and delivery.
Get in touch with your local Nettl studio for a chat.
Tip 1. Update your business hours
Will you be closed for a few days? Running a skeleton crew? Starting later or closing earlier than usual? Let your customers know before they find themselves peering through your windows, wondering where you are.
Think about updating your:
- Website with a special landing page
- In-store signage with clear new opening times
- Social media posts in the lead-up
- Google Business Profile hours
- Email signatures with the holiday notice
Even if your hours aren’t changing much, being transparent builds trust and helps customers plan their visit – we’ve all been that person who turns up to a business only to find it closed right?
Consistent updates across all platforms will prevent confusion and keep foot traffic and online orders flowing.
Tip 2. Have an emergency backup contact
If something comes up while you’re away, is it clear who to call? Whether it’s a support line, after-hours number or backup staff member, don’t leave your clients guessing.
You can notify them via:
- Website banners or popups
- Pre-scheduled social media posts
- Email newsletters or autoresponders
- Posters or handouts for in-store visitors
Clear communication gives customers confidence and reduces the chance of missed opportunities. Even if your services pause during the holiday, a helpful point of contact can make all the difference in maintaining strong relationships. Your clients most likely won’t mind, they just need to know.
Tip 3. Display changes to delivery services for both customers and suppliers
Have you thought about delivery and courier notices?
If your store or office normally receives packages, stock or client drop-offs, you’ll need to communicate any changes clearly. Couriers, suppliers and customers all appreciate a heads-up.
Solutions might include:
- Window decals or printed signage near entrances
- Digital notices on your website or email footers
- Branded flyers or postcards sent in advance
Taking the time to notify people of altered delivery times can prevent missed shipments and unnecessary delays. It also shows that you value the time and effort of the businesses and individuals you work with – it is just as important as yours.
Tip 4. Promote your holiday offers
Are you running any holiday promotions? Public holidays are a prime time for a marketing campaign boost. It could be an in-store sale or an online promo. You’ll need to make sure it’s visible across all platforms.
Consider:
- Landing pages with festive banners
- Scheduled social media graphics
- Printed flyers or postcards for mail drops
- In-store posters or table tents to draw attention
Holiday-specific promotions tap into seasonal spending habits, creating urgency and excitement. In this day and age, people expect there will be some sort of sale over a long break, so get in on that action!
The more channels you use to promote your offer, the more likely it is to reach customers before the break.
Tip 5. Plan for Black Friday
Have you thought about Black Friday?
One of the biggest retail events of the year, Black Friday is your chance to stand out online with a deal worth shouting about. Even if you’re not a retail store, you can run a special promotion or offer to take advantage of the buzz.
Think about:
- eCommerce websites or product landing pages
- Online or printed coupons and QR codes
- Ad designs and email campaigns
- Printed collateral that links to your online offers
Starting early gives you time to build anticipation and ensure your offer is polished and compelling. Black Friday shoppers are ready to buy, trust us! The key is making sure they see your deal first.
Tip 6. Organise client gifts for your top customers
Have you got gifts for your top customers?
Loyal customers love a thoughtful thank you. A branded Christmas card, a small corporate gift or a personalised discount voucher goes a long way toward building lasting relationships.
Need ideas? Try:
- Greeting cards with handwritten touches
- Branded promotional gifts or calendars
- Thank-you vouchers or printed coupons
- Gift vouchers or festive packaging and branded wrapping paper
A well-timed gesture not only shows appreciation but also strengthens loyalty into the year ahead. It’s a small investment with a big potential return. Holiday periods are crazy busy too, so you need to plan ahead to get that perfect little something sorted.
Tip 7. Update your signage
Get your workspace holiday-ready with signage that adds festive cheer and informs at the same time. Whether you’re after something subtle or full-on Christmas sparkle, well-placed signage can transform the atmosphere.
Options include:
- Posters and point-of-sale signs
- Window decals and door vinyls
- Fabric walls and event displays
- Wallplanners for the new year ahead
Updating signage regularly keeps your branding fresh and relevant, helping customers feel welcomed and engaged the moment they arrive.
Tip 8. Plan some holiday events
Have you thought about hosting an end-of-year celebration for your team or customers, or maybe having a pop-up exhibition event, or a stall at a summer festival or market – make sure it’s well communicated. First impressions count and good design adds a professional polish to any event.
Consider:
- Printed invitations and RSVP cards
- Digital invites and email campaigns
- Event pages or booking forms on your website
- Social media banners and scheduling
- Branded merch, gifts and bags to giveaway
- Fabric booths, counters and product display stands
From themed décor to branded giveaways, a well-organised event is a great way to say ‘See you soon’ while it carries your brand into the new year with positivity and momentum.
Tip 9. Make a plan for the Year Ahead
Use the holiday break as a springboard into the year ahead. What are your marketing goals for the next 12 months? Are you thinking a rebrand? a new website? or a print campaign? Starting now means you can launch with impact.
Ideas to kickstart planning:
- Annual marketing calendars
- Social media content planning
- Email marketing and automation
- New product campaigns
- Printed collateral for every quarter
Laying the groundwork early gives you a competitive edge and ensures your campaigns are ready to go when your audience is most receptive. Planning in advance means you are not running around like a headless chicken the weekend before an important date, trying to sort everything out.
Need help getting holiday ready?
Whatever your business needs – it could be signage, it could be leaflets or landing pages, or even marketing emails, Nettl can help you stay one step ahead this holiday season and beyond.
Let’s get planning.
