Run this Digital Checklist for Your Business Now Before the Holiday Rush

Yes, it’s still technically summer, but once that holiday ball gets rolling, you know it’s just going to bowl you over. Take time now to check that your online presence is prepared.

Update the basics and schedule changes

Start with your own business website to be sure your name, address, and phone number are listed correctly. Are there other ways to reach you, such as an email address, contact form, or chatbot? Test to confirm that each is working like it’s supposed to, or add a way for customers to contact you if there isn’t one now.

Take a look at your Google Business Profile. (Not every business qualifies, but if you have a storefront or an area of service, you are eligible and definitely should claim your GBP.) Check that the listed NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is correct, add new photos or content, and respond to any reviews.

Review your social profiles, too, for accuracy. Your business name should be exactly the same everywhere. If you use “My Business, Inc.” in one profile, don’t leave the “Inc.” off in another. Also, correctly list your hours of operation on your website, GBP, and socials. If the hours will change during the holiday season, add a calendar item for yourself so you can update the info online.

Plan your marketing and set a timetable

Don’t wait until the last minute to whip out a half-hearted marketing campaign. Start now with a plan and a list of what you’ll need to implement your plan successfully.

Will you be running an email campaign? Be sure your chosen email tool can provide the service you need. Is there a complementary snail mail component? Remember to build in time for printing, publishing, or delivery. And remember, whether your marketing material is digital or physical, you’ll need good content and design, both of which take time and effort.

Prepare current sales channels and maybe offer more

If customers can buy from you online, be sure the inventory listings are up to date. Test out the purchase process to get perspective from the customer’s point of view. Is the sales process intuitive? Can it be streamlined even more? What if a user doesn’t complete the purchase? “Abandoned cart” systems can be quite successful in getting customers back on track.

Not every business has or needs an online store with inventory, but nearly every business can sell a gift certificate for their products or service. Especially during the holiday season, folks are looking for unusual and useful gifts, things they might not otherwise buy for someone else. Think outside of the box:  How about a one-hour financial consultation for your recent graduate? Or a mulch delivery for mom in the spring?

Gift certificates have the additional advantage of being something people can purchase last minute and print themselves or email to the recipient. But you’ll need to set it up beforehand so it’s tracked and redeemed appropriately, and designed with a little flair.

The time is now to prepare your digital presence for a successful holiday season. Don’t let this year be another “shoulda/woulda/coulda” because you got too busy to implement your great ideas! Need help putting it all together? Let the Sprocket team take over some of these tasks, from website updates to building your online presence. Contact us today to learn more.

Photo by Anat Landa

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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Full biography

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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