'Tis the season for shopping, and what better way to support your community than by shopping locally? Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and when you shop local, you're not only supporting hardworking entrepreneurs—you're also helping to strengthen the local economy. From the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, here's how to make sure your holiday shop local campaign is a success.
What You Can Do To Give Back During the Holidays
One of the best ways to show your customers that you care about giving back to the community is by hosting a holiday drive. You can collect donations of food, toys, or clothes for a local charity, or even raise money for a good cause. Whatever you do, make sure to promote it heavily both in-store and online—customers love feeling like they're supporting a good cause when they shop with you.
Start a Holiday Shopping Local Campaign
Once you've decided how you're going to give back this holiday season, it's time to start planning your campaign. If you're not sure where to start, don't worry—we've got you covered. Here are a few tips:
1. Create eye-catching graphics that convey the message of your campaign.
2. Use social media to spread the word—and don't forget to use relevant hashtags!
3. Make sure your website is up-to-date and includes information about your campaign.
4. Put up flyers and posters around town to generate buzz.
5. Plan some fun in-store events—customers love getting into the holiday spirit!
6. And last but not least, don't forget to send out email blasts and Holiday cards!
Promote Your Campaign Around Town
Now that your campaign is up and running, it's time to start promoting it! Here are a few ideas:
1. Write a blog post about why shopping locally is important (like this one!).
2. Make a video about your campaign and post it on social media and your website.
3. Reach out to local news outlets and see if they'll do a story on your campaign.
4. collaborate with other local businesses—the more the merrier!
5. Get creative—the sky's the limit when it comes to promoting your campaign!
Entice Customers to Shop Locally
Nothing gets people in the mood to shop like some good old-fashioned competition! One way to incentivize shopping locally during the holidays is by holding a contest or raffle with prizes that can only be redeemed at local businesses. You can tie this into your customer loyalty program. You can also offer discounts or coupons for customers who shop with you during a certain period of time—just make sure that you promote it heavily so people know about it!
Consider creating a gift guide to help customers find the best gifts for those on their lists. You can easily create a Word document with a useful list featuring your products. Then turn your document into a PDF file with an online converter. That will make it easier to share online and in marketing material.
Businesses Supporting Businesses this Holiday Season
What's better than one successful business? Two successful businesses working together! This holiday season, reach out to other local businesses in your area and see if there are any joint marketing opportunities or events that you can participate in together. Customers love seeing businesses supporting each other, and it's a great way to get new eyes on your business.
The holidays are fast approaching, which means now is the perfect time to start planning your shop local campaign! By following these tips, you're sure to make your campaign a success—and who knows? You might even inspire other businesses in your community to start their own campaigns! So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Grow your business by building relationships with other local entrepreneurs and accessing unique resources offered by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce. Join us today!
