Budget-Friendly, 2025 Holiday Marketing Strategy In New England

The 2025 holiday season presents a major opportunity for New England businesses, especially with the surge of shoppers frequenting local events and going out of their homes. According to the National Retail Federation, a total of 129.5 million consumers shopped in-store during the weekend after this past Thanksgiving, which is a 3% increase from 126 million in 2024. It stands to reason that the number will grow for the Christmas season as well. Seasonal gift market pop-ups, contests, giveaways, activities - you name it - they're all taking place this time of year, and businesses who take advantage of them will definitely feel positive results. This is the one time of year where almost ever consumer is actually LOOKING to do business! With this in mind, every organization needs some sort of digital marketing strategy.

What's A Good Place To Start?

If you're struggling to take the first step, keep it simple, free and logical. This time of year more than ever, people are Googling the best places for what they need. Because of this, having an optimized Google Business Profile is essential. During the holidays, shoppers are actively searching for nearby businesses with products in stock, keeping their eyes open for updated hours, and clear offerings of what your business can provide. Ensuring your profile is accurate, visually engaging, and regularly updated with posts, photos, and holiday copy helps your business appear in local searches when it matters most. People are attracted to visual appeal and good reviews, so having an interesting, up to date, Google Business Profile with at least a few positive reviews is essential.

What About From an In-Store Standpoint?

I recommend finding a way to offer some sort of value to your customers, whether it's through discounts received upon signing up for an email list, a loyalty rewards program, or simply offering helpful holiday guides, exclusive seasonal bundles, limited-time services, and/or tips. Mailchimp is an easy to use, free email campaign software popular among businesses that implement these types of systems. Ultimately, customers want you to solve a problem or make shopping easier. You'll engage far more people if your outreach is directed away from simply trying to sell, and to do this some sort of value HAS to be provided.