Whatever your business or organization’s approach to the window between Thanksgiving and the New Year, one thing is certain: it’s a key time to connect with your market. But just because the heat is on to make an impact with your audience in a meaningful way, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. We can help – and it’s not too late to get your year-end message out to your people in the most impactful way for them and you.

Here are four seasonal tips for you and your organization to make the most of the holiday season:

1) ‘Tis the season for newsletters

In a sea of emails leading up to and during the holidays, good design and good practice become more important than ever. We specialize in custom newsletter design and coding, whether it’s a special one-time designed and branded newsletter or creation of a template that can be used throughout the year to reach your audience. Newsletters can be used to:

• Touch base directly with your network in a fun and easy way
• Communicate short, sweet wishes for the holidays and the New Year
• Provide helpful tips
• Remind people of your company and/or announce new services or special deals
• Thank your supporters and clients

2) Help your ecommerce site take off

Heading into the gift-giving season is obviously a busy time for any business or organization with an ecommerce presence. Ensure your site is optimized to make the most of this time. Here are some ideas for a smooth and successful holiday season:

• Offer discounts, free shipping, a gift with purchase or special products and services; promote with a newsletter, on social media or a lightbox on the homepage of your site.
• Get your most popular products front and center by revamping your product landing page and homepage to make purchasing easy and seamless for your audience.
• Determine your shipping and fulfillment limitations and schedule and make it clear on your site.
• Follow up with users who have abandoned their cart and encourage them to complete their purchase (learn more here)

3) Tap into your nonprofit donors

Appeal to your supporters before the end of the year. Here are some ways to get your message in front of your audience and help you stand out in a sea of appeals for support:

• Giving Tuesday is November 29. Speak to your supporters in advance with a newsletter that summarizes your efforts and contains a large donate button to take users directly to your donation form.
• Optimize your website’s “donate” button in the global header to temporarily call attention to the importance of year-end support.
• Update your homepage with a temporary lightbox or slide that calls attention to your efforts and contains a prominent button for easy donation.
• Is your donation form optimized for seamless and easy donation? Consider updating your donation experience to allow for one-time or recurring donations with a form that is simple and effective.
• Consider integrating the #GivingTuesday logo into your social media profile photo and graphics. This will make it obvious to everyone that you’re participating. People donate 38% more on branded pages compared to generic pages.

4) Leverage your social network

Speak directly and effectively to your audience with an effective and fun social media campaign. Here are just a few ideas for year-end messaging:

• Create a branded social media campaign that offers information that your audience can use. For example, 12 days of financial tips, weekly reminders for ways to stay calm during the holidays, daily campaign to share stories that illustrate how your organization has made an impact.
• Use social media to promote sales, secret discounts and limited time offers. Use your website to encourage your audience to follow you on social media for these special offers.
• Create beautiful, subtly branded inspirational quotes or tips in order to share your brand story and connect more deeply with your audience.

5) Bonus: Check out these additional holiday resources from some our favorite brands!

• MailChimp Holiday Guide 2016 »
• WooCommerce 2016 Holiday Tips »
• Giving Tuesday »
• Small Business Saturday Tips »
• Create Your Own Small Business Saturday Graphics! »