The holiday season is a critical time for local businesses. For many struggling brick-and-mortar storefronts in Hemet and San Jacinto, this may be your last chance to turn things around before you have to close your doors for good in 2025.
You’re already running on a tight budget, so it’s understandable that you don’t have extra cash lying around for marketing. But if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort, you can increase your chances of showing up in local Google searches and impressing locals when they arrive at your door.
This quick guide gives you 10 cheap, if not free, DIY marketing tactics that can have a fast impact on driving local foot traffic and boosting your sales for the 2024 holiday season.
10 Cheap DIY Marketing Tactics to Boost Local Foot Traffic
Here are some budget-friendly tactics to bring in more physical foot traffic to your brick-and-mortar location, whether you sell goods or provide local services:
1. Set Up a Festive Window Display
Capture attention with a holiday-themed display that showcases your best-selling items. A simple but eye-catching setup can make your store stand out and invite customers inside.
2. Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Make sure your hours, contact information, and holiday promotions are updated on Google My Business. An optimized profile can help your business show up in local holiday searches and bring in more foot traffic.
3. Offer Ready-Made Gift Bundles
Simplify shopping for your customers by creating affordable, themed gift bundles. Highlight these bundles in-store and online to draw in holiday shoppers.
4. Host Flash Sales or Pop-Up Promotions
Flash sales create urgency and attract immediate interest. Plan a few pop-up promotions or limited-time discounts to generate buzz and drive customers to your store.
5. Encourage Social Media @Mentions
Offer a small incentive for customers who post about their shopping experience on social media. Word-of-mouth online is a powerful (and free) way to expand your reach with a simple tagged mention.
6. Refresh Your In-Store Signage
Updated signage, especially with holiday themes, can guide customers and highlight seasonal promotions. Make sure signage is festive, clear, and directs attention to key areas.
7. Partner with Nearby Businesses
Cross-promote with complementary businesses to attract a wider customer base. Joint events, shared discounts, or gift bundles can help bring in more foot traffic for both businesses.
8. Offer Thoughtful Extras
Stand out by offering services like free gift wrapping, curbside pickup, or a holiday card with purchases. Small, thoughtful touches can leave a lasting impression and encourage repeat visits.
9. Run a Holiday Giveaway
Giveaways are an effective, low-cost way to attract attention and get customers excited about your store. Choose a prize that resonates with your audience and promote it in-store and online.
10. Get Listed in Local Directories
Make sure your business is listed on directories like Valley Local Pages to increase visibility in local searches. Shoppers are more likely to find you when they search for local stores, especially if your holiday promotions are highlighted.
Take a Deep Dive This Holiday Season 2024
These strategies are straightforward, cheap, and tailored for small businesses looking to stand out this holiday season. Equip your business with the tools it needs to thrive this holiday season and make 2025 your best year yet!
For a deeper dive into each tactic and actionable steps to start implementing them, check out our new ebook, Holiday Survival Guide for Hemet and San Jacinto Brick-and-Mortars: 10 Low-Cost Marketing Tactics to Bring Local Shoppers to Your Door.
