The holiday season is typically busy, whether you run a retail business or a service-based one. If you’re not helping shoppers, you’re helping your clients fit in their appointments before year end. There’s a lot to do and the time passes quickly.

Take this opportunity to show clients and customers how much you appreciate their business. After all, it’s less expensive to retain existing clients than it is to attract new ones. And, while every day is the right day to show your customers you care, the holidays might have more meaning because people often feel stressed and need a kind word or two.

Read on for some helpful ways to reach out to your customers in December so they keep you top of mind throughout the entire year.

Send a card

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Tried and true, a holiday card goes a long way.

Let clients know you appreciate their business and look forward to serving them in the future. If your last interaction with that client was a while ago, a card will remind them that you’re here. If they’re regulars, they’ll appreciate the gesture.

A physical card in the mail is best, but an email works, too. If you have a split of clients who are regulars and those who come in occasionally, consider more personal cards for those you’re closest with.

Send a gift

Feel free to get creative with this one. If your business has samples to mail or give away in store, use those. You could also offer a compelling promotion during the holiday season, no matter what type of business you’re in.

If customers typically buy from you online, surprise them with a bonus free sample, or free shipping.

If your business is service-based, surprise them with a digital resource as a way to say hello. Bonus points if it’s relevant to the holiday season.

Send gift suggestions

It can be difficult for customers to choose gifts to buy for all their loved ones. That’s where you can help.

If you sell physical goods, suggest items their loved ones would appreciate. Email gift guides are great, as are lists of your most popular products. Feel free to recommend products from other companies you love as well.

Service-based businesses can get in on this, too. Send an engaging email or create a social media campaign with suggestions for the holiday season. Accountants might send ideas for helping clients to stay on budget as they shop, while personal shoppers might suggest reasons why customers should treat their loved ones.

You know your audience best, so help them out with strategies to get through the season, and maybe make gift giving a little less stressful.

Hold a giveaway

Giveaways are an effective way to engage with your customers, both online and in-store.

A giveaway held on social media gives you the chance to show off your products or services while asking for true engagement with your post. It’s a fun way to extend your reach and get more people involved with your brand.

Service-based companies can give away a consultation or a treatment – whatever is relevant to the business. Those with physical goods can obviously choose to gift an item.

The winner will be delighted. If you want, you can offer a discount to everyone else who participates so they come away with something, too. Just make sure you alert your customers to the giveaway, through email, social media, and blog posts.

Send notifications about your holiday hours

No matter what route you decide to take, make sure you inform your audience about any changes to your hours. It would be disappointing for someone to show up at your storefront during the holidays only to find that you’re closed for a week. On the other hand, if you’re open longer hours during the holiday rush make sure your clients and customers know about it.

This is also a great opportunity to remind them to get their orders in or book appointments early.

Offer a way to give back to the community

This is a great way to drive engagement while also doing some real good. Provide a way to give back this holiday season. Hold a promotion where 10% of sales go to charity, or put on an event to drive donations to the food bank.

Ask yourself how your business can help your local community and your customers and clients are sure to hop on board.

Final Thoughts

There are many logistical reasons to get in touch during the holidays, but it’s also a great way to meaningfully engage with your customers. Spread good cheer this holiday season while being informative and helpful, and they’re sure to keep you in mind.