Don't miss out! The 2013 holiday shopping season has 6 fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas than in 2012. That smaller window of opportunity means you need to act early.

What Do the Stats Tell Us?

National Retail Federation reports that 20 to 40 percent of yearly sales for small and mid-sized retailers take place within the last two months of the year.

A Twitter-commissioned survey of 2,000 U.S. holiday shoppers showed that 64% of respondents said they have bought a product because of something they saw on Twitter. And, those holiday shopping conversations start early!

According to Crowdtap, 65% of shoppers tap social media looking for the perfect gift. 

So What Can You Do?

5 Ways to Prepare Your Facebook Page for the Holidays

1. Holiday-themed cover photos
2. Holiday-themed profile photo
3. Seasonal social campaigns (remember you can now use Timeline to run promotions, but we still recommend using a third-party app like Antavo)
4. Decorate your app thumbnails
5. Schedule holiday-related ads (with holiday imagery)
> See the full post from Social Media Examiner

You could also add a Like-Gate to a Facebook tab for something related to holidays. Shortstack, for example, is offering a free download of their Holiday Ideas eBook in exchange for a LIKE on Facebook. They are also making a charitable donation to Make a Wish Foundation for every download.

ShortStack FREE Facebook Holiday Idea eBook

1. Facebook ideas to implement during the holidays
2. The advantages of using a third-party app platform
3. 12 holiday-themed Facebook app ideas
4. A step-by-step guide to building a Facebook holiday app
5. A contact list of Shortstack's 11 social media expert contributors 
> Get the ShortStack Holiday ebook here

Ready for mobile?

84% of shoppers use smartphones as in-store shopping companions. Furthermore, 1/3 use their phones for product research rather than talking to an employee. Start by understanding mobile visitor traffic to your website with this checklist and guide from Distilled.net
 

Facebook Is Great But Don't Forget Email!

Holiday Promotional Emails: 5 Design Rules to Follow

1. Subtle is best
2. Make your messages clear and easy to read
3. Let your website do the heavy lifting
4. Use good marketing principles
5. Pick a style and stick to it
> See the full post

More Holiday Tips

• Hosting a holiday event? Email the invitations at least 1 month in advance!
• Consumers research before heading out to do holiday shopping. Make sure your products and services are easy to discover online, via email promotions or targeted social media ads.
• Don't oversend to your list. If they are used to once a month, don't start peppering them with holiday messages.
• Create “gift idea” boards on Pinterest.
• If your customer database includes addresses, turn the most popular Pinterest images from your boards into a holiday postcard.
• Small business? Think about what you have to offer that the big box stores don't. Highlight what makes your products or store experience unique.

It's Not All Reindeer and Santa Claus

Plan Your Post-Holiday Strategy

• End-of-season deal-seekers: Create a deal that’s presented only to your email contacts and features popular items, not just clearance specials. Create an incentive so customers will share it with friends.
• Customers returning merchandise: When customers are buying a holiday gift, combine information about your return policy on the receipt along with a special offer for new email subscribers or social media fans and followers.

> Get more tips for engaging with deal seekers and customers returning merchandise

1-Minute Marketing

Cool Corporate Gift Ideas
 

Holiday Landing Page Metrics