10 Intentional Ways to Get a Jump Start on Holiday Revenue

November 17, 2025

Traditionally, marketers at this time of year are busy trying to attract Black Friday and other shoppers in the days right after Thanksgiving. But thanks to the uptick in pre-Black Friday sales, today’s customers are shopping earlier than ever, spreading out their spending and looking for ways to avoid the December scramble. In fact, nearly half of U.S. shoppers now begin their holiday shopping before Black Friday.


That means November isn’t just the warm-up. It’s your time to shine. With a few smart strategies, you can pull in customers before the big-box stores roll out their doorbusters and get a head start on holiday profits. Here are a few ways to catch shoppers’ attention:

 

1. Create a “Pre-Holiday Perk” Campaign


Position early shopping as something special. Give early birds their own exclusive event—like “Thankful for You” week or a “Pre-Holiday VIP Preview.”


Offer perks such as:

  • An early access sale with limited quantities
  • Complimentary gift wrapping for purchases before Thanksgiving
  • Bonus loyalty points or small freebies with purchase


Use phrases like “Avoid the rush—shop early and save more” or “Holiday magic starts now” to build urgency and show shoppers what’s in it for them.

 

2. Partner With Neighboring Businesses


Join forces with nearby retailers, restaurants, and service providers to create a walkable or online “Shop Early, Shop Local” trail.

Each participating business could offer something small (like a $5 coupon or treat) for visitors. when customers visit.


This drives traffic as it reinforces community spirit and keeps dollars circulating locally.


3. Launch a “Grateful Giving” Promotion


People love to feel generous in November. Tap into that with a cause-driven sale. Donate a percentage of early purchases to a local charity, food pantry, or school project or participate in a toy drive and give a special discount to those who donate to it.


For example:

  • A bakery could donate a loaf to a shelter or needy family for every dozen cookies sold.
  • A restaurant could give a portion of sales on one night to a nonprofit.


When shoppers know their purchase gives back, they’re more likely to buy early and buy more.

 

4. Bundle for the Busy Buyer


Many shoppers are looking for quick, ready-to-give solutions. Create themed bundles that save them time and make you stand out.

Think:

  • “Cozy Night In” kits (candles, cocoa, and socks)
  • “Local Taste Tour” boxes with hometown treats
  • “Grill Master” or “Self-Care Sunday” sets


Display them prominently and promote them as limited pre-holiday offers. Bonus: they make for great social media photos.

 

5. Host an Experience, Not Just a Sale


Before the crowds hit, give people a reason to linger. Host a small in-store event, tasting, or workshop tied to the season:

  • A “Holiday Decorating Tips” night at a home store
  • A “Sip & Style” event at a boutique
  • A “Pie Pairing” session at a café or winery


Offer special pricing to attendees or a first look at holiday items. Events like these encourage people to shop early and to shop locally again later.

 

6. Reward the “Early Elves”


Give a little something extra to those who shop before Thanksgiving. A small thank-you, like a coupon for their next visit in December, keeps them coming back.


For instance: “Shop in November and get a $10 gift card to use in December.” It’s an easy, low-cost way to extend your holiday revenue window.

 

7. Promote Your November Hours and Offers Early


Don’t assume customers know you’re ready for the holidays. Tell them! Use every channel you can: social media, window signs, email, and your Google Business Profile. (Don’t forget to tell us too!)


Include photos of gift displays, new arrivals, or holiday décor to set the mood. And if you’ll have special hours around Thanksgiving week, post them early. One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make during this time of year is not communicating hours (or assuming because you posted once, that was enough). Many people shop online because they simply assume their favorite local store isn’t open when they want to shop. While that may be the case some of the time (no one in retail is staying open until 1:00 am just in case someone feels the need to shop), if you are extending your hours for the holiday season make sure everyone in town knows.

 

8. Lean Into Gratitude Messaging


November is naturally about giving thanks so it’s a great marketing theme. Share posts thanking your loyal customers, featuring favorite local places or other businesses, or highlighting team members.


People are more likely to support a business that feels human and heartfelt. Gratitude builds trust, and trust leads to sales.

 

9. Offer Early Access to Gift Cards or Experiences


Gift cards are the unsung hero of early holiday marketing. Promote them as stress-free gifts before Thanksgiving with a small incentive: “Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 for yourself.”


Restaurants, spas, and service businesses can pair cards with small add-ons—like a dessert, a product sample, or a digital thank-you card featuring local art.


If you don’t have your own gift card program, become a participating merchant in ours. <chambers with a local gift card, insert your info here>

 

10. Market to the “Planners and Procrastinators”


Create messaging that speaks to both types of shoppers. For planners: emphasize peace of mind and avoiding the rush. For procrastinators: highlight easy solutions and limited availability.

Example captions:

  • “The best gifts don’t wait until December.”
  • “Plan ahead, shop now, and then relax while everyone else stands in line.”

 

November is full of potential for small businesses willing to act early. That’s why we started Small Business Season on November 1st. Remember, we’re here to help promote your events, amplify your message, and connect you with other local businesses doing the same. Together, we can make Small Business Season the highlight of the year. 


Read More:

A Small Business Survival Guide for the Holidays

By Lauren Batchelor • November 17, 2025
We’re fast approaching the time of year where it can like you’re running a marathon on a tightrope. Customers need attention. Promotions are queued up to be launched (or designed). Your inventory is giving you nightmares and you have huge goals for the end of the year. And you’re supposed to stay cheerful, strategic, and somehow well-rested through it all. But the problem isn’t your big aspirations for 2026, nor does the problem lie in trying to solve the things you can’t control. It’s your habits. James Clear’s Atomic Habits reminds us that meaningful results come from the small, repeatable choices we make every day. During the holidays, those tiny decisions are the difference between burnout and breakthrough. When you build systems that work even when you’re tired, distracted, or knee-deep in ribbon, the season gets lighter and your business gets stronger. Here’s how to apply some of Clear’s most practical ideas to help you not just survive the holiday season, but launch into January with invincible momentum. Start with a 1% Mindset One percent doesn’t sound like much until you stack it day after day. You don’t have to reinvent your business. You don’t need a perfect storefront, flawless offers, or an Instagram grid that looks like a lifestyle magazine. Instead, choose one area to improve just slightly. Take that one small step toward your goal. Maybe it’s tightening up your email promo schedule. Maybe it’s creating a smoother checkout flow. Maybe it’s something as simple as promising yourself (and following through on) a good night’s rest for the next month. Small refinements reduce stress and increase sales. They also remind you that progress is happening, even in chaos. Re-design Your Environment Clear says our surroundings often shape our behavior more than our motivation does. This is especially true during the holidays when the pace is high and attention is scattered. Look around your space with strategic eyes. If your workspace feels cluttered, simplify it. If your best seasonal products aren’t visible at first glance, elevate them. If your team keeps losing pens, square readers, bags, or bows, create a “holiday command center” with everything in one place. Tiny environmental shifts create smoother systems. And smoother systems prevent those frantic moments when you’re internally screaming, “Where did we put the gift bags?!” Build Habits That Support Your Busiest Days The season is unpredictable, so anchor your day with predictable habits. A few anchors to consider: • A 5-minute morning reset, before opening or seeing clients • A quick end-of-day review: what sold, what slowed down, what needs restocking, what got clicks, what impact on our customers did we see? • A customer-touch habit: one message, one email, or one thank-you note daily • A “two-minute tidy” before leaving (your future self will adore you) Consistency creates stability. When everything else feels like holiday improv, these anchors act like rhythm lines on the page. Use Systems, not Willpower If you remember nothing else from this article…pay attention… Willpower gets weaker when you get tired. Systems don’t. If you want to post consistently on social media, schedule a week’s worth of content on one calmer afternoon. If you want to upsell a holiday special, script one clear line for every team member. If you want to stay on top of inventory, set an alarm that reminds you to check key items before the weekend rush. During the holidays, systems carry you when energy can’t. Make Good Habits Easy and Bad Habits Harder Clear’s “make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, make it satisfying” formula is your season’s secret weapon. Want your team to use the upsell script? Keep it taped near the register or near each desk. Want customers to sign up for your loyalty program? Put the QR code where people naturally pause and that can be more than one spot. Want to stop scrolling between transactions? Keep your phone in a drawer. Design beats discipline every time. Don’t Forget Identity: Who Are You Becoming This Season? In Atomic Habits, Clear says outcomes come from identity. While you’re navigating the busiest weeks of the year, take a breath and remember who you are as a leader. · Are you the business that handles crowds with warmth? · The business that makes people feel good? · The business that takes care of its team so they can take care of customers? When you anchor yourself in identity, your choices shift. You show up differently. You communicate more intentionally. You prioritize what matters instead of chasing every glitter-coated opportunity. And your customers feel it. Give Yourself Permission to Rest This sounds counterintuitive in a season that thrives on hustle, but rest is productivity’s partner. Clear reminds us that habits compound. That includes bad ones like exhaustion, resentment, and skipping meals. Take care of yourself the way you take care of your customers. Breaks aren’t indulgent; they’re fuel. Let the Season Shape You—Without Steamrolling You You don’t need massive change. You need micro-moves that create calm, clarity, and steady revenue. If you build the right habits now, January stops being a “recovery month” and becomes a runway. Your systems will be tighter. Your team will be stronger. And you’ll have proof that even small businesses can thrive in big seasons.  Read More: 16 Questions to Use to Prepare for Small Business Season Success How to Protect Your Peace During the Busiest Season in Business ------------- Christina Metcalf is a ghostwriter and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and remain top of mind. She is the author of six books including her recent non-fiction book The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Getting Your Business Holiday Ready in 5 Simple Steps

November 10, 2025
It’s officially that time of year where you have to keep looking at the calendar because it’s so hard to believe how quickly time is going or as we like to say—it’s Blurvember. The holidays have a way of sneaking up on even the most prepared businesses. One minute you’re stocking fall candles and the next you’re wondering where the extra rolls of gift wrap went. This is the moment to tighten things up so you can enjoy the revenue boost without feeling like you’re sprinting through December. Here are five simple, high-impact updates your business can make right now (some so quick you can implement them between customers) to get ahead of the holiday rush. 1. Update Your Hours and Online Info Everywhere Holiday shoppers are comparing hours, checking maps, and trying to squeeze errands between work, school pickups, and holiday events. If your hours aren’t accurate across Google, Yelp, Facebook, your website, and your chamber listing, you risk losing customers before they even leave the house. Do a quick search for your business as if you were a customer. Is your phone number right? Are your photos current? Does your holiday schedule show up clearly? Most people rely on Google’s first page, so correcting those listings now is one of the easiest wins you can score. 2. Refresh Your Signage and Displays Your storefront or lobby is a strong salesperson this time of year. When signage feels fresh and intentional, customers are more likely to stop, browse, and buy. That’s why so many storefront businesses go straight from Halloween to Christmas. Both holidays are visually appealing. In fact, people will enter your business just because you have a cool window. (Poor Thanksgiving, the middle child of holidays.) You don’t have to overhaul your entire look. A few simple updates can make a strong impression: Swap weathered signs for clean, readable replacements (unless antique is your vibe) Add one seasonal visual element that feels inviting rather than overwhelming Use clear markers for gift ideas or bestsellers Make sure curbside or pickup instructions are posted where customers can see them Even small touches create a sense of readiness that customers appreciate during a busy season. 3. Prep Your Team for Upselling Without Feeling Salesy Your staff can be your holiday heroes. A little training now can lead to bigger revenue and happier customers later. Upselling doesn’t have to feel pushy. It’s simply offering helpful suggestions that customers genuinely appreciate. Consider coaching your team on moments where a gentle recommendation is natural. Think gift wrap, add-on accessories, seasonal specials, or limited-time treats. When employees feel confident, customers feel guided. And both walk away happy. 4. Offer Gift Cards, Gift Bundles, or Quick-Grab Options The closer we get to December, the more people search for simple solutions. They’re panicked. They’re behind the eight ball (or snowball, in this case), and they just want the perfect gift that doesn’t look rushed. Gift cards are a lifesaver for anyone in a time crunch, and they’re one of the highest ROI products you can offer. If you don’t have them, this is the year to add them. Be sure to check out our online egiftcard program! You can also create: Small themed gift bundles Stocking stuffer displays Grab-and-go treats or purchase add-ons Digital gift cards for last-minute shoppers Anything that shortens decision-making for your customers will boost sales when traffic hits its peak. 5. Streamline Curbside or Online Ordering Before Things Get Busy Convenience is key during the holidays. If your online ordering, reservation system, or curbside pickup process feels a little clunky today, it will feel downright stressful on December 15. Now is the perfect time to: Run a test order Check that links work Update product descriptions Confirm your inventory tracking is accurate Make pickup instructions extremely clear Even a small digital tune-up can make the difference between a smooth holiday season and a frantic one. Bonus: Create One Holiday Highlight That Sets You Apart A lot of businesses do holiday promotions. Far fewer do something memorable. Consider spotlighting one special element this season to help you stand out. It could be a signature drink, a limited-time dish, a themed shopping night, a charity tie-in, or a mini experience customers can’t get anywhere else. Small moments of delight build loyalty. And the holidays are the perfect time to create them. Your Chamber is Here to Help You don’t have to tackle holiday readiness on your own. We’re participating in Small Business Season this year. We have a number of ways we’re supporting businesses across the community, and we want to help shine a spotlight on what you’re planning. Tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll help get the word out. Share your holiday hours, promotions, themed events, or special offerings and we’ll amplify them through our channels so more customers know exactly where to shop, dine, and celebrate. Let’s make this your smoothest and strongest holiday season yet.  Read More: Holiday Gift Card Strategies for Small Businesses Simplify Seasonal Staffing for Small Business Season

Win at First Impressions

November 10, 2025
You’ve heard the old saying “You never get a second chance at a first impression.” For businesses, that isn’t just a cliché, it’s reality. Customers size up a business long before they make a purchase and often before anyone on your team even says hello. Those first 10 seconds set expectations, shape decisions, and influence how people feel about doing business with you. No matter what industry you’re in, your business is constantly sending signals about what customers can expect. The good news is that with a few intentional tweaks, you can make those signals work in your favor. Your Curb Appeal No matter what your product or service is, customers start forming an opinion the moment they approach your building. They’re asking themselves an unspoken question: Does this place look like it knows what it’s doing? Curb appeal can also speak to how professional your business comes across and how successful. People will decide whether your business is for them or not by looks alone (that goes for your website too). A few simple checks go a long way: Are your signs clean and readable from the street? Is your entry area clutter-free and welcoming? Do your posted hours match your online hours? Can customers tell which door to use or where to park? If someone has to guess how to enter or what to expect, tension rises before they step inside. A polished exterior tells customers they’re in good hands. The Digital First Impression Long before customers show up in person, many have already “visited” you online. Your website, Google Business profile, and social media pages create the first impression for a large portion of your audience. They’re looking for clarity, accuracy, and ease (even if they’re not conscious of it). A strong digital first impression includes: Updated hours and services Clear photos that reflect what customers will see in person A short, friendly description of what you do in real language that your audience uses Quick access to booking, ordering, or calling The kind of design that resonates with who your audience is (or wants to be) When your online footprint is clean, current, and helpful, customers show up confident rather than confused. The Welcome This one seems painfully obvious, but we’ve all walked into a business where the employee is on an obviously personal call or simply doesn’t recognize our existence. How did that feel? Doesn’t make you interested in buying, that’s for sure. Once a customer walks through the door, the clock starts again. Those opening seconds inside your space shape how long they’ll stay and how much they’ll trust you. No matter your industry, these moments matter. One of the fastest ways to earn trust is through a genuine welcome. A simple smile or greeting sets the tone for the visit. Customers want to feel seen and valued, not like an interruption or inconvenience. Encourage your team to greet customers in whatever way feels natural to your brand. It doesn’t need to be formal or robotic. Even a quick “Hi there, we’ll be right with you” works wonders. When customers feel acknowledged early, they’re more patient, more open to suggestions, and more comfortable asking questions. Consider: Are customers greeted promptly or at least acknowledged with eye contact (and an “I’ll be right with you,” if you’re in the middle of something)? Does the space feel organized and intentional? Can customers easily understand where to go or what to do next? Are staff members engaged or absorbed in side conversations? You don’t need to rush over and follow them around your business. You simply need to make people feel acknowledged and appreciated when they come in. The Sensory Experience First impressions aren’t just visual. Customers respond to the full environment, even when they can’t articulate why something feels “off.” Pay attention to: Lighting that feels warm rather than dim or harsh. Music that fits your brand and isn’t too loud. Temperature that’s comfortable for customers, not just employees. Clean, pleasant scents or, more importantly, no unpleasant ones but keep them subtle, too much may drive people away. Small adjustments make customers feel at ease, which makes them more likely to stay longer and return more often. Why First Impressions Shape Customer Loyalty First impressions influence today’s visit AND shape whether customers will come back, how likely they are to recommend you, and how much they trust your business. A positive experience in the first ten seconds: Lowers customer stress Builds confidence Increases perceived value Reduces complaints Boosts loyalty and spending And the best part is that improving first impressions doesn’t usually require a big budget. It requires awareness and consistency. A Simple First Impression Checklist Here’s an easy way to evaluate your business: Walk up to your location from the customer’s point of view Step inside and pause for five seconds Look around with fresh eyes Note anything that feels confusing, cluttered, or outdated Ask a friend or fellow business owner to do the same Make quick fixes where possible and plan larger improvements over time These small shifts add up quickly to create a strong competitive advantage. Read More: Are You Accidentally Repelling Perfect Clients? (Here's How to Fix It) Hospitality is the Hidden Edge: Why Emotional Connection Drives Customer Loyalty The Referral Engine: How to get People Talking About Your Business --------------------- Christina Metcalf is a ghostwriter and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith