Five Ways to Turn Holiday Foot Traffic into Real Loyalty

Small Business Season brings a beautiful rush or familiar faces and new customers. Your business is abuzz with activity and you’re doing the hard work. You’re showing up. And yet, you could be leaving opportunity on the table simply because life gets busy and marketing gets…well, pushed to the corner like a forgotten present in the back of the closet.

That’s why when it comes to marketing, you need to go for the low-hanging fruit, the easy wins. Many businesses rely heavily on their email lists and that’s great. Those lists can be gold. But this time of year, inboxes are overflowing and it’s easy for even your most loyal customers to miss something.

Here are five areas worth a gentle tune-up. These missed chances can deepen connection and spark repeat visits with very little effort.

Treat Loyal Customers Like Insiders

If someone chooses your business again and again, they’re not casual shoppers. They’re your people. Don’t rely on email alone to keep them updated. When they’re already in front of you, share what’s coming up.

Something as simple as “By the way, we’re doing a holiday sip-and-shop next Thursday if you want to swing by” creates a moment of attention. Loyal customers love being in the know. Give them that moment.

Don’t expect them to see every email. They’re as busy as you are during the holidays. A gentle reminder or heads up can ensure they make it to your next event or special. You have more than sales to gain by doing this (or lose if you don’t). If you’re hosting a big event (particularly one that will sell out), your most loyal customers may feel slighted if they don’t know about it until it’s too late. Telling them “you should’ve received an email” won’t make them happy if it’s something they wanted to attend and now it’s sold out.

Post Your Specials Where People Actually Stand

Storefronts are full of magic this time of year, but too often the only place a December deal exists is…in a newsletter or email. Add in-store signs, table toppers, checkout prompts, or a simple “What’s happening this week” board.

Sure, some customers may forget the second they step into the parking lot. But many won’t. A quick snapshot of a sign or a note in their phone is all it takes to turn a one-time visit into a planned return.

Make Your Social Feed a Living Bulletin Board

People scroll while waiting in line. They scroll when they can’t sleep. They scroll when Aunt Linda starts talking politics. They’re scrolling even during the busiest time of year—especially during the busiest time of year.

During the holiday season, don’t be shy about posting reminders, deals, behind-the-scenes teases, and event invitations. You’re not being repetitive. You’re helping your fans remember you in a noisy season.

Create a Simple In-store “Highlight Moment”

If someone discovers something delightful when they visit—whether it’s a staff favorite, a limited-edition item, or a seasonal service—give them a reason to mention it to a friend.

A simple prompt like “Perfect for holiday gifting” or a tiny card explaining why it’s special creates a moment customers can repeat later. You’re giving them a story to share, and stories travel farther than coupons.

Additionally, if you see someone hesitating on a purchase, surprise them with a discount on the spot. You can tell them Santa just informed you they were on the nice list and deserved a little something extra. If another customer overhears the offer, extend one to them too. A purchase is better than a stroll in and out of your store.

You can also do this via text. Send them a message telling them you heard from Santa or they “won” is discount or bonus with purchase. The thrill of the surprise may bring them in.

Invite the Next Step While They’re Still Smiling

Small Business Season is full of warm exchanges: conversations at the register, compliments on décor, “I love this place” moments. Those are perfect openings to invite one more action.

A follow-on step could be:

• joining your text list for specials
• grabbing a punch card
• picking up a flyer for next week’s event
• taking advantage of a “today only” add-on

People are most receptive to engagement at the moment they’re enjoying your business. Use that natural goodwill.

A Final Marketing Reminder

The goal isn’t to cram more marketing into your December. We know you’re already busy. It’s to make the most of the interactions you already have. You’ve worked hard to bring customers through the door. A few small, thoughtful touches can turn those holiday visits into return trips long after the lights come down.

If you have a special event, promotion, or sale coming up, let us know about it. We’d be happy to spread the word.