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10 Intentional Ways to Jump Start on Holiday Revenue
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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.”
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.
November is full of potential for small businesses 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.
