The holidays are a critical time for small businesses. It's estimated that Americans spend billions of dollars during the holiday season, and a large portion of that spending goes to small businesses. If you want to make the most of the holiday season, you need to have a solid marketing plan in place.

Here are some creative holiday marketing ideas to help your small business stand out this season courtesy of the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce:

Invest in Packaging

Your packaging is the first thing customers will see when they receive your product. Make sure your packaging is festive and eye-catching. This will help your products stand out from the competition and get customers in the holiday spirit.

Reward Customer Loyalty

The holidays are a great time to show your appreciation for your loyal customers. Send them a holiday card, offer them a discount, or include a free gift with their purchase. Showing your customers that they're appreciated will go a long way toward building loyalty and keeping them coming back year after year.

Create & Share a Gift Guide Via PDF

One of the best ways to market your products during the holidays is to create a gift guide. Highlight items that would make great gifts, and share your guide via email or on social media. You can also include a link to the guide on your website. Just use Word to write the guide, and use this tool to change the file to a PDF. This will make it easy for customers to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.

Post Useful, Interactive Content

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so make sure your web content is relevant and helpful. Post tips on how to make the most of the holiday season, share recipes, or offer advice on gift giving. Interactive content like quizzes and polls are also great ways to engage with customers during the holidays.

Engage Your Followers Via Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect with customers during the holidays. Share holiday greetings, post pictures of festive products, or run a contest. Whatever you do, make sure you're being interactive and engaging with your customers. They'll appreciate it and be more likely to remember your business when they're ready to make a purchase.

Hold Giveaways & Contests

Who doesn't love getting something for free? Hold a contest or giveaway on social media or on your website and offer products or discounts as prizes. This is a great way to generate excitement and get people talking about your business. Just be sure to promote it heavily so you get as many people entering as possible.

Partner With Other Local Businesses

Small businesses need all the help they can get during the holidays. Partnering with other local businesses is a great way to cross-promote and reach new customers. You can team up on joint marketing efforts, host events together, or simply share each other's information with your customer base.

Host A Unique Event

Hosting an event is a great way to promote your business during the holidays while also giving back to the community. Host a toy drive, wrap gifts for charity, or offer free hot chocolate at your store opening—the possibilities are endless. Not only will this help bring attention to your business, but it will also make you feel good knowing you're helping those in need this holiday season

Support A Local Charity

Another great way of giving back during the holidays is by supporting a local charity. You can donate products or services, host fundraisers, or simply promote awareness for a cause that's close to your heart There are many ways to get involved, so find one that fits your business best.

The holidays are an important time for small businesses. If you want to make sure your business gets its fair share of holiday spending, you need to have a solid marketing plan. By investing in holiday packaging, rewarding loyal customers, creating a gift guide, posting useful content, engaging via social media, holding giveaways or contests partnering with other local businesses, hosting unique events, and supporting charities, you can ensure that your small business stands out this holiday season!

Connect with and learn from other local business leaders by joining the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce.