Keep Business Flowing Before, During and After The Holiday's - Marketing Guide for Trades Pros!

You’re in the trades—fixing leaks, wiring homes, building masterpieces, or keeping folks cozy in the cold months ahead. You might think the holiday season is a time to expect business to slow down, but with the right marketing strategy, it could be your busiest time of the year if you start planning now. Let’s dive into how you can get your marketing in top shape, keep your business flowing smoothly, and even add a little festive cheer!

1. Your Season Peaks (and Dips)

Think of your business like a holiday turkey—sometimes you’re hot, sometimes you need to sit and rest. Identifying when demand for your services spikes (like HVAC work before the first frost) and when it cools down (like roofing during a blizzard) helps you plan your marketing like a pro. This way, you’re prepared to catch those high-demand waves and keep things steady when business typically slows.

2. Set Your Holiday Goals

The holidays are a time for giving, so why not give your business a little love too? Whether you’re looking to attract new customers with a festive promotion or keeping the regulars happy with a holiday greeting, setting clear goals will make your marketing as effective as Santa’s workshop.

3. Keep Your Business Flowing Smoothly

• Well Before the Holidays:?Start your marketing early to capture attention while people are still planning their before, during and after holiday to-do lists. This ensures your schedule is full!
• During the Holidays:?Offer emergency services or quick fixes for last-minute requests. A well-timed promotion for those "oh no, the heater's out!" moments can keep your phone ringing.
• Just Before the Holidays:?Launch a New Year’s campaign in November/December to jumpstart your bookings for January. Many clients will be ready to tackle home improvement projects they put off during the holiday hustle.

4. Craft Seasonal Content That Sleighs

‘Tis the season to be… relevant! Tailor your marketing to the time of year:

• Electricians:?Offer a "Holiday Fix-It" service for those frantic about their festive lights.
• Painters:?Showcase “Winter Wonderland” color palettes to make homes merry and bright.
• HVAC Pros:?Remind everyone how cozy it is to be inside with a well-tuned furnace.

Sharing expert tips or customer testimonials with a holiday twist will keep you top of mind and get clients knocking on your (digital) door. And remember, creating content that resonates with what your customers are searching for is key—think SEO-friendly topics like "winter home maintenance tips" or "emergency holiday services."

5. Spruce Up Your Digital Presence

Deck the halls—and your website! Update your website with holiday hours, special offers, and timely blog posts that make your services as appealing as hot cocoa by the fire. Don’t forget to make your SEO strategy winter-ready too. Incorporate keywords like “emergency plumbing during holidays” or “pre-winter roof check” to ensure your business pops up when customers are searching for those last-minute fixes.

6. Plan Around Hard Stop Dates

The holidays have their own busy rhythms. You don’t want to be pushing a major campaign when everyone’s too full of turkey to notice. Identify your business’s hard stop dates—those times when clients (and you) are focused on festivities, not fixes. Use mid November and early December for your big push, then plan to pick up steam again in January.

7. Leverage Email Marketing

Don’t just send an email—send a smile! Your newsletters can highlight seasonal services, share helpful winter tips, or simply wish your customers a joyous holiday season. A thoughtful email can keep your business in their thoughts when it comes time to fix, build, or renovate. Plus, by using catchy subject lines and including your seasonal keywords, you’ll make sure your emails are opened and read.

8. Go Local with Advertising

Sometimes the best way to spread the word is by staying close to home. Update your Google My Business profile with holiday hours and encourage happy clients to leave a review. A little community involvement, like sponsoring a local event can also boost your visibility. And don’t forget about optimizing your local SEO—make sure your business shows up when people are searching for services in your area.

9. Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

Just like Santa checks his list twice, you should keep track of what’s working in your marketing plan. Use analytics to see how your website, social media, and email campaigns are performing, and don’t be afraid to tweak your strategy as needed. This ensures you’re making the most of your marketing efforts and staying ahead of the curve.

10. Get Ready for the Post-Holiday Rush

The holidays might be over, but the work doesn’t stop! Start planning New Year promotions early, so you’re ready to hit the ground running when January rolls around. Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) this season so you can refine your strategy for next year.

11. Keep Your Branding Consistent

Whether you’re posting on social media, updating your website, or sending out emails, make sure your message is clear and consistent. Let your clients know why you’re the best choice this season and every season. Consistent branding helps build trust and ensures your business remains top-of-mind.

When Should You Start Marketing for the Holidays?

Electricians

• Start Marketing:?September
• Website Updates:?September
• Social Media Push:?Late October to Early November

HVAC Technicians

• Start Marketing:?August
• Website Updates:?August
• Social Media Push:?September to October

Carpenters

• Start Marketing:?September
• Website Updates:?September
• Social Media Push:?October

Roofers

• Start Marketing:?August
• Website Updates:?August
• Social Media Push:?September

Painters

• Start Marketing:?September
• Website Updates:?September
• Social Media Push:?October

Landscapers

• Start Marketing:?September
• Website Updates:?September
• Social Media Push:?October

Masonry Workers

• Start Marketing:?August
• Website Updates:?August
• Social Media Push:?September

General Contractors

• Start Marketing:?September
• Website Updates:?September
• Social Media Push:?October

Builders

• Start Marketing:?August
• Website Updates:?August
• Social Media Push:?September

Plumbers

• Start Marketing:?September
• Website Updates:?September
• Social Media Push:?October

By planning early and strategically, you can not only navigate the holiday season effectively but also keep your business flowing before, during, and after the holidays. This sets the stage for a strong start to the new year and ensures your business remains the go-to choice for clients throughout the winter. And if you’d like more ideas on what kind of content you could create for your website, SEO and social media channels, give us a call—we’re always happy to help, no holiday miracle required! WebMaxSEO.com