Business Surgery: Lucinda Sloane, of Bird Media, in Bury St Edmunds, has 12 festive tips to help businesses get their message across

'Tis the season to be jolly, so what better time to create some dazzling content and spread the festive cheer?

It’s safe to say, the average business owner doesn’t have the budget to rival the iconic John Lewis ad, but here are 10 ways to get your Christmas comms out there.

First things first…plan your message

Before you start, define who your Christmas message is targeting (the audience), what you hope to achieve (your goals), and when you are going to send it. This will then dictate your message content.

Give a gift

Jump aboard the gift-giving campaign and thank your customers for their loyalty and service this year with a free gift. And don’t forget to thank your employees too.

Offer an exclusive promotion

Maximise online sales with free shipping and free returns during the holiday season. Alternatively, offer exclusive service packages or bundles for festive drinks or dining, beauty treatments, group tickets…the possibilities are endless.

Give back

Giving season doesn’t just mean gifts for your customers, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to support local charities. Include your chosen charity in your Christmas communications to raise awareness of their work and offer a percentage of December sales as a donation.

Five gold rings!

Wait…what?

Create a social media advent calendar

Looking to drive more traffic to your website or increase social media engagement while also getting into the Christmas spirit? Create a social media advent calendar with videos, infographics, photography and giveaways galore.

Don’t forget good ol’ PR

Launching an exclusive seasonal service, offering a festive-themed experience or holding a yuletide event? Start spreading the news with a good old-fashioned press release. And don’t forget to publish your release as a blog on your website too.

Send an eCard

Spread the sustainable festive cheer with an eCard. There is an abundance of customisable online eCard builders, many of which are free to use.

Send a handwritten card

What better way to show loyal customers they’re valued than to send a handwritten Christmas card? It’s personal, it’s thoughtful and it is certain to bring joy.

Throw a party!

Who doesn’t love a good knees-up at Christmas? It’s a wonderful way to say thank you to customers and employees alike and to set the tone for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Follow Lucinda on LinkedIn for more advice and tips.

Contact her directly by emailing lucinda.sloane@thisisbirdmedia.com