4 ways to prepare your service business for the holidays

Businesses are ramping up for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday—what are you doing to prepare? Most people think only of retailers during the holidays, but the holidays offer plenty of opportunities for personal service businesses to shine.

As an owner or staff member of a service business, you can beprepared to take advantage of this influx of business, create lasting relationships with customers, and increase revenue through the new year. Consider these ideas:

Do something special for your clients
Your clients are swamped and might be showing up at your business less than usual. Make sure that you stay top of mind while providing value to your client base through your email newsletter and social channels. You can share holiday tips and tricks, create a helpful guide, and maybe even put on a holiday event for members to celebrate with one another at your business.

• Run a fitness business? Remind your clients of the importance of working out during the holidays.
• Have a nail salon? Send your clients some inspiration for their holiday manicures and pedicures.
• Teach music lessons? Schedule a special holiday musical event.
  
  

Turn a holiday promotion into a loyal customer
Many businesses use the holidays to run special offers or promotions for new or current clients who refer new members. Take some time to make sure new clients coming in around the holidays or soon after are here to stay. Client retention thrives on awesome customer service and follow-ups.

• Greet everyone with a smile. Every touch is important so make sure you and your staff are aware of the impact of all client interactions.
• Make sure you check in with first-time clients after their class so they know you’re there to help.
• Customize your Welcome Email in Pike13 so new visitors get the full low-down on your business and what you’re all about.

Those little extra touches go a long way when people are considering where they want to start their New Year’s resolutions.

Have clients who want to give gift certificates for your services? You can create, sell, and redeem gift certificates in Pike13.

’Tis the season... to give back to your community
It’s the season of giving, right? The perfect time of year for your business to get involved in the community. Not only will it make you feel all warm inside, you’ll also be increasing awareness of your business in your local community—and in a good way! You can find the right option to fit the amount of time you can spend.

• Get your client community together to serve food at a homeless shelter.
• Sponsor a team holiday run.
• Collect donations for a local charity.

Check out what these two awesome Pike13 clients are doing to give back this holiday season!

Anything helps and gets you and your brand into the spirit of the season!

Breathe
Last but not least, make sure you take some time for yourself this holiday season. If you don’t allow time to recover, you can exhaust yourself and get too sick and tired to finish your holiday to-do list or enjoy the holiday celebrations. Don’t have the extra money to spend on a massage or yoga classes? Forbes shared five free ways you can ease some tension. Let Pike13 help you get enough sleep by setting more Do not Disturb time in your notifications.

The Pike13 team wishes you Happy Holidays!

We'd love to know how you're preparing yourself and your business for Small Business Saturday and the holidays. Let us know in the comments.