Don't Wait for December! November Social Media Strategies for Small Business Success
November can be a slower month for many businesses, but it’s also the perfect time to gear up for the holiday season. A little creativity and strategic planning can go a long way in helping you build momentum and increase sales. Here are some engaging social media ideas to keep your business visible and encourage customers to start their holiday shopping early.
1. Showcase Holiday Gift Guides
November is prime time for gift guides! Create and share guides that highlight your products or services as holiday gifts. Make separate lists like “Gifts Under $20,” “For the Foodie,” or “Holiday Essentials” to help customers find what they need for everyone on their list.
Tips:
Use carousel posts on Instagram to showcase multiple items in one post.
Share themed stories and save them as highlights for easy reference throughout the season.
Create a video or reel with staff members sharing their favorite gift picks from your selection.
2. Start a Holiday Countdown or “Black Friday Sneak Peek”
Build excitement by counting down to Black Friday or Cyber Monday with daily or weekly updates on what’s to come. Tease discounts or reveal one special deal each week to give customers a reason to keep following along.
Tips:
Create countdown graphics or use Instagram’s countdown sticker in Stories to build anticipation.
Post sneak peeks of featured products, upcoming deals, or new holiday arrivals.
Use hashtags like #CountdownToBlackFriday or #HolidayDeals to attract a wider audience.
3. Host a Pre-Holiday Giveaway
Giveaways are an effective way to boost engagement and attract new followers, especially leading into the holiday season. For November, consider hosting a “Holiday Kickoff Giveaway” featuring a curated gift basket, a discount voucher, or a seasonal product bundle.
Tips:
Encourage followers to tag friends, share the post, or follow your account to enter.
Partner with other local businesses to create a bigger prize package while reaching each other’s audiences.
Time the giveaway to end just before Black Friday, giving winners a head start on their holiday shopping.
4. Share Behind-the-Scenes Holiday Prep
Give followers a look behind the scenes as you prepare for the holidays. Show them how you’re decorating, organizing inventory, or assembling holiday gift sets. This type of content builds excitement and helps customers feel more connected to your business.
Tips:
Post photos or videos of your team setting up holiday decor or stocking shelves.
Share “behind-the-scenes” content in Stories, which are perfect for a more informal, authentic feel.
Show your process for creating any custom or seasonal products that may be available for a limited time.
5. Share Holiday Shopping Deadlines and Tips
Remind your customers of shipping deadlines, in-store pickup options, and the benefits of shopping early. Offering tips like these helps customers avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and shows you care about their experience.
Tips:
Post deadline reminders throughout the month, especially for Black Friday and Cyber Monday orders.
Share a list of “Top 5 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shopping” that highlights your products and services.
Encourage early shopping by offering a small discount or perk for orders placed in early November.
6. Highlight “Small Business Saturday”
The Saturday after Black Friday is all about celebrating small businesses! Use this opportunity to showcase why supporting local is so impactful, and highlight your unique offerings. Post about any special promotions, in-store events, or discounts you’ll have on Small Business Saturday.
Tips:
Share your business’s story or background to make the day more meaningful.
Use the hashtag #ShopSmall to connect with a broader audience and engage with other small businesses.
Run a “Shop Small” promotion, such as a discount for purchases made in-store or online on that day.
7. Run a Flash Sale or Holiday Bundle
To create urgency and drive sales, consider a limited-time flash sale or create special holiday bundles with some of your bestsellers. Flash sales are great for increasing engagement, attracting new followers, and rewarding loyal customers.
Tips:
Promote the sale a day or two in advance to give your followers a heads-up.
Keep the sale window short (24-48 hours) to create a sense of urgency.
Consider making holiday-themed bundles with a slight discount or an exclusive item.
8. Promote Gift Cards as Last-Minute Options
Gift cards are always a popular choice during the holiday season, so start promoting them early in November! Emphasize their convenience and flexibility as a thoughtful, last-minute gift idea.
Tips:
Use graphics or short videos to promote your gift cards as a “Stress-Free Gift Idea.”
Offer a small bonus amount on gift card purchases, such as “Spend $50, Get a $10 Gift Card Free.”
Share gift card promotions in Stories, email marketing, and a pinned post on your social media profiles.
Wrap-Up
November might feel like a slower month, but it’s actually the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a successful holiday season. By using these social media strategies, you can keep customers engaged, build anticipation for the holidays, and make sure your business stands out as the go-to choice for gift-giving.
Let’s make November your business’s most festive (and profitable!) month yet! 🎉