Jake Snelson - Vyde

How to Plan a Simple Small Business Budget

Whether you’ve been running your small business for years or you’re an entrepreneur just getting your feet wet, the importance of a small business budget cannot be overstated. You have to learn how to manage money before you can earn (or save!) it. A budget can track cash on hand, expenses, and how much revenue you need to make your business profitable.

Your small business budget doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It can be scratched out on paper with a pencil, laid out in a spreadsheet, or created using business accounting software, like Quickbooks. Set budgets for a determined amount of time such as, monthly, quarterly or annually. It’s best to create a budget for each of those time periods. Then you can compare your actual and forecasted expenses.

How to Set Up a Small Business Budget

Spreadsheets can really help you tackle your small business budget. As you create your spreadsheet, you’ll want to begin with your fixed expenses. These will include rent, loan payments, subscription costs, and the like. Next are your variable expenses which would include things like utilities, supplies, and labor.

Set a Budget

You can determine your budgeted expenses by averaging past expenses in each category. These expenses will likely change from month to month as different needs for your business arise. If you are just starting out and don’t have any numbers to work with, you can research the costs associated with your industry. Determine the averages based on your research, and then factor those into your small business accounting.

Forecast your monthly revenue and place it in a subheading titled budgeted income. Then, at the end of the month you can enter your actual expenses and actual income. You can then compare your budget with your actual numbers.

Analyze your Budget

Off to the side of the budget income and actual income you’ll need to determine the difference. This is the number you’ll want to reflect on at the end of each month. It is important to determine why your budgeted and actual expenses and income don’t match. Then you should make changes in next month’s small business budget to decrease the difference. By determining the reason for the difference, you can either identify potential problems. Which will help you fix it, or capitalize on a potential opportunity you had not noticed.

Entrepreneurs are capable of creating and maintaining a small business budget. However, it’s best to consult a professional CPA or financial advisor to cover all of your bases. A CPA can factor in any important legal and financial obligations you may have with the IRS.

Having a small business budget can help your business in numerous ways. You can improve business operations, create accurate estimations and effectively manage your profits. All of which lead to a more successful business and life.

FAQs for Small Business Budgeting:

Why is a small business budget important?

A budget helps track cash flow, expenses, and revenue, crucial for business profitability and financial health.

What tools can I use to create a small business budget?

You can use spreadsheets, business accounting software like Quickbooks, or even pen and paper to draft your budget.

How do I set up a small business budget using spreadsheets?

Start with fixed expenses like rent and loan payments, then list variable expenses such as utilities and supplies.

How do I determine budgeted expenses if I’m just starting out?

Research industry costs to estimate averages for your expenses. Adjust as needed based on your business’s specific needs.

Why is it important to analyze budget variances?

Analyzing differences between budgeted and actual expenses/income helps identify potential problems or opportunities for improvement.

How to Get a Tax ID Number From the IRS For Your Small Business

Any new entrepreneur quickly realizes there is a lot to do to get your business up and going. Between websites and marketing, business licenses and bank accounts, there’s not a lot of time to focus on the tax aspect of your business until…well, tax time. When starting a small business, you’ll need to obtain a Federal Tax ID number from the IRS in order to file taxes and have your business be recognized. This is also referred to as EIN, or Employee Identification Number. Here’s how to get one:

Apply Online. The quickest and easiest way to obtain an EIN is through the IRS website. You must complete the application all at once because you can’t save it and return later. Have your Social Security Number handy, as well as your business information. Apply for your EIN online here.

Apply by Mail. A mail application for an EIN generally takes about four weeks to be processed. You’ll need to send a Form SS-4 as your application. See where to send your application to here.

Apply by Fax. Complete the SS-4 and send to the appropriate fax number found here. The turnaround time for an EIN application through fax is about four business days.

Apply by Telephone. This method is for international applicants only. International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN. The person applying for the EIN by telephone must have all information pertaining to the SS-4.

Other Important EIN Information

In order to obtain an EIN, your business must be located in the United States.
Only one EIN can be granted per eligible person per day
If you have misplaced your EIN, do not apply for a new one. Find out what to do if you’ve lost your EIN here.
For more information on obtaining an EIN, visit the IRS website.

Have a question about obtaining your Tax ID number from the IRS? Give us a call, we can help!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need a Tax ID number (EIN) for my small business?

A Tax ID number, also known as an EIN, is essential for filing taxes and establishing your business’s identity with the IRS.

What information do I need to apply for an EIN online?

To apply online, you’ll need your Social Security Number and your business information readily available.

How long does it take to get an EIN through the mail?

Generally, it takes about four weeks for the IRS to process a mail application for an EIN using Form SS-4.

Can I apply for an EIN by fax?

Yes, you can apply for an EIN by fax using Form SS-4. The turnaround time for fax applications is approximately four business days.

What should I do if I’ve lost my EIN?

If you’ve misplaced your EIN, do not apply for a new one. Instead, follow the appropriate steps outlined by the IRS to retrieve your lost EIN.

Improve Your Online Presence Part One: 8 Steps for Reviewing Your Website

Your website is often the first introduction of your small business to potential clients and customers. Keeping it in perfect condition can help boost sales and keep your image looking sharp. Make it a priority to review the functionality and usability of your small business website at the beginning of each year, so you can catch and correct and bugs sooner rather than later.
While doing a complete overhaul and review of your website can sound like a daunting task, taking a systematic approach to the job can simplify things. You can take care of these items yourself, or ask a client, friend, or family member to do the following:

Check all links on the website. Make sure each link directs properly and none are broken or linked incorrectly.
Review all content for spelling and grammatical errors. Small business websites generally contain a lot of information and even the slightest grammatical or spelling error can send the wrong message to clients. Keep your focus on the most important and most visited pages of your site, rather than reviewing old blog posts for grammatical issues.
Update the appearance of your website. Not all small business websites need refreshing, but updating even just the homepage of your site can give it a more modern look and feel as you start the new year. Add current photos, remove outdated features, and keep it simple. Make sure the overall appearance of your website conveys the message you want it to.
Keep your brand at the forefront of your website. Make sure your logo is the focus of at least one page, and place it on other pages within your site as well. Keep colors and design consistent with your brand. Your website should look uniquely yours.
Think functionality. Make sure your site is easy to use. Items should be in their usual places on the website and your navigation bar should be simple and straightforward. Compare your sites with others in your industry to improve functionality.
Refresh testimonials. Clients who are thinking about using your services or purchasing your goods don’t care what Joe Smith said back in 1999. They would rather know what your clients are saying now. Solicit testimonials from current clients via email or social media and keep your published testimonials within the last five or so years. Hint: adding credentials behind your reviewers name is an added bonus and makes your small business look more credible. (ex. “I love this business!” -Joe Smith, CEO at XYZ Hospital)
Social media. If your small business is on social media, those links need to be on your website. Direct clients to your social media accounts for the latest happenings within your business, since they are likely updated more often than your website.
Make your contact information visible on every page. Your business name, address, phone number, and email should be on every page of your website. Keep it readable and easy to find.

Keep in mind that a functional, attractive and error-free website is extremely important, but don’t get so hung up on perfection that you neglect other aspects of your business. You could probably spend all year updating, tweaking, and perfecting your website but 2016 is calling and it’s time to go out and make your small business more profitable than ever!

Read the rest of the series here and here.

3 Tips on Tracking Mileage and Deducting Vehicle Expenses for Small Business Owners

Tracking mileage and vehicle expenses is not normally at the top of a small business owner’s to-do list. In fact, the job often gets lost in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of running a successful business. So how do you keep track now so you don’t have to panic come tax season?

1. Keep track of miles driven for business. If you track nothing else vehicle-related for the rest of the year, tracking mileage is the most important task. You cannot deduct vehicle expenses if you don’t know how many miles you’ve driven. The IRS wants to know the total number of miles you drove for your business in a given year in order for you to claim the Standard Mileage Rate. Your commute to and from the office is not deductible; however, almost all other business travel is. The most accurate records are those that are calculated the day you traveled for business or shortly after. While a paper and pencil mileage log works just as well as anything, there are several ways to utilize technology to keep track. Logging the miles on your GPS may provide you with the most accurate record without much maintenance. Apps like Mileage Log+ or Everlance automatically calculate your distances by entering where you’re leaving from and where you’re going.
2. Calculate all vehicle expenses.This may sound like a daunting task, but if you travel a lot for your small business, it’s not a bad idea. Keep a notebook in your car where you jot down miles driven, gas and oil changes, tire rotations, car washes, parking fees, registration and license fees, insurance payments, lease payments, repairs, and maintenance. Keep your receipts for these expenses as well. You may opt to use the Standard Mileage Rate come tax season, but it doesn’t hurt to have all records of vehicle expenses so you can compare the two methods and see which will offer the greatest deduction.
3. Use the Standard Mileage Rate. Rather than adding up all business-related vehicle expenses in a year, the IRS offers the Standard Mileage Rate which provides a 57.5 cent deduction (2015) for every mile driven for business in a year. To figure your standard mileage rate, simply take the number of miles driven total and multiply it by the current standard mileage rate (which changes every year). Most small business owners opt for this quick and easy method and even end up getting a larger deduction by going this route.

But what if I haven’t been tracking mileage or vehicle expenses?

You’re not completely out of luck if you haven’t been tracking mileage this year. While the IRS does not prefer reconstructed records after the fact, if you can prove you drove to where you said you drove, you can still deduct your mileage. If you maintain a calendar, appointment book, or planner, you can go back through your records and calculate your mileage based on the appointments you attended and the miles you drove. You will only need proof of records if you were to be audited by the IRS, which is a small risk, but still a possibility.

4 Ways to Reduce Your Personal Income Tax Bill

As we approach the end of the year (and the beginning of tax season!) it’s time to start thinking about how your year went financially. If you made a little more money than usual or are anticipating a high tax bill for your personal income tax, you still have time to reduce your bill before the end of the year.

Here are four ways to lower your personal income tax obligation before December 31st:

Pay Deductible Expenses Early.

Pay January’s mortgage by end of December
Pay ahead for property taxes due in 2016
Contribute more money to your retirement (IRA & 401K are deductible)

Donate to Charity.

Use a Schedule A to itemize deductions
Keep proof of your charitable donations
You can deduct cash contributions up to 50%of your AGI; 30% for property donations
Use IRS Pub 78 for a list of approved charities for deductible donations

Pay Tuition Early.

Prepay tuition and expenses for academic periods that begin in January through March of next year
See if you qualify for the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit

Defer Income.

Deferring income is worthwhile if you expect to be in the same or lower personal income tax bracket next year
Self-employed or cash-basis taxpayers should wait until end-of-year to send out invoices so they won’t receive payment until 2016
Deferring income can be helpful every other year to take advantage of tax breaks

Do you have any other financially-savvy tips for reducing your personal income tax bill? We’d love to hear them! Leave your tips in the comments below.

3 Tips on Making Your Small Business New Year’s Resolutions Last All Year

Most people who are familiar with new year’s resolutions are also familiar with a feeling of defeat within a few weeks or months of setting their goals. They realize they’ve gotten too busy to achieve them, that their goals are too challenging or overwhelming, or they just abandoned them completely without reason. In fact, 46% of people give up on their new year’s resolution by the end of January, and 64% give up on their goals within six months.

This is true in the workplace, as well. So how do you set new year’s resolutions for your small business that will outlast that fresh start enthusiasm? Here are three proven tips on making your small business new year’s resolutions last all year long:

Be really specific. The goal that continually tops the list on personal new year’s resolutions is “lose weight.” For small businesses, it is simply, “increase profits” or “grow my business.” What is missing in these statements? Specificity.

Would you be happy losing one pound? How about increasing your yearly profits by $50? If you aren’t specific in your goals, it’s nearly impossible to create a plan to carry them out. If you can use numbers in your small business new year’s resolutions, do so. For example, “We will take our annual sales from $150,000 to $200,000 in 2016,” or “We currently have 200 clients. We will obtain 100 new clients in 2016.” Specific statements like these give you a benchmark to analyze data.

Tip: Make your small business new year’s resolutions pack an extra punch by putting your statements into a can-do format using words like “will” or “can,” rather than “hope to” or “want to.”

Create a plan of action, and then set the wheels in motion. Small business new year’s resolutions don’t resolve themselves. You and your employees will have to work together to create a plan and stick to it to accomplish the goals you set. For each goal you decided on, list the action steps it will take to make it happen. For example, if your goal is to obtain 100 new clients in 2016, your actions might be:

-Spend 10% more on advertising/marketing efforts

-Hire two new employees focused on client acquisition

-Hold one meeting per month to discuss ideas for new client acquisition

Each of these tasks should be assigned to someone on your team, and given a deadline. Employees should report the progress of these action steps regularly to help you stay on track with your small business new year’s resolutions.

Review regularly and especially at year-end. Your small business new year’s resolutions can ultimately become a plan of action for the year, and thus should be revisited and even tweaked or edited accordingly. Plan to review your new year’s resolutions quarterly, and then a large year-end review for your entire staff. Schedule specific meetings for discussing these goals now so you don’t haphazardly throw something together at the end of the first quarter.

When you review your small business new year’s resolutions with your team, be sure to discuss which items you can check off your list, what worked, what didn’t and why. Do what you can to move the team forward and continue working on the goals throughout the entire year. By making this a yearly process, you can see and record noticeable changes in every aspect of your business, according to the goals you set.

FAQs about Setting Small Business New Year’s Resolutions

Why do many small business owners struggle to maintain their New Year’s resolutions?

Small business owners often face challenges due to vague goals, lack of specific plans, and insufficient follow-through.

How can I make my small business New Year’s resolutions more specific?

Specify goals using measurable metrics like revenue targets or client acquisition numbers. Utilize words like “will” or “can” for added commitment.

What steps can I take to ensure my resolutions translate into actionable plans?

Break down each goal into actionable steps with assigned responsibilities and deadlines. Regularly review progress and make necessary adjustments.

Why is it important to review small business resolutions regularly?

Regular reviews help track progress, identify successes, and address challenges. They ensure alignment with long-term business objectives.

How can I ensure my team remains committed to our resolutions throughout the year?

Foster a culture of accountability by involving team members in the resolution process, assigning tasks, and holding regular progress meetings.

5 Tips on Setting New Year’s Resolutions That Will Actually Improve Your Small Business

A new year brings a fresh start, both on a personal level and for your small business. It’s a great time to refocus, recommit, and set challenging goals for yourself. However, we aren’t talking about losing weight, quitting smoking, or reading 24 books this year–all great goals, by the way! Here are five tips on setting killer new year’s resolutions for your small business that will actually make a positive difference:

Involve your employees in the goal setting and planning. As a small business owner, you’ll ultimately get the final say on what it is you want to improve upon this year. However, involving people who have a vested interest in what’s going on at your company can prove to be extremely effective. Your team offers fresh opinions, new perspectives, and a different outlook on what’s working and what’s not for your small business. By involving your employees, you’re driving employee engagement and asking them to think like a business owner. Involving employees in setting new year’s resolutions improves commitment, involvement, and overall small business success.
Keep your goals front and center. It’s easy to have an employee meeting on January second, map out some goals for the year, and stash them in a desk never to be seen again. The key to successful small business new year’s resolutions is to keep them at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Remind yourself and employees what your resolutions are often by printing them out and hanging them on a bulletin board, providing a handout to all employees to hang near their desk, sending out quarterly emails to “check up” on how the goals are coming, and discussing them in meetings. This is easy to do for the first few months of the year, but can easily get lost in the shuffle in April or May. Make sure your small business new year’s resolutions are front and center all year long by writing it in your planner now to remind employees at least quarterly about the goals you set together.
Set individual goals, as well as small business goals. By setting personal new year’s resolutions –like losing weight, taking a vacation, or saving $1,000– you’re already in the mindset of achieving goals. Make sure one of your personal new year’s resolutions is somehow connected to your business, but not all. A few ideas for personal goals related to your small business are: learn more about your industry by taking a class, show gratitude for one of your employees each week or month by ____, or learning to do one part of each employee’s job that you didn’t know how to do by the end of the year.
Give each employee a job, and then hold them accountable. Along with setting goals for yourself, ask your employees to set goals for themselves pertaining to their jobs. You can give them individual or team guidelines on what you’d like to see incorporated in their goals, or give them free reign on setting their own. Collect a copy of each employee’s goals and store them to refer to when it comes time for performance evaluations. If you’ve got the budget for it, you may even offer a small bonus or reward for employees who reach their goals by the end of the year.
Be a model for employees. After your small business new year’s resolutions are set, you’ll likely soon realize they cannot be carried out single-handedly. The best way to get employees to catch the excitement of new year’s resolutions for your small business is to be a doer and work toward the goals yourself. Incorporate the goals into your attitude, behavior, and day to day work. If employees see that you’ve set a plan to accomplish each goal you set, and actually refer to the written resolution as a guide, they’ll model what they see. If you ask them to accomplish the goals on their own–without any help or participation from you–they’ll roll their eyes and use the resolution as scratch paper.

Setting new year’s resolutions specifically for your business and with your employees reminds you that you are not only a business owner looking to increase profits, but you’re also a leader. As you and your team reach your goals together, you’re sure to see increased morale in the workplace, and (hopefully!) a more successful and profitable year for your small business.

5 Ideas for Creating a Culture of Gratitude at Your Small Business

Although the holiday season can increase stress in the home and workplace for many, it’s also a time when we focus our thoughts on a spirit of giving and gratitude. There’s no reason to leave your attitude of gratitude at home though. In fact, bringing it with you to the workplace can actually increase your business success.

Here are five quick and easy ways to cultivate a culture of gratitude at your small business:

Give a straightforward and specific compliment. While not the most cutting-edge idea, it’s proven and it works. Offer a genuine compliment to a member of your staff and be specific and straightforward about it. Walk up to their desk, use their name, and let them know of something they’ve done that you’re grateful for. (“Jen, thank you so much for jumping in and helping me with that last minute meeting on Monday. I know it was a late night; I really appreciate you taking the extra time to make sure it was perfect. I couldn’t have done it without you!) If this seems out of character for you, try putting your thoughts into words and sending your message through an email or a quick note. Give the thank you you would want to hear for a job well done, and be the example in the office for employees to pass it along.
Bring a treat to the office. It might seem silly, but who doesn’t appreciate a fresh donut or a little jolt of caffeine to get through the day? A little thank you in the form of a treat goes a long way. Leave your treat in the breakroom with a quick note– “Hey everyone! Just wanted to say thank you for your efforts in helping to land that Smith account this week. I think you’re all great!”
Express your gratitude at the beginning of every meeting. It doesn’t have to turn your meeting into a sappy love fest, but a quick compliment to the team (or individual) on something they have done well since the last meeting starts things off on a good note and helps employees feel more confident and excited about their work.
Thank those you serve. Once you’ve created a culture of gratitude within the office, work on thanking the people you serve. A simple email or phone call to clients and customers to say “thank you for putting your trust in us” speaks volumes of the integrity of your company.
Find the good in everyday. Any small business owner can tell you that it’s not all roses and rainbows at the office. Many are stressed about deadlines, client retention, employees, taxes, and a long list of other common hurdles in business. With so many obstacles, it can be easy to focus on what is going wrong within the business. However, keeping a quick gratitude journal–just one or two lines each day–that recognizes what is going well in business can really turn the day around. Refer to it often and especially when things don’t seem to be going well.

Embracing a culture of gratitude in the workplace not only enhances morale but also fosters a positive environment conducive to productivity and success. Implementing simple gestures of appreciation can make a profound impact on employees and clients alike, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of your small business.

FAQs for Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude:

How do I give effective compliments in the workplace?

Offer specific and sincere compliments to individuals, acknowledging their contributions directly. Whether in person, via email, or through a note, personalize your gratitude.

Why are small treats effective in showing appreciation?

Small gestures like bringing treats to the office demonstrate thoughtfulness and appreciation for your team’s efforts, fostering a positive atmosphere.

How can expressing gratitude enhance meetings?

Starting meetings with expressions of gratitude boosts team morale, encourages confidence, and sets a positive tone for discussions and collaboration.

Why is it important to thank clients and customers?

Expressing gratitude to clients and customers strengthens relationships, showcases your company’s integrity, and fosters loyalty and trust in your business.

How can a gratitude journal benefit small business owners?

Maintaining a gratitude journal helps shift focus from challenges to achievements, promoting a positive mindset and resilience amidst daily stressors in business operations.

Why Expressing Gratitude Deserves A Spot On Your Small Business Priority List

What does your to-do list look like as a small business owner today? It likely includes a lengthy list of tasks like: respond to emails, pick up office supplies, schedule an appointment with a certain client, finish employee evaluations, make an important phone call, and the like.

But how about gratitude? Does your list include anything about the expression of gratitude?

Probably not. And that’s ok. Most lists don’t. But here’s a little secret for you:

Expressing gratitude in the workplace is extremely advantageous and can even make your business more profitable.

Here are a few reasons why expressing gratitude should be included on your daily small business to-do list:

Gratitude enhances overall wellness. Many professionals laugh at the idea of a “gratitude journal,” but those who recognize the benefits of a grateful attitude and express their gratitude regularly actually are healthier overall. Take these studies, for example:
- Yale studies say a gratitude journal will result in higher alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness, and energy.
- Stanford offers a high-demand class leveraging gratitude journals, which made students 27% less stressed.
- Harvard studies indicate gratitude improves health and strengthens relationships.
- UC-Berkeley research indicates a gratitude journal improves sleep and decreases illness.
- Columbia research says gratitude improves the immune system, while reducing anxiety and/or depression.

Gratitude improves focus. When gratitude is constantly in the back of your mind, you can spend your day working toward the best possible outcome and then let the chips fall where they may. You can let go of controlling outcomes and comparison to others because you recognize the abundance you already have in your life. By knowing what you’re grateful for (perhaps the opportunity to own a small business) and then making a conscious effort to further improve it, you can have laser-like focus that helps you achieve your goals.
Gratitude increases productivity. Gratitude lets you throw yourself into what you are doing and keeps negative distractions from creeping into your work. Why? In a nutshell, giving and receiving thanks increases release of dopamine, therefore raising your energy levels.
- Take this study, for example: In a long-term research project on the nature of gratitude, Professor Robert A. Emmons, University of California, said “Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period compared to subjects in the other experimental conditions. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.” He has since discovered that an attitude of gratitude in everyday life has tremendous impact on the overall productivity and success of small business owners and their employees.

Gratitude makes you a better employer. Simple, genuine, and thoughtful gestures not only make you a more likeable boss, but a more respectable leader as well. An Emergency Room Director at a busy hospital in rural Utah ends all of his emails to employees with “Your Servant, Grant.” His staff has often commented on how this simple gesture makes them feel appreciated, as well as more comfortable in coming to him with any questions or concerns they may have about their work. Gratitude is just one way to open the lines of communication between small business owners and their team.

An attitude of gratitude can cultivate a more successful business. A study by Bersin & Associates reveals that companies that “excel at employee recognition” are 12 times more likely to enjoy strong business results. Small business owners who are down to earth, humble, and grateful are more likely to achieve success than those who refuse to acknowledge good work, even when they know it’s there.

Other than the proven, statistical correlation between small business success and gratitude, being a grateful person simply makes you happier, more likeable, and enjoyable to be around. Dietrich Bonhoeffer a prominent theologian who was hung by the Nazis 23 days before the Allied victory in Europe, said this about gratitude: “Only he who gives thanks for little things receives the big things.”

6 Holiday Marketing Trends Your Small Business Should Take Advantage Of

It’s game time! According to the National Retail Federation, “20 to 40 percent of yearly sales for small and mid-sized retailers take place within the last two months of the year.” This is an important time of year for small businesses and holiday shoppers can often make or break a year for small business owners.

Brace yourself…is your company ready to take part in the $965 billion forecasted to be spent at retailers between November and January this year? That number is up 4% from last year, which could mean a happy holiday for your small business! Here are a few tips to get up with the times and make sure your small business marketing is on point this holiday season:

Get your website in the best shape it’s ever been. Americans plan to do almost half of their holiday shopping online this year, and one in five of those who own smartphones will use them to purchase holiday merchandise. This means that every button, link, and gadget on your site should be performing at it’s best.
Start early. Launch your holiday marketing campaign shortly after Halloween for best results. If you haven’t created your holiday marketing plan yet, now is the time! Look back on past years to see what incentivizes customers to come to you–whether it’s coupons, discounts, extended shopping hours, referral programs, or email campaigns, find what works for your customer base and use it to your advantage.
Have mobile on the mind. Almost all holiday shoppers have smart phones in hand as they begin their shopping. Whether they’re actually shopping, or just browsing for gift ideas on Pinterest, make your small business visible and at the forefront of their mind as they hop on the internet.
Make social media your best friend. Your customers love it and so should you. Make sure your social media sites are current by updating all cover photos to reflect a holiday theme. Offer exclusive deals and discounts for your social media friends and followers, and update your status regularly to keep your page looking fresh.
Offer free shipping. If you don’t already offer free shipping, now is the time. Customers love it this time of year, and they’re more likely to spend money at your business or store if they feel like they’re getting a good deal without leaving their home. In fact, 42% of holiday shoppers actually seek out shipping deals this time of year.
Consider Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising. If potential customers can’t find your business online, they won’t shop there. It’s as simple as that. Pay per click advertising during the holidays can really step up your marketing game and get your name out to potential holiday shoppers. Pay per click advertisements can increase brand awareness by more than 60%, which is especially helpful this time of year.

Resources

Author: Jake Snelson