10 Fun & Festive Holiday Specials to Promote Your Business this Season

The holiday season is upon us and if you are anything like the team at Esthetics Plus, then you are absolutely thrilled and must have caught the holiday spirit bug!

One of the most tested and trusted ways to spread cheer is through holiday promotions. Yup! Who doesn’t like a great deal? Absolutely no one! Here is how we see it: it's a great opportunity for spas, salons, and studios to appreciate their clients, support their local community and create a buzz around their brand, especially on social media.

Want to hop aboard the holiday promo train, but not quite sure where to start? Not to worry - we are here for you! Here is a list of 10 holiday marketing ideas to choose from. Whether a mix or just one, these ideas will help boost sales during holiday season.

01. Deck The Halls

Decorate your saloon with festive or winter-themed décor. Play holiday-specific music or choose tunes that mean a warm welcome for guests. If it fits your budget, offer a free holiday-themed beverage, or treat with every service you offer.

02. Gift Card Specials

Gift card promotions are an easy way to boost seasonal sales, bring new faces to your business and can help amp up your bookings in quieter months following the busy holidays! Here are some ideas:

• “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) gift cards
• Discounted gift cards (pay $80 for a $100 gift card)
• “Bonus” gift cards that round-up (pay for an $80 gift card and get a separate $20 gift card for free)

03. Tree Ornament Surprise

If you are planning to have a tree in your studio, clinic, salon or spa, consider creating a fun ornament surprise game. Hide secret coupon codes, special deals and even just fun messages inside the ornaments you put on your tree and have guests choose one after their service.

04. Social Media Contest

The holidays are the perfect time to implement a fun online contest or giveaway. It can be something as simple as using your social media platform to have people share a holiday-themed photo. Then select a winner for a holiday deal at your salon. Whether it’s a product, a service or a simple Christmas gift from the shop, make sure it’s fun, festive and super holiday-centric! You will be getting some extra visibility with this.

05. Offer a Holiday Pick-Me-Up

Offer complementary mini-services to help guests relax. Consider things like polish change and a five-minute massage or a quick facial – services that encourage guests to take 20 minutes for themselves during the busy holiday season.

06. Run a Charity Event

This is a great idea because not only will it bring people to your business you will also be helping those in need right from your clinic or spa. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Partner with a toy drive organization and let your clients know that you’ll have a station set up in your salon.
• Work with a local women’s shelter to collect donations for basic hygiene supplies.

Offer a small discount on services for guests who bring in donations for a food or gift drive. Marketing ideas that focus on those in need can help you get people excited about your salon – and help raise up your community.

07. Update Automated Responses with Promos

Set up auto-replies on Facebook, Instagram and email messages if you haven’t done so. This will handle the increase in questions about hours, services and pricing during the holiday season. Update these with links to your holiday promotions or coupons to encourage clicking. Guests will feel more connected to your business with even just a welcome message. Make sure to reply to all messages in a timely manner.

08. Place Stocking Stuffers at your Checkout Area

Display popular products in small sizes right near the checkout area to encourage last minute purchases.

09. Offer a Buy One, Get One Service or Product

This is always a great idea around the holidays because you can use "One for you, one as a gift" marketing. Try marketing products this way, especially products that you want to clear from your inventory or smaller services that won’t take too much time or effort to give away.

10. Offer Free Gift Wrapping

If your clients are planning to buy a gift card, a service, or a product from your establishment, offer free gift-wrapping services. This is a fun, little promotion that won’t cost you much, but it’s an extra that people love!