Startup Guides > Turning Holidays Gifts Into a Marketing Tool - 6 Ideas

Hopefully you've already created your annual customer and client holiday gift list. Whether they've been naughty or nice, all clients should get recognized in this holiday ritual. But how can you make your holiday gifts do double duty-not only as a "thank you" for the past year's business, but also as a marketing tool to encourage more business in the new year? Here are some ideas.

Remind them of you:

The simplest way to make your holiday gift a marketing tool is to choose a promotional product with your company's name and/or logo on it. But for best results, make sure it's something your client will actually use-ideally, in a setting when they'll be thinking about buying what you sell. Also make sure it matches your brand and is relevant to your business. For example, if you sell accounting services to businesses, a high-quality pen set, sophisticated note pad or travel coffee mug is likely to be used at or on the way to work when the client is thinking business.


Personalize it:

A promotional product with your logo isn't the only way to put your personal touch on a corporate gift. For instance, if you own a graphic design business, you could design your own wrapping paper or gift boxes for your gifts (be sure to add a label that says you designed it!). This way, you're subtly reminding clients of your talents while they open your gift.

Give what you make or sell:

This not only saves money because you're using your own inventory, but also reminds the client of your quality product. Every time the client drinks a cup of coffee made with your fresh-roasted beans, uses your handmade stationery or puts his iPad in your leather case, he'll be reminded why he does business with you.

And for year around affordable marketing, don't forget online marketing sites. You can visit 40billion.com which is a fastest-growing network of entrepreneurs and crowdfunders. They specialize in promotion of small businesses by broadcasting and promoting to its large network of several million users across the most popular social networking sites for small businesses - including Twitter, LinkedIn, 40Billion, and even Facebook. Innovative services such as promoted company listings were created for small entrepreneurs to tap into a growing, active network online without spending thousands on pay-per-click ads or traditional advertising. They also offer crowdfunding promotion and promote crowdfunders and their campaigns/projects.

Deliver your gifts by hand:

If your clients are local, make an impact by delivering your holiday gifts yourself. Make a brief appointment so you're not interruptive, and spend the time catching up with the client. Don't make this a hard-sell sales call, but listen for cues as to how you may be able to help them in the future, and cement your interest in working with them again next year.

Give the gift of time:

Instead of giving a physical gift, take key clients out to breakfast or coffee-something brief that provides a break in their busy days, but also gives you time to reconnect. You'll stand out from the crowd of social media connections by simply being present in real life, and you'll be top of mind when the client turns to next year's budget.

Give the gift of information:

A business book or magazine subscription that's relevant to your client's industry, challenges and interests shows you put some thought into what will help her get ahead in the coming year. Plus, you can follow up later by asking the client how she likes the book and why you thought it might be helpful to her...segueing nicely into how your business might be helpful as well. And if you've procrastinated, this is a quick and easy gift.

With these simple tips, you can turn holiday business gifts into the gift that keeps on giving-giving you more business, that is.

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