Being active during the holiday period is one of the most effective ways to potentially gain more clients. People love good deals and the lead up to Christmas is the perfect time to show what your business can offer.
The holiday season is a perfect time for small businesses to connect with their audience, boost engagement, and increase sales. Advent calendars are a fun and festive way to do this! Whether you’re running an online store, a local shop, or a service-based business, here are some creative advent calendar ideas to try.
What is a business advent calendar?
An advent calendar counts down the days until Christmas, traditionally from December 1 to December 24. For businesses, it’s a way to:
- Offer daily surprises.
- Build excitement.
- Reward loyal customers.
Your advent calendar can be physical (like in-store giveaways) or digital (shared via social media, email, or your website).
Advent calendar ideas for small businesses
1. Daily discounts
Offer a different deal or discount each day leading up to Christmas. For example:
- Day 1: 10% off all items.
- Day 5: Buy one, get one free.
- Day 15: Free shipping.
Use this to encourage repeat visits and drive last-minute holiday sales.
2. Giveaways and contests
Run daily or weekly giveaways to keep your audience engaged. Ideas include:
- A free product or gift card for a lucky winner.
- A “guess the item” contest where followers identify a blurred-out product.
- A “12 Days of Christmas” prize draw for customers who make a purchase during the advent period.
3. Tips and inspiration
Offer helpful tips related to your business. For example:
- A skincare brand could share winter skincare tips.
- A local café might post holiday recipe ideas.
- A fitness business could share quick holiday workout routines.
These tips position you as a helpful resource while keeping customers engaged.
4. Behind-the-scenes content
Show a personal side of your business with daily behind-the-scenes posts. Ideas include:
- Sneak peeks of upcoming products.
- Meet-the-team features.
- How your business prepares for the holidays.
This builds a stronger connection with your audience and humanises your brand.
5. Free downloads or resources
Offer free, downloadable goodies:
- Printable holiday cards.
- Gift tags or wrapping paper designs.
- A holiday checklist or planner.
These freebies add value and keep your audience coming back for more.
6. Partner with other small businesses
Collaborate with other local or online businesses for your advent calendar. For example:
- Feature their products in your daily giveaways.
- Bundle your services with theirs for special deals.
- Co-host a holiday event or giveaway.
This cross-promotion expands your reach and benefits both businesses.
7. Share holiday cheer
Create feel-good content to celebrate the season, like:
- Daily acts of kindness your business is doing.
- Charitable donations or partnerships.
- Holiday wishes or funny, festive memes.
This builds goodwill and strengthens your brand image.
8. Flash sales
Host limited-time offers that last only 24 hours.
- Highlight a single product or service each day.
- Announce the sale via email or social media for added excitement.
The urgency of flash sales encourages quick purchases.
9. Interactive polls and quizzes
Engage your audience with fun, holiday-themed polls or quizzes:
- “Which holiday treat are you?”
- “What’s your favourite Christmas movie?”
- Votes on new product designs or services.
This interaction keeps your audience entertained and engaged with your brand.
10. Personal touch for VIPs
Reward your most loyal customers with exclusive advent perks:
- Early access to sales or promotions.
- Personalised holiday messages or cards.
- Special gifts for repeat buyers.
This strengthens relationships and shows appreciation.
Tips for a successful advent calendar
- Plan Ahead: Schedule content, emails, and promotions early so you’re not rushing.
- Use Visuals: Create eye-catching graphics for social media or emails to grab attention.
- Promote It: Announce your advent calendar well in advance to build anticipation.
- Track Engagement: Pay attention to which days or offers perform best to learn what your audience loves.
An advent calendar is a fun and festive way to engage your audience and boost sales during the holiday season. Whether you’re offering discounts, giveaways, or free resources, the key is to keep it creative, valuable, and aligned with your brand.
