The Essential Checklist Every Business NEEDS To Do This Festive Season

It comes as no surprise to business owners that the festive season can be one of the busiest times of the year, filled with opportunities and challenges alike.

This is a time when keeping your customers informed becomes essential - whether you’re adjusting your trading hours, running seasonal promotions, or taking a well-earned break.

Clear communication helps you avoid misunderstandings, manage expectations, and maintain trust.

“In our experience, the businesses that make a conscious effort to communicate holiday changes online see better engagement and loyalty,” says Dominic from Wakeford Digital.

“The festive season is your opportunity to show that you’re organised and also that you value your customers’ time. Small steps like updating your trading hours or sharing a festive message can leave a lasting impression.”

In December 2024, we manually analysed 30 local Hobart businesses to check their website, contact page and social media for any updates on holiday trading hours or availability.

• only 8 out of 30 had an easy to find update, banner or information on their website about 2024 Christmas trading hours
• only 7 of 30 had information on their Facebook page about upcoming availability and trading hours
• interestingly, 33% of the businesses hadn't had a Facebook post since October!

With this data in mind, we're using this article to provide practical steps that your business can take to ensure customers stay up to date during the holidays.

From Google Business Profile updates to social media announcements and email notifications, these actions are designed to keep your customers informed and your operations running smoothly.

Our 2024 digital checklist to help businesses navigate the festive season

Here’s a quick guide to the key actions your business can take to keep customers up to date online during the holidays:

1. Update Your Google Business Profile: Ensure your hours, availability, and contact details reflect your holiday schedule.
2. Share Your Opening Hours on Social Media: Use posts, Stories, or Reels to engage and inform your audience.
3. Add Website Banners or Pop-Ups: Highlight holiday hours and any important announcements on your website.
4. Send Out Email Notifications: Share updates directly with your customers and thank them for their support.
5. Set Up Automated Responses: Provide instant clarity when customers contact you outside operating hours.
6. Use Festive In-Store Signage: Complement your online efforts with clear, professional signage for in-person visits.

Let’s take a closer look at how to put these into action...

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1. Update Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the first places customers go for information about your business, especially when they’re searching online for your hours or services.

Having incorrect or outdated information can frustrate customers and harm their trust in your business. By updating your GBP, you can make sure your customers know exactly when you’ll be open, closed, or offering something special.

“Google Business Profile is such a simple yet often overlooked and powerful tool,” says Dominic.

“Customers often check it first to confirm your hours or even find directions. If you’re closed and they weren’t aware, it’s a bad experience."

"Updating your profile doesn’t just prevent that; it also shows that you’re thoughtful and professional; plus, it’s an opportunity to highlight seasonal promotions or share a holiday message.”

Steps to update your Google Business Profile:

• Visit Google Business Profile, edit your profile and go to the HOURS tab to update the special hours area.
• Review or add in holiday trading hours, closures, and reopening dates.
• Add a festive note in an update or highlight special holiday offers.
• Double-check contact details like your phone number and website link.
• Upload recent photos that reflect your holiday vibe or promotions.

Watch the video:

If you're looking for a step-by-step video on how to update the hours on your Google Business Profile, check out our short video below:

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2. Share Your Opening Hours on Social Media

Social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are one of the quickest ways to communicate with your customers, and they’re perfect for keeping your audience up to date during the holiday season.

Posting your trading hours and closures ensures your followers know when they can visit or contact you.

Adding festive visuals or personal messages can make these updates more engaging and memorable.

“Social media is where you can keep your customers in the loop in real time,” Dominic explains.

“It’s not just about the information—it’s how you present it. A quick video from your team, a festive graphic with your hours, or even a friendly Story can make a big difference. Customers appreciate the effort, and it keeps your business top of mind.”

Tips for sharing updates on social media:

• ‍‍Use Stories or Reels to share updates in a dynamic, engaging way.
• Respond promptly to customer queries about hours or availability.
• Use festive colours, imagery, or captions to reflect the season.

Dom's hot tip: pin a post with your opening hours and holiday closures for easy visibility on apps like Facebook, that way visitors can immediately find this information.

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3. Add Website Banners or Pop-Ups

Your website is often the central hub of your online presence, making it the ideal place to share holiday updates.

A banner at the top of your homepage ensures that important information, like trading hours or closures, is immediately visible to visitors.

Pop-ups can also be an effective way to highlight specific announcements, such as shipping deadlines or special holiday promotions.

“Your website should make it easy for customers to find the information they need,” Dominic says. “A banner or pop-up is perfect for this—it’s front and centre without being intrusive. Just make sure the design is clear and professional, and that the messaging matches what you’ve shared on other platforms.”

Best practices for website updates:‍

• Add a banner or pop-up with your holiday hours and other key updates.
• Ensure the design complements your website’s branding and is easy to read.
• Update your FAQ and Contact pages to reflect holiday-specific details.
• Link to your social media or email for further updates or enquiries.

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4. Send Out An Email Newsletter

Email is a powerful tool for communicating directly with your customers, making it perfect for holiday updates.

Sending a short email with your holiday hours, closures, or any seasonal offers keeps your customers informed while adding a personal touch. Including a thank-you message for their support over the year is a simple way to build goodwill.

“Email allows you to connect personally with your customers,” Dominic explains. “It’s not just about information - it’s about appreciation - so use the opportunity to share a festive message or offer something special. It reminds them that you value their support.”

Key elements for festive email notifications:‍

• Clearly outline your holiday hours, closures, and reopening dates.
• Thank your customers for their support over the past year.
• Add a festive touch, such as a seasonal offer or discount.
  

Dom's hot tip: Update your email signature with holiday-related details, particularly if you're a service-based business or someone who sends emails regularly. It's a gentle yet consistent reminder to clients of when you're out of the office and they'll likely check that recent email from you to gauge your return.

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5. Set Up Automated Responses

Automated responses can help you manage customer expectations during the busy holiday season.

Whether through email, social media messaging, or website chat, automated replies can let customers know your availability and when they can expect a response. Including links to FAQs or resources can provide additional support.

“Automated responses are a lifesaver during busy times,” Dom says. “They show your customers you’re still attentive, even when you’re not immediately available. Make sure the tone is friendly, and always provide helpful next steps or resources.”

Suggestions for automated responses:‍

• Include closure dates and expected response times.
• Provide links to FAQs or key resources for immediate assistance.
• Add a warm, festive message to keep things personal.

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6. Use Festive In-Store Signage

If you have a physical location, festive signage is a simple but effective way to keep your customers informed. Placing clear signs at entrances, checkout counters, or other high-traffic areas ensures visitors know your holiday hours and any changes to services. Adding a touch of holiday spirit to the design makes it even more engaging.

“In-store signage complements your online efforts perfectly,” says Dominic. “Many customers still appreciate having clear, visible information when they visit. Make it festive, but keep the messaging clear and professional.”

Ideas for festive in-store signage:

• Display signs at key locations like entrances and counters.
• Use festive colours and designs to make the signage eye-catching.
• Include QR codes linking to your website or Google Business Profile.

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Wrapping things up...

By focusing on practical online steps to keep your customers informed, you can create a seamless festive season for both your business and your audience.

Whether it’s updating your Google Business Profile, posting on social media, or sending thoughtful email updates, each touchpoint reinforces your professionalism and care.

“The holidays are a chance to build trust and loyalty," Dominic says.

"By keeping customers up to date, you’re showing that your business values their time and experience.”

Start implementing these strategies today to ensure a stress-free holiday period and leave a positive impression on your customers.

While we're at it - if you've read this far, we wish you a happy and safe festive season and trust some of these strategies help your business thrive online.