The holiday season is a golden opportunity for businesses, with shoppers eager to buy and give. But without a solid plan, you could be left behind in the holiday sales rush. If you want to stand out, make an impact, and actually see those holiday numbers soar, you need proven marketing strategies to boost holiday sales this year. 

We’re not talking about generic “try this” tips or lofty goals that require endless hours and a mountain of resources. No. We’re talking about straightforward, actionable strategies that work, whether you’re running an online store or a brick-and-mortar shop.

In this guide, you’ll find strategies that have been tested and deliver results without requiring a massive budget or a huge marketing team. 

You’ll learn how to attract new customers, reward your loyal ones, and get those holiday shoppers coming back for more—all with practical, stress-free strategies.

1. Create a Holiday-Themed Loyalty Program

If you want to keep customers coming back, a holiday-themed loyalty program is one of the best proven marketing strategies to boost holiday sales this year. Why? Because loyalty programs give customers a reason to make repeated purchases—and during the holidays, they’re already in buying mode. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. 

According to research by Bond Brand Loyalty, 79% of consumers say that loyalty programs make them more likely to continue doing business with brands.

 Just take your existing loyalty program (or start one if you don’t have it) and add a holiday twist to make it irresistible.

Let’s say you offer a points system throughout the year. For the holiday season, consider doubling the points on every purchase. Or offer a special bonus for customers who hit a certain spending threshold in November and December. You could even have a holiday rewards raffle, where every purchase during the holiday season enters them into a draw for a gift card or a high-value product. 

The beauty of this strategy is that it’s easy to implement and works for both online stores and physical locations. Track points digitally or simply keep a punch card system for in-store purchases.

Imagine customers walking in, knowing they’re earning twice the rewards or that their holiday shopping might get them something extra down the line. This creates excitement and, most importantly, keeps them coming back.

2. Implement Limited-Time Holiday Bundles

Limited-time holiday bundles are a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year because they encourage shoppers to buy more. According to McKinsey, product bundling can increase average order value by 20% or more.

The psychology here is simple: people perceive bundles as a great value, especially when items are complementary and holiday-themed.

Creating holiday bundles with items like scarves, gloves, and hats or a “self-care” set with candles, soaps, and bath bombs allows you to appeal to shoppers looking for easy gift options. Just group products that make sense together and offer a slight discount as a bundle. 

Not only does this increase the average order value, but it also simplifies the shopping experience, which shoppers appreciate during the busy season.

To drive the urgency factor, set a clear timeline for the bundle’s availability, such as “Holiday Bundle: Only Available Until December 20th.” This approach works for both in-store and online setups, as you can pre-package bundles for display or set up automatic discounts at checkout online. Easy to execute, high impact—what’s not to love?

3. Run a Social Media Countdown Campaign

This one’s fun, effective, and perfect for generating buzz. Running a social media countdown campaign is a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year that’s not only engaging but also creates urgency. 

Almost everyone loves a countdown, especially during the holiday season when anticipation is high. 

Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or even TikTok to launch a “12 Days of Deals” or a “Countdown to Christmas” campaign.

Each day, unveil a new deal, feature a different product, or reveal a special discount. It gives followers a reason to check in daily, creating consistent engagement while building excitement. Whether you’re online-only or a physical store, this countdown strategy works. 

For physical stores, you can mirror the campaign with in-store signage, creating a cohesive experience that feels exciting and unique.

This kind of campaign taps into the urgency factor—shoppers know these deals are only available for a limited time, which motivates them to buy now rather than later.

It’s simple to set up, easy to follow through on, and highly effective. 

4. Offer Exclusive In-Store and Online-Only Discounts

Everyone loves a good deal, but here’s a twist that can work wonders: offer exclusive discounts for in-store and online shoppers separately. 

By creating tailored discounts, you’re speaking directly to each type of shopper, which makes this one of the most adaptable, proven marketing strategies to boost holiday sales this year.

Here’s how it works; For online shoppers, you might run a 20% off deal on select items. But for in-store customers, maybe it’s a 25% discount on all full-priced items. 

By differentiating the offers, you’re giving people a reason to engage with your business in the way that’s most convenient for them. Plus, you can use this strategy to even out inventory levels between your online and physical stores.

Promote these deals through every channel you have—email, social media, your website, and in-store signage. It’s a win-win because you’re reaching both audiences with relevant, exclusive offers. 

The result? Increased foot traffic, boosted online sales, and customers who feel like they’re getting a special deal tailored just for them.

5: Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Your Google My Business profile is a free tool that could bring in more local shoppers than you might realize. 

Optimizing this profile is a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year because it gives you visibility among people who are actively searching for holiday shopping options nearby.

Here’s what to do: First, update your hours, especially if you’re extending them for the holidays. Add holiday-themed photos that show off any seasonal products or decor in your store.

Use the “Post” feature to promote special holiday deals, events, or discounts. When local shoppers search for “holiday gifts near me” or “holiday deals,” having a well-maintained Google My Business profile can make you stand out from the competition.

This works perfectly for physical stores, but it’s also great for online businesses that offer local pickup. 

The holiday season is prime time for local search traffic, so make sure your profile is optimized, eye-catching, and loaded with everything a shopper might need to find you. 

6. Use SMS and Email Marketing for Targeted Promotions

Targeted SMS and email marketing campaigns are not only effective but also incredibly personal. 

Utilizing SMS and email is a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year because it allows you to connect directly with customers who have already shown interest in your brand. 

During the holidays, they’re expecting promotions—don’t disappoint them.  According to Omnisend, campaigns combining SMS and email marketing see a 47.7% higher conversion rate than email alone.

Create a segmented email list and SMS group for VIPs, frequent shoppers, or people who have recently visited your site. 

Send time-sensitive promotions, exclusive holiday offers, or updates on limited-edition products. Even a quick, “Hey, we’ve got a holiday deal just for you!” can make a big impact.

7. Host Holiday-Themed Events or Pop-Ups

People love events that give them a reason to step out, explore, and shop. Hosting a holiday-themed event or pop-up is a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year, and it creates an experience that sticks in people’s minds.

So,  if you want them to remember your brand, give them a reason to come by and enjoy something unique.

Whether it’s an in-store event like a “Holiday Sip & Shop” where you serve seasonal drinks or a pop-up stand with local crafters, these events draw crowds and give you a chance to build rapport. 

Online? No problem. Host a virtual shopping event where you showcase top holiday picks live. 

Both in-store and virtual pop-ups give you the chance to connect with customers directly, offer limited-time deals, and create a holiday vibe that keeps them engaged with your brand.

Promote your event through email, social media, and whatsapp communities. 

People love a little holiday cheer, and when they feel connected to your business, they’re more likely to buy, share, and return. And don’t forget to have a special deal or exclusive offer just for event attendees. 

8: Offer Gift Wrapping as a Complimentary or Low-Cost Service

During the holidays, everyone’s looking for convenience. Offering gift wrapping is a simple yet proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year because it removes one more hassle from a shopper’s to-do list.

According to a survey by Forbes, 70% of customers are willing to pay more for a convenient experience, so think about  the value you’re providing by wrapping those gifts for them!

Set up a dedicated wrapping station in-store or add a “gift wrap” option during online checkout. You can offer it as a complimentary service for purchases over a certain amount or as a low-cost add-on. 

Providing this service increases the likelihood of impulse purchases—especially when shoppers know they can skip the hassle of wrapping at home.

Gift wrapping not only adds value to the shopping experience but also makes your store stand out as a thoughtful, customer-centric business. Customers will remember that extra step you took, and they’re more likely to return in the future. 

9. Leverage User-Generated Content and Reviews

These days, people trust what other shoppers say more than traditional advertising. 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their buying decisions, which makes leveraging user-generated content and reviews a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year. 

Shoppers want social proof, and when they see real customers sharing positive experiences, they’re more likely to trust your brand and make a purchase.

Encourage your customers to share photos of their purchases on social media or leave reviews on your website. 

You can even incentivize them by offering a small discount or entering them into a holiday giveaway for every photo or review they share. Share these reviews on your social media and website, showcasing the positive feedback and creating a sense of community.

This tactic builds credibility and helps potential customers see your products in action, making their buying decision easier.

Seeing real people enjoying your products—especially around the holidays—creates trust and gives them that final nudge to hit “Add to Cart” or head to your store.

10. Partner with Local Businesses for Cross-Promotions

Cross-promotions are a fantastic way to expand your reach without the high costs of traditional advertising. 

By teaming up with complementary local businesses, you can tap into each other’s customer base—a proven marketing strategy to boost holiday sales this year. 

For example, if you run a boutique, partner with a nearby coffee shop or florist.

Create a holiday bundle where customers who purchase from your store get a discount or a small gift from the partner business, and vice versa. This strategy works for online businesses too: you can run co-branded email campaigns or offer exclusive discounts for customers who purchase from both websites.

Cross-promotions are a win-win. You’re creating added value for customers and reaching a fresh audience that may not have discovered your store otherwise. 

Both businesses benefit from increased traffic, and you’re building a sense of community that resonates well with holiday shoppers looking to support local stores. 

Conclusion

Customers are in the mood to shop. By putting even a few of these strategies into play, you’re setting yourself up for a season of memorable customer interactions, stronger relationships, and record-breaking sales. 

And remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated. The secret here is to focus on value and make the shopping experience easy, exciting, and personal.

So, get out there, tweak a few things, and let the holiday spirit do the rest! Make this season one to remember—for both you and your customers.