Christmas Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses in Lincolnshire

Christmas is the busiest time of year for many small businesses across Lincolnshire – from independent shops in Louth and Horncastle to restaurants in Lincoln, gift makers, hotels and hospitality venues. It's also the noisiest, with every business competing for attention.

The key is to plan early and make your festive marketing helpful, personal and local. Here are practical ideas you can put into action this season.

1. Update your Google Business Profile with festive hours

Add your Christmas and New Year opening hours now. Many shoppers check Google before setting out, and inaccurate hours lead to frustrated customers and poor reviews. Use Google Posts to promote festive offers, late-night shopping and events.

2. Create a gift guide

Gift guides are hugely popular at Christmas. Create guides for different budgets or recipients – "gifts under £20", "for the foodie", "for the gardener" – featuring your products. Publish them on your website, share them on social media and include them in emails. They're also great for SEO, as people actively search for gift ideas.

3. Run a social media advent calendar

Post a daily tip, offer, product or behind-the-scenes moment throughout December. It keeps your followers engaged and gives them a reason to keep checking in. Even a "12 days of Christmas" version is easier to manage and just as effective.

4. Highlight shop local

Many customers make a deliberate effort to support independent businesses at Christmas. Remind them why shopping locally matters and what makes you special. Small Business Saturday in early December is a great hook for promotions and social media content.

5. Make it easy to buy online

Not everyone can visit in person. If you sell products, make it easy to order online with clear delivery deadlines and click-and-collect options. Gift vouchers are particularly valuable – they're easy to sell online right up to Christmas Eve and bring customers back in the new year. Our ecommerce websites make this straightforward.

6. Promote festive events

If you're hosting a late-night shopping evening, Christmas menu, festive workshop or party nights, promote them early on your website, social media and Google profile. Create a Facebook event so people can register interest and share it with friends.

7. Use targeted adverts

A small paid social budget can go a long way at Christmas when targeted at local postcodes and relevant interests. Promote your gift guide, events or last-minute offers to people near you. Find out more about paid social media advertising.

8. Refresh your visuals

Give your website banner, social media cover images and profile photos a festive touch. It shows you're open and ready for Christmas. Our graphic design team can create seasonal graphics in your brand style.

9. Thank your customers

Christmas is a perfect time to say thank you. Share a message of thanks on social media, send a festive email to your customer list or include a handwritten note with orders. Gratitude builds loyalty that lasts long after the decorations come down.

10. Plan for January

Think about how you'll bring customers back after Christmas – vouchers to redeem, new-year offers or loyalty rewards. A strong January starts with planning in November.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start Christmas marketing?

Ideally in October or early November, with activity building through to mid-December.

Is it too late to start now?

It's never too late. Even simple steps, like updating your opening hours and posting regular festive content, make a difference.

Can you manage our festive social media?

Yes – our social media management service can plan and publish your Christmas campaign.

Have a successful Christmas season

Digytal helps Lincolnshire businesses make the most of every season. Get in touch for help with your festive marketing.

Based in or near Horncastle? Find out how we help local businesses on our website design and SEO in Horncastle page.