Effectively marketing your holiday lighting services is essential, given the short time the holiday season lasts each year. You want to reach customers, fill your calendar, and prepare for the short, yet busy season. The competition is intense during the holidays, and the time is limited to generate leads, prepare your services, complete installations, and maximize your profits. There is little time to make marketing mistakes that could cost you time and opportunities. Learn 5 of the most common mistakes holiday lighting company leaders make and how to avoid them for your productive season this year.

What are the Five Most Common Marketing Mistakes Holiday Lighting Companies Make?

1. Waiting Too Late in the Year to Begin Their Marketing Campaign.

Waiting too late to advertise is one of the biggest mistakes a holiday lighting company can make. Your marketing planning should begin in mid-summer, and you should be ready to advertise your holiday lighting services by the end of July or early August to get ahead of competitors and early-bird customers. 

2. Not Updating Their Website, Social Media Platforms, or Google Business Profile.

Part of early planning must include updating your online presence to highlight your holiday lighting services this year. You want to ensure your brand is consistent across all platforms and that all pertinent information is accurate and up to date.

3. Not Using Photos to Showcase Their Work or Using Low-Quality Photos.

You can take crisp, clear photos with the iPhone in your pocket! Take photos of completed projects just after sunset, and ensure you capture the holiday lights from various angles. Include wide views of entire lighting displays and close-ups to show details. Use your phone’s editing features to ensure high-quality pictures.

4. Not Asking Customers to Leave Reviews of Their Services.

Potential customers read reviews to learn about your company, customer service, and expertise. Encourage customers to leave reviews about their honest experience working with your company. Update customer reviews regularly to show activity and reliability.

5. Neglecting to Follow Up With Previous Customers or Promising Leads.

Early in the year, connect with previous customers to encourage early bookings before your calendar fills up this season. Additionally, always follow up with current leads promptly in order to answer questions, provide estimates, and book installations.

Bottom Line

The holiday season is short, festive, and quick. As a holiday lighting professional, you must do all you can to attract customers, generate leads, secure bookings, and complete installations. There is little time for double-guessing or making marketing mistakes that can be easily avoided.

When you plan early, engage thoughtfully in your marketing strategy, update your online presence, encourage past customers to leave reviews of your work, and follow up with promising leads, you can prepare your company for a successful holiday season. Early planning also helps you prepare your team, ensure training is complete, gather supplies and materials, and secure a full load of bookings for the holiday season. By following a few simple steps and avoiding common mistakes, you make the most of the festive season and enjoy greater profitability.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are customer reviews really important for my marketing plan?
They sure are! Reviews help build trust in your community, and they help potential customers learn about your services, expertise, and teamwork. Encourage customers to leave reviews about their honest experience working with your company. Prospective customers read reviews to learn more about your business and work ethic. 

How can I ensure the best photos for my marketing platforms?
Photos show future customers your creativity, talent, and professionalism. Before-and-after pictures help customers see how holiday lights can decorate their homes and add a festive mood to their environment during the holiday season. Strive to take photos of completed projects just after sunset, ensuring all lights are illuminated. Try to post photos from various angles and of different lighting features. 

What is the biggest marketing mistake holiday lighting companies make that I should avoid?
One of the worst mistakes that holiday lighting companies make is waiting too late in the year to advertise their services. Your marketing plan should begin in late July and August, and increase in activity over the next few months. When you begin marketing your holiday lighting services early, you place your company in the forefront of early planners, generate more leads, book more appointments, and win out over the competition.