As a holiday lighting professional, you appreciate that your business is conducted during a very short time of year. Still, the holiday season is busy and promising for successful lighting experts. It is important to market your business to make the most of the short holiday season. One question you may ask yourself is “When should I start marketing my services and when do homeowners begin looking for lighting professionals?” The answer may surprise you. Continue reading to learn more about the holiday marketing schedule and when to target homeowners searching for holiday lighting professionals.

How Early in the Season Do Homeowners Look for Holiday Lighting Help?

When the weather is warm and the daylight is long, you may not be thinking about the winter holiday season that will arrive in a few months; however, some people are already planning for it. Homeowners begin searching early for holiday lighting help for several reasons, including:

• They want to have time to compare companies and find the one that fits their needs.
• They may have a preferred installation date and want to ensure availability.
• They want to get ahead of the crowd and reduce their stress during the hectic holiday time.
• They want to ensure they book with the best holiday lighting team available.

What Can You Do to Prepare This Holiday Season?

The main thing you can do is prepare early! You want to market your business before homeowners start searching for help, so you can be ready when they do.  

• Begin Advertising Early: July and August are ideal times to plan for your holiday season by updating your website, social media posts, and Google Business Profile. It’s also the ideal time to start Google Ads or Facebook Ads to get in front of customers who are searching. Include your holiday lighting packages, ideas, and other details in your marketing platforms. Features such as before-and-after photos will excite customers and encourage them to start thinking about their own lighting services.
  
• Prepare for Holiday Lighting Bookings: September and October are busy months for scheduling your holiday lighting services. Reach out to previous customers and encourage them to book now, and keep your schedule and pricing available for other bookings as they come in.
  
• Enjoy a Full and Busy Schedule During the Holiday Season: Since you planned early, you can enjoy a full holiday lighting season while reducing the stress of having to acquire new leads or face empty slots on your calendar. 

Bottom Line

Holiday advertising seems to begin earlier and earlier every year. As a holiday lighting installer, you want to make sure you are top of mind for your customers, especially those who start looking early for their holiday lighting help.

Planning early and marketing your holiday lighting business and skills in mid to late summer gives you a great advantage over other company leaders who wait until later in the year. You may not be thinking about the holidays now, but other people are already daydreaming about large family gatherings, travel plans, holiday parties, and decorating for the season. Since most homeowners begin their searches online, it is beneficial to update your online presence early so customers can easily find your expertise and holiday lighting services. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is summer too early to begin marketing my holiday lighting services?
No, summer is actually the perfect time to begin organizing your holiday lighting marketing plan. Many customers like to plan their holiday decorations and lighting features early before the end of the year really gets busy. If you showcase your lighting business early, you ensure you are in the best position to capture early planners and get ahead of your competitors. 

Why do lighting companies need to fill their calendars so early in the year?
Since the holidays are enjoyed for a short amount of time, it is crucial that you prepare for the busy season. When you begin planning early in the year, you fill your calendar with loyal customers who want to enjoy their holiday lights throughout the season. Booking early also enables you to prepare your supplies and team members, ensuring a smooth season for everyone. 

What can I do to encourage my customers to book early?
Educate your customers about the many benefits of booking early, such as priority scheduling and preferred installation dates. You may also want to offer early-booking specials or additional services at a low or no cost. Booking early benefits your customers and your business by helping you plan and prepare for the hectic time ahead.