The holidays are creeping up and while it’s all about festive fun, your website and online presence need some attention too. Taking a little time now means you won’t be scrambling later and your customers will know exactly what’s going on. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your business is ready online while you enjoy the break.
1. Update Your Holiday Trading Hours on Your Google Business Profile
The first thing people check is when you’re open. Make sure your hours are up-to-date so customers don’t turn up when you’re closed. If your hours are wrong it can be frustrating and might even put people off coming back. Take a couple of minutes to adjust any special holiday trading times on your Google Business Profile.
2. Schedule Holiday Social Media Posts
Planning ahead saves a lot of stress. Let people know about your hours, share gift guides, festive offers or just a friendly holiday message. Scheduling posts for Instagram, Facebook (Meta Business Suite makes this easy) or LinkedIn ensures your audience stays in the loop while you’re catching up with friends or family.
3. Send a Wrap-Up or Festive Newsletter
A holiday newsletter is a great way to thank your customers for their support, share highlights from the year and give a sneak peek of what’s coming next year. It’s also a subtle reminder that your business is still active and ready to serve.
4. Update Your Website Footer and Copyright Year
It’s a small detail but it counts. An up-to-date copyright year shows that your website is current and maintained. While you’re at it, make sure any other footer information like contact details or social links is still correct.
5. Add Holiday Pop-Ups or Banner Notices
If you’re closing over the break, add a pop-up or banner so visitors know right away. It stops frustration and makes your site feel professional. You could also include a friendly note wishing them happy holidays.
6. Check Website Functionality
Take a quick walk through your site. Test forms, checkout, links and any other interactive elements. The last thing you want is someone trying to contact you or buy a gift and running into a broken page. It’s better to fix it now than during the holiday rush.
7. Backup Your Website
Backing up your site before making changes or posting holiday content is always a good idea. It gives peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, you can restore it easily. Even if nothing breaks, it’s a habit worth keeping. There are several WordPress plugins that can easily take a backup for you to store safely on your own drive.
It’s all About the Prep
Taking care of these simple tasks now can make a big difference. Your customers will know when you’re open, find what they need easily and enjoy a smooth online experience. Plus, you’ll feel calmer knowing your website and social media are ready for the season.
Need a hand ticking off your holiday prep list? I can help make sure your website and online presence are ready for the holidays so you can focus on enjoying the festive season.