Four Marketing Mistakes Your Small Business Could Make at Year-End (And How to Avoid Them)

The end of the year is like the final mile of a marathon—you’re tired, but you can’t stop because you’ve still got that finish line in sight. For small businesses, it’s also a time when marketing can either finish strong or fall flat on its face like a runner tripping over their own shoelaces. And trust me, we’ve all had moments where we’ve misjudged that last marketing sprint. So, before you cross the finish line into a new year, here are four marketing mistakes to avoid, with a side of good ol’ Farmhouse Creative wisdom!

1. Forgetting to Follow Up with Customers
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday hustle, but if you’re not following up with your customers, you’re missing out on major opportunities! People are in the spending spirit, but they’re also bombarded with choices. A simple email or social post reminding them how awesome you are can make all the difference. Think of it like Christmas cards for your business—except way cooler and with fewer pictures of your dog in a Santa hat.

2. Overloading on Discounts
Look, we all love a good deal, but giving away the farm (pun fully intended) is not the way to end the year. Sure, a well-timed sale can boost revenue, but if you’re slashing prices left and right, you might be telling your customers that your products aren’t worth full price. Instead, create value with your promotions by offering something unique—like limited-time offers or bundled packages that get people excited without draining your profits faster than eggnog at a holiday party.

3. Ignoring the Power of Social Media
It’s easy to let your social media game slip during the year-end crunch. After all, who has time to post when you’re knee-deep in invoices, holiday cards, and inventory checks? But neglecting your online presence is a big mistake. Your customers are spending a lot of time scrolling this time of year, and if you’re not there, your competitors are. Plus, who doesn’t love a fun holiday meme or a “Look how cozy our office is!” Instagram post? (Hint: Everyone loves it. Get posting.)

4. Failing to Set Goals for the New Year
We know, we know—New Year’s resolutions are usually made to be broken (who’s still going to the gym by February?). But in marketing, setting clear goals for the upcoming year is a must. Whether it’s increasing your social media following, boosting email subscribers, or launching that new website you’ve been dreaming about since July, having a plan is the first step to crushing it in the new year. Because if you don’t know where you’re going, how are you supposed to know when you’ve arrived?

Conclusion
We get it—ending the year strong can be tough, but by avoiding these common pitfalls, your small business can enter the new year ready to grow. And hey, if you need a little extra help with your marketing game, you know where to find us!