The holiday season is here, and with it comes one of the best opportunities to boost online sales and reach new customers. Yet, despite the seasonal rush, a surprising number of small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) remain underprepared to fully capitalize on holiday sales.
In a recent survey by Web.com, we asked over 100 SMB owners about their holiday marketing strategies—and the results highlight a trend of missed opportunities.
Here’s a look at what the data reveals and how Web.com’s services can make sure your business is ready to capture every holiday opportunity.
Key insights from the survey: Where SMBs are missing out
For many SMBs, holiday website preparation often takes a back seat. Here’s a breakdown of the critical areas identified in our research:
- 70% of SMBs are not dedicating extra time to holiday website preparation. This means most businesses are missing out on the opportunity to enhance their websites to attract online shoppers and improve the user experience.
- 65% of SMBs are not tailoring marketing efforts to drive seasonal traffic. Without holiday-specific promotions, visuals, or targeted messaging, these businesses risk blending in with competitors instead of standing out during the shopping rush.
The survey findings show that many SMBs could enhance their holiday reach by investing in seasonal preparation. When you consider that 40% of SMBs count on technology to improve site design and experience, the opportunity for growth becomes clearer. With the right adjustments, even a small business can attract and retain holiday shoppers effectively.
Common challenges preventing SMBs from capitalizing on the holiday rush
Despite understanding the importance of a holiday-ready website, SMBs face notable barriers in preparing their online presence for the holidays:
- Time limitations (22%) make it tough for business owners to manage day-to-day operations and prepare their sites for the holiday rush.
- Budget constraints (21%) limit the resources SMBs can put toward site improvements or seasonal campaigns.
- Limited technical knowledge (21%) means that making even simple, seasonal website adjustments can feel overwhelming.
The challenges don’t stop there. SMBs also struggle to maintain a competitive online presence year-round, with limited budget (37%), technical skills (28%), and knowledge of attracting website visitors (24%) being common pain points.
These obstacles highlight a clear need for affordable, easy-to-use solutions tailored to SMBs.
How Web.com can help: Key solutions for holiday website preparation
With the holiday season right around the corner, there’s still time to turn these insights into action. Here’s how Web.com can help you holiday-proof your online presence.
Optimize your site’s performance and speed
When customers are browsing for holiday deals, they expect fast load times and easy navigation. Slow or hard-to-navigate sites can lead to missed sales, especially during peak holiday periods. Web.com provides:
- High-performance hosting and performance tools. Web.com offers hosting solutions that keep your website running smoothly, even during peak traffic times, so your customers have a positive, hassle-free experience from the moment they land on your page.
- Mobile optimization. With mobile shopping more popular than ever, a mobile-friendly site is essential. Web.com’s AI-powered website builder makes it easy to create a responsive design that works seamlessly on any device. And if you prefer a hands-off approach, our Web Design Service and Quickstart options connect you with design experts to ensure your site is mobile-ready and professional—without the extra work.
Tailored holiday marketing that drives engagement
With 65% of SMBs skipping targeted holiday marketing, there’s an opportunity for your business to stand out with focused, holiday-specific promotions. Web.com’s platform offers tools to help you engage shoppers in a meaningful way:
- AI Content Writer tool. Need help creating engaging holiday content? Our AI Content Writer generates polished, holiday-themed blog posts, gift guides, or product spotlights that attract and retain customer interest—all in minutes.
- Customizable banners and visuals. Bring a festive season touch to your site with seasonal banners, holiday colors, or countdowns to key shopping dates. These small visual updates make a big impact on shopper engagement and make your website feel more inviting.
- Marketing tools. Tap into powerful email marketing, easy social media integration, and quick promotions to craft targeted campaigns that drive seasonal traffic. Plus, with our Business Listing service, you can ensure your business information is accurate and easily discoverable by local shoppers searching for holiday gifts.
- PPC and SEO Tools. Visibility is crucial during the holiday rush. Our Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising solution and Simple SEO tool are designed to help you reach the right audience. Improve your search ranking and make sure your holiday promotions are front and center when customers are looking to shop.
Practical eCommerce solutions for holiday sales
A streamlined shopping experience is essential for converting holiday traffic into sales. With Web.com’s Online Store Builder, managing sales, promotions, and inventory is simple:
- Easy checkout and inventory management. Keep track of your stock, offer seasonal promotions, and provide a seamless checkout experience. Web.com’s Online Store Builder is designed to improve the shopping experience, so you can focus on meeting customer demand.
- Analytics and website checkups. Get insights into your website’s performance to make last-minute tweaks before the online shopping surge. Web.com’s analytics tools help you monitor site speed, mobile compatibility, and more.
Support and resources for your success
Preparing your website for the holidays can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Web.com offers robust support and resources to guide you through the process.
- Expert customer support. Our team is here to help you navigate any challenges you face in holiday preparation. Chat support is available 24/7, so you can get assistance whenever you need it. For more personalized help, you can reach our phone support Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 9 PM ET.
- Helpful resources and tutorials. Access a wealth of articles and guides on our blog and knowledge base that provide step-by-step assistance on everything from optimizing your website to executing successful marketing campaigns.
Ready to make this holiday season your most profitable yet?
Investing time in holiday website prep is like setting up a storefront that practically sells for you. With optimized performance, engaging content, and an effective SEO strategy, you can turn holiday visitors into loyal customers.
Web.com offers comprehensive solutions—from fast hosting and mobile optimization to intuitive SEO tools and support—that empower you to transform your website into a holiday sales powerhouse. Take advantage of these tools now to capture your share of the festive rush and keep the momentum rolling all year long.
Make this holiday season your most profitable yet by ensuring your website is ready, optimized, and uniquely positioned to attract and retain holiday shoppers. Start today, and let Web.com be your partner in achieving an unforgettable holiday season.
