The Christmas bells are ringing—or at least, the tills should be. For small businesses across Pembrokeshire, the festive season is often the make-or-break period of the year. Whether you run a boutique in Narberth, a gallery in St Davids, or a service from your kitchen table in Haverfordwest, cutting through the noise can feel daunting.

You don’t need a marketing degree or a massive budget to make an impact. Often, it’s about doing the simple things well and leveraging our local community spirit. Here is a straightforward guide to boosting your business this Christmas, written specifically for the non-tech experts among us.

Get Found Locally (Even Without a Website)

If you don’t have a flashy e-commerce store, you can still dominate the local search results. Most people will search “Christmas gifts near me” or “gift shops in Tenby” on their phones.

• Claim Your Google Business Profile: This is the box that appears on the right-hand side of searches and also on Google Maps. Ensure your profile is verified and up-to-date.
• Update Your Christmas Hours: Nothing frustrates a customer more than driving to a shop that Google said was open, only to find it shut. Update your special holiday opening times immediately.
• Post Updates: Treat your Google profile like Facebook. You can post updates about “Last dates for orders” or “New stock arrived” directly onto your Google listing.

Digital Tinsel: Simple Website Tweaks

For those of you with a website, you don’t need to rebuild it. Just dress it up for the season to help Google find you.

• Use Festive Keywords: Think about what your customers are typing. Instead of just “Handmade Soap,” change your product title to “Handmade Soap – Perfect Stocking Filler.”
• Create a ‘Gift Guide’: Write a simple blog post titled “Top 10 Gifts for Her/Him.” To speak about your products. Google loves this content because it answers a specific searcher’s problem.
• Check Your Mobile View: Most of your customers will be browsing on their phones while waiting for the kids or sitting on the bus. Check your site on your own mobile—if the “Buy Now” button is hard to press, you’re losing sales.

The Power of ‘Local’

Pembrokeshire has a uniquely supportive community. Play to this strength. “Shop Local” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a selling point.

• Collaborate to Accumulate: Why not partner with a neighbouring business? A local candle maker and a florist could team up to offer a “Cosy Christmas Bundle.” It doubles your reach because you both advertise it to your followers.
• Market Presence: If you have a physical stall at Maker’s Market Barn or are attending Scolton Manor Christmas Market, shout about it online! Tell people exactly where to find you (e.g., “We are next to the hot chocolate stall!”).
• Support Local Charities: A pledge to donate 50p from every sale to a local charity (like the Pembrokeshire Foodbank or a local lifeboat station) can be the deciding factor for a customer choosing between you and Amazon.

Social Media Without the Stress

You don’t need to be a TikTok influencer. You just need to be authentic.

• Behind the Scenes: People love to see the face behind the business. Post a photo of yourself wrapping orders or decorating the shop. It builds trust.
• Use Local Hashtags: Don’t just use #Christmas. Use tags that local shoppers actually browse:
  • #PembrokeshireBusiness
  • #Tenby
  • #Haverfordwest
  • #ShopLocalPembs
• Run a Simple Giveaway: “Like and Share to win a hamper” is a classic for a reason—it works. It gets your name in front of friends of friends who might not know you yet.

Send a Personal Email

If you have an email list of past customers, use it. You don’t need fancy designs or messages;

• The “Thank You” Email: Send a heartfelt email thanking them for supporting a small local business this year.
• The “Last Chance” Nudge: A week before Christmas, send a reminder about your last postage dates. It’s helpful, not pushy.

Get Your Business Christmas Ready!

If the thought of updating your website or designing a festive flyer has you feeling more Scrooge than Santa, don’t worry! At Modern Print & Design, we’re here to take the stress out of your seasonal marketing. Our expert graphic designers and web developers are ready to help you boost your brand, whether you need stunning print materials—from branded calendars to eye-catching posters—or simple, effective tweaks to your online presence to catch those crucial Christmas shoppers.

Give us a ring today on 01646 682676 or send a message to theboys@modernprint.co.uk and let’s make this your most profitable Christmas yet!