5 x Thirty Minute Wins

December's coming fast, and if you're like many business owners in New Zealand, you're already feeling it. Changing stock orders, finalising team rosters, staying on top of bills – and somewhere in that mess, you know you should be doing something with your marketing.

Here's the thing: you don't need a massive campaign. You just need to be present, helpful, and easy to find when your customers are making decisions. Here are five things you can knock out quickly – each takes less than 30 minutes.

1. Update Your Google Business Profile With Festive Hours

Right now, someone's searching "restaurants Christmas Eve Kerikeri" or "Christmas gifts near me." If your Google Business Profile shows the opening days or times, they're going to your competitor instead.

Log in, update your hours for public holidays, and add a quick post about your festive trading. That's it. Takes 10 minutes, saves dozens of confused phone calls.

2. Send One Email – Just One

You don't need a 12-part festive campaign. You need one solid email that reminds people you exist and tells them something useful.

"Here's what we're stocking for Christmas" or "Last order dates to guarantee delivery" or even "We're open late Thursdays in December." Make it brief, include your hours, and hit send. Your database is literally people who've already bought from you – use it.

3. Create a "Festive FAQ" Post

Every December, you answer the same questions a hundred times. When's your last delivery? Do you do gift wrapping? Can I order online and pick up in-store?

Turn those into one Facebook or Instagram post. Pin it to the top of your page. Now when someone asks, you can just point them to it – and everyone else scrolling past gets their questions answered before they even ask.

4. Make your Email Signature Festive

Every email you send between now and January is a chance to showcase your brand personality.

Add a festive or summery image to your email signature – your team at the Christmas barbecue, your shopfront decorated, or even a summery beach scene that screams "Kiwi summer." Keep it small and simple so it doesn't slow down load times.

It's a tiny visual touch that makes your emails feel warmer and more human. People remember businesses that feel real, and a casual snapshot of your team enjoying the season does more for connection than any corporate stock photo ever could.

5. Ask Your Best Customers to Spread the Word

You know those customers who love what you do? The ones who'd recommend you anyway? Give them an easy way to do it.

A quick message: "We're gearing up for our busy season – if you know anyone who'd love [your product/service], we'd really appreciate you sending them our way." You can do this via email, a Facebook post, or even face-to-face at the counter.

Word-of-mouth is gold in small towns across New Zealand, especially at Christmas when people are actively asking "where should I get a gift voucher for a facial?" for example.

The Real Win: Just Being Present

You're not trying to win Marketer of the Year here. You're trying to be visible and useful when your customers need you most. These five things won't make you go viral – but they will make sure you don't go invisible during your busiest season.

The businesses that do well over the festive period aren't the ones with the flashiest campaigns. They're the ones whose customers can actually find their opening hours, know what's in stock, and remember they exist when it's time to buy.

Pick two of these. Do them today. Your December self will thank you.