How to Create Buzz Around Your Colorado Springs, CO Business During The Holiday Seasons

Building excitement during the holiday season is a challenge for many local businesses, especially in a city as dynamic and fast-growing as Colorado Springs. At the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs offers a stunning mountain backdrop and a thriving community that appreciates both tradition and innovation. With a little planning, creativity, and community spirit, any local business can transform the holidays into an opportunity to forge stronger customer connections and boost revenue.

Embrace the Unique Holiday Environment in Colorado Springs

Every city has its quirks and characteristics, and Colorado Springs is no different. Tourists often flock here to visit Garden of the Gods, or to take in the view from the summit of Pikes Peak. Meanwhile, the local population values outdoor adventure and hometown pride. When planning your holiday marketing campaign, lean into what makes Colorado Springs special.

Key Local Elements to Highlight:

• Mountain-Themed Decor or Imagery: Incorporate Pikes Peak or pine forest motifs in your branding materials.
• Outdoor Festivities: Colorado Springs often sees events like holiday markets or winter wonderland pop-ups in places such as Acacia Park. Participating in these or organizing small pop-ups can increase brand visibility.
• Weather-Inspired Promotions: The city sees quite a bit of winter chill. Offer deals on hot beverages, cozy clothing, or winter gear if it aligns with your business.

Practical Tip:
Host a “Winter Welcome Party” early in the season to showcase new products or services. Invite local performers, run a small raffle, and highlight how your business fits into the winter fun. This not only creates an inviting holiday atmosphere but also allows you to capture leads and build stronger relationships with customers.

Forge Local Partnerships for Greater Impact

Colorado Springs is home to a diverse small-business community, from boutique shops in Old Colorado City to family-owned restaurants in the downtown area. Joining forces with neighboring businesses and community organizations multiplies your holiday marketing reach.

Ideas for Collaborative Success:

1. Shared Holiday Events: If you run a café, partner with the boutique next door for a “Sip, Shop & Save” event. Patrons can enjoy a hot drink while browsing merchandise, each business offering a small incentive.
2. Cross-Promotions: Feature each other’s coupons in-store, on receipts, or in holiday gift bags. This is especially powerful when two businesses share similar audiences.
3. Community Fundraisers: Teaming up with local charities or nonprofits—like a toy drive with the Salvation Army—positions your business as a community-minded leader. You’ll also tap into the organization’s network and broaden your exposure.

Why It Works in Colorado Springs:
Residents here value community collaboration, and the city’s relatively tight-knit feel means word travels fast. A local chamber of commerce survey in 2021 found that 65% of Colorado Springs residents intentionally seek out businesses they perceive as “active in the community.” When you join forces with other local entities, the combined marketing power can result in a bigger turnout and a heightened sense of camaraderie.

Craft a Holiday Story That Resonates

A compelling holiday narrative goes beyond a simple discount code or a standard sale announcement. Storytelling builds emotional connections, and during a season filled with nostalgia, warmth, and generosity, it can be the key to standing out.

Storytelling Strategies:

• Highlight Local Inspirations: Maybe your ornaments are handcrafted by a local artisan, or your brew uses special hops grown in a nearby farm. Telling that story personalizes each product.
• Show Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Share a video or photo series of your staff decorating the store, wrapping gifts, or prepping for a community event. People love an inside look.
• Feature Real Customers: If you run a fitness center, showcase success stories where clients discuss how staying active helped them enjoy the holidays guilt-free. If you own a bakery, show how your treats have become a beloved holiday tradition in certain families.

Numbers that Back It Up:
A HubSpot marketing study revealed that brand storytelling increases customer recall by up to 22 times more than plain facts alone. In a city like Colorado Springs—where authenticity matters—a relatable holiday story can stick in people’s minds throughout December and potentially carry over into the slower months of January and February.

Optimize Your Digital Presence

The holiday season in Colorado Springs typically sees a surge of out-of-town visitors (often visiting family at the nearby U.S. Air Force Academy or simply drawn by the region’s winter beauty), along with locals who prefer online research before braving the cold. Ensuring your business is discoverable and appealing in digital spaces can make or break your holiday success.

Key Digital Focus Areas:

1. Mobile-Friendly Website: As per Google’s data, more than half of holiday shoppers use smartphones to research purchases. Make sure your site loads quickly and offers clear, concise information about holiday deals or events.
2. Google Business Profile Updates: Update holiday hours, special promotions, and photos. Local search queries often spike around this time, and an accurate listing will help people find you.
3. Social Media Campaigns: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are powerful for showing off your holiday spirit. Show behind-the-scenes fun, run “12 Days of Giveaways,” or host live Q&A sessions about your offerings.
4. Email Marketing: A well-segmented list can be a goldmine. Send exclusive early bird deals or RSVP invites to your most loyal customers. Personalized emails that use your customers’ purchase history or preferences tend to have higher open and conversion rates.

Stat to Consider:
A study by BigCommerce reported that 67% of consumers research gift ideas online before purchasing, with social media playing a big role in discovery. Make it easy for both locals and visitors to stumble upon your brand, learn about you, and decide to shop with you this season.

Plan and Host or Participate in Local Holiday Events

Colorado Springs has a vibrant holiday events scene: parades, festive 5K runs, tree lightings, and seasonal markets. Attending or organizing these events can be a game-changer for local visibility.

Event-Related Strategies:

• Holiday Pop-Ups: If you don’t have a main street presence, consider renting a small space at a local holiday market. This puts you directly in front of shoppers seeking unique, local gifts.
• In-Store Experiences: Transform your location into a holiday destination by featuring live music, free hot cocoa, or a photo booth. For family-oriented businesses, a Santa visit or kids’ craft station can draw big crowds.
• Themed Workshops or Classes: Whether it’s “Holiday Cake Decorating,” “Gift Wrapping 101,” or “Winter Photography Tips,” teaching a seasonal skill can attract new customers. Offer participants a small discount on products or services at the end of the session.

Why It Works:
Events create memorable experiences. When people have fun at your business or see you at a festival, they associate your brand with positive feelings. According to the Event Marketing Institute, 74% of consumers say engaging with branded events makes them more likely to purchase the products or services being promoted.

Engage Local Media Outlets

Colorado Springs boasts active news platforms—ranging from KOAA and KKTV to The Gazette newspaper. These outlets often look for holiday-related stories, especially those that benefit the community or highlight local businesses creating unique holiday experiences.

How to Get Their Attention:

1. Pitch a Human Interest Story: If your business or staff members are running a notable charity drive or have an inspiring holiday tradition, local TV or newspapers might cover it.
2. Provide Expert Commentary: If you run a bakery, you could offer a segment on holiday cookie trends. If you’re in retail, you might discuss “What’s Hot This Season” for stocking stuffers.
3. Send Press Releases for Special Events: Well-written, concise press releases can lead to coverage on local events calendars or even feature segments.

Media Outreach Tip:
Journalists and editors receive countless holiday pitches, so make yours stand out by emphasizing what’s unique to Colorado Springs. Maybe you’re incorporating a local philanthropic angle or tying in the city’s mountainous geography and winter activities. If it’s relevant and heartwarming, media outlets are more likely to bite.

Tie in Philanthropy to Spread Goodwill

The holiday season is traditionally a time for giving, and Colorado Springs is known for its charitable spirit. Partnering with local charities or creating your own fundraising efforts can help you stand out while making a positive impact.

Examples of Holiday Philanthropy:

• Donation Match: For every purchase, donate a portion of the proceeds to a local shelter or food bank, such as Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.
• Host a Coat Drive: Team up with a local nonprofit to collect gently used winter clothing. Offer a small discount to those who donate.
• Volunteer Days: Close shop early on select days so staff can volunteer at a soup kitchen or community program, then share those experiences on social media (with respect for recipients’ privacy).

Why This Boosts Your Buzz:
A Cone Communications study found that 85% of consumers had a more positive image of a business that supports a cause they care about. In a city like Colorado Springs, known for strong community ties and volunteerism, showing authentic generosity can build lasting goodwill and brand loyalty.

Focus on Post-Holiday Follow-Up

Once the holiday rush subsides, many businesses see a sharp decline in foot traffic and sales. Planning ahead for January and February helps maintain some of the momentum you’ve built.

Post-Holiday Strategies:

1. New Year’s Promotions: Launch a targeted sale or service in early January to keep customers engaged (e.g., “Start the Year Off Right with Our Loyalty Program!”).
2. Holiday Review Request: Send a follow-up email asking customers to review their holiday purchases or experiences on Google or Facebook. This builds social proof for the rest of the year.
3. Preview Upcoming Offerings: If you have a new product line or event planned for spring, tease it now. Customers who enjoyed your brand during the holidays will be curious about what’s next.

Local Tip:
Winter in Colorado Springs offers plenty of ski trips, romantic Valentine’s getaways, and cabin retreats. If your business can adapt an offer or marketing campaign around these winter themes, you’ll find opportunities to capitalize on the continued cold-weather excitement—well into the New Year.

Summing It Up: Making the Most of the Holiday Spirit

Creating holiday buzz in Colorado Springs is all about tapping into local culture, leveraging community ties, and embracing the festive spirit that comes alive under the shadow of Pikes Peak. By telling an authentic story, collaborating with fellow businesses, and supporting local causes, you’ll create genuine excitement that draws in both locals and seasonal visitors.

Holiday marketing doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It just takes some planning, creativity, and a willingness to connect with the community. Start small if necessary—perhaps with a single event or a single digital campaign—and gauge how your audience responds. Each year, you can build on what you learned and what resonated most.

Colorado Springs is a vibrant city full of holiday cheer. Harness that energy to make your business shine brighter than the lights strung around town. With the right mix of local flavor, meaningful interactions, and strategic planning, you’ll be well on your way to ending the holiday season on a high note—and setting yourself up for a successful new year.