Thanksgiving Marketing Tips Every Small Business Should Use in 2025
As the holiday season approaches, Thanksgiving offers one of the best opportunities for small businesses to connect with customers in a meaningful, authentic way. Unlike the fast pace of Black Friday or the sales-centric nature of the December holidays, Thanksgiving is rooted in gratitude, community, and connection. That makes it a perfect moment for small businesses to strengthen relationships, boost visibility, and set the tone for a successful end-of-year push.
Here are smart, strategic Thanksgiving marketing tips small businesses can use to stand out this season.
1. Lead With Gratitude in Your Messaging
Thanksgiving is the ideal time to shift from promotional sales language to genuine appreciation. Customers want to feel valued, not pressured. Your content—whether an email, social post, or handwritten note—should highlight:
Appreciation for your customers’ loyalty
Milestones your business reached because of their support
A warm message of gratitude from the owner or team
This human-centered approach builds trust and keeps your brand top-of-mind without feeling sales-driven.
2. Launch a “Thanks-for-Being-Here” Promo
While Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally viewed as a major shopping holiday, offering a simple, thoughtful promotion can spark engagement. Consider:
A small discount for returning customers
A “friends and family” code
A bonus with purchase (gift wrapping, a free sample, a downloadable guide)
Early access to your Black Friday or Small Business Saturday offers
The key is to make the gesture feel like a “thank you” rather than a sales push.
3. Share Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Customers love buying from real people, not faceless brands. Use Thanksgiving as an excuse to pull back the curtain. Share stories such as:
What your team is grateful for
How your small business started
Your favorite Thanksgiving memories
A snapshot of holiday prep inside your shop or studio
This kind of storytelling deepens emotional connection and encourages engagement across social platforms.
4. Create Seasonal Social Media Content
Thanksgiving-themed posts perform extremely well and help you stay present during a busy season. Small businesses can share:
A holiday gift guide featuring your products or services
Thanksgiving-themed photos or flat lays
Recipes, décor ideas, or local event recommendations (even better if they tie into your brand)
Customer appreciation shoutouts
Interactive content, like “Tell us your favorite Thanksgiving dish,” boosts visibility with minimal effort.
5. Partner With Another Local Business
Thanksgiving is about community, making this the perfect time for a collaborative promo, giveaway, or event. Teaming up with another small business helps you:
Reach new local audiences
Share resources and advertising costs
Highlight your role in the community
This strategy works especially well for boutiques, service providers, restaurants, and makers.
6. Prepare for Small Business Saturday
Thanksgiving marketing doesn’t end with the holiday itself. Use this week to build anticipation for Small Business Saturday, one of the most important shopping days of the year for small brands. Tease promotions, highlight bestsellers, and share reminders across email and social to ensure customers show up.
A Season Built for Connection
Thanksgiving gives small businesses a unique chance to step away from traditional sales messaging and lean into appreciation and connection. By leading with gratitude, sharing stories, and creating seasonal content, you can build loyalty, drive engagement, and set your business up for a strong holiday season.
