6 holiday email campaigns to boost your local business

It’s the end of October, and you’re not quite drowning in holiday orders yet - but you can feel it brewing.

As exciting as this season is, it's also a marathon for small business owners. You're juggling inventory, handling customer service, and trying to make sure your emails don't get lost in the inbox avalanche.

But fear not - holiday email marketing doesn’t have to be another source of stress. In fact, it can be the secret sauce that turns busy shoppers into loyal customers.

Whether you’re just starting to think about Black Friday or gearing up for a busy December, let’s talk about six email campaigns you can set up now to turn potential holiday stress into smooth, profitable sailing later.

1. Welcome emails with a holiday spin 

New subscribers are starting to trickle in, maybe drawn by your Halloween promos or curiosity about your upcoming Christmas offers. Now’s the perfect time to send them a warm, engaging welcome before the holiday noise kicks in.

With an 82% open rate, welcome emails are your chance to introduce your brand, offer an incentive, and let customers know how you can help them during the busy season. Whether it's a 10% discount or free shipping, this is your moment to build rapport early on - so they’ll think of you first when they’re ready to buy gifts.

Why it works: You’re setting the stage for the holidays by getting people to know, like, and trust your brand before the inbox floodgates open.

2. Abandoned cart emails

At this time of year, some people are already browsing for gifts, even if they’re not buying yet. They might get distracted by pumpkin carving or Halloween parties, leaving items in their cart. That’s where you come in with a helpful, timely reminder.

Set up your abandoned cart emails now so you’re ready to recoup lost sales throughout the holiday season. It’s not just a December thing - cart abandonment happens all year, and recovery emails can get up to 30% of those lost sales back. Mention limited stock or special October-only deals to entice them to complete the purchase.

Why it works: Even if they’re not ready to buy today, you’re keeping their interest alive and gently moving them toward that “buy now” button.

3. Holiday Sale Countdown

Limited-time sales are one of the most powerful ways to increase conversions, and emails promoting them can boost engagement by 22%. Whether it's for Black Friday, Christmas Eve, or New Year’s, countdown emails build urgency and excitement around your holiday offers. "Last 24 Hours to Save 20%" creates that little push many customers need to make a purchase decision. A series of countdown emails in the days leading up to the sale’s deadline keeps your offers at the front of your customers' minds.

Design Tip: Make your emails pop with festive design elements - whether it’s snowflakes, Christmas lights, or spooky pumpkins, your visuals should match the holiday vibe.

4. Personalised holiday product recommendations

Your customers are already thinking about gifts, even if it’s just in the back of their minds. Now’s a great time to send emails with personalised recommendations based on their past purchases. With 6x higher transaction rates than generic emails, these personalised touches can make all the difference.

Show them products that are perfect for early holiday shopping - “Get ahead on your gift list!” or “Shop these Halloween treats now.” Suggest complementary items they’ve already shown interest in, like matching accessories for their favourite products.

Why it works: By getting into their inbox before the rush, you’re helping them avoid the stress of last-minute shopping. And who doesn’t love a helpful nudge?

5. ‘Last Chance’ delivery reminders

As the holiday season nears its end, customers will become more concerned about whether their gifts will arrive on time. In fact, 42% of consumers say that delivery dates play a crucial role in their buying decisions, especially during the holidays. Sending a well-timed “Last Chance for Christmas Delivery” email can drive those final purchases while providing peace of mind for your customers. Clearly display shipping cut-off dates for express, standard, and next-day delivery options to avoid any surprises or customer service issues later on.

Pro Tip: Sweeten the deal with free delivery for purchases made before your final shipping deadline to drive even more conversions.

6. Win-back campaigns for inactive customers

The holidays are about reconnecting with loved ones, right? The same goes for your lapsed customers. Before the season kicks into high gear, send a gentle “We Miss You” email with a special October or November offer to re-engage them.

Since it’s 5x cheaper to bring back an old customer than acquire a new one, a win-back campaign can give you a head start on holiday sales. Highlight any new products or services they’ve missed since their last purchase, and give them a reason to come back now instead of waiting for December.

Why it works: By rekindling relationships early, you avoid fighting for their attention when the holiday noise hits.

Ready to level up your holiday email marketing?

With these six email campaigns, you’ll be set to stand out in your customers’ inboxes and make the most of the busy season. From abandoned cart emails to last-minute delivery reminders, each campaign helps you capture more sales and build stronger customer relationships. 

If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined way to get your email marketing on autopilot, check out Evermile’s campaign builder. With ready-made templates and easy-to-use tools, you can create and schedule all your email campaigns today - giving you more time to focus on the busy months ahead.