The holiday season brings its own level of busyness for everyone. Customers are trying to wrap up last-minute errands, teams are balancing family schedules, and expectations tend to run a little higher this time of year. The last thing anyone needs is avoidable tech frustrations getting in the way.
Think of this as a simple guide to help your business stay organized, responsive, and customer-friendly through the holidays.
1. Update Your Online Hours
Leaving outdated business hours online is one of the quickest ways to create unnecessary frustration. If a customer shows up because Google says you’re open, and the doors are locked, that’s an experience that sticks.
What to update:
- Your Google Business Profile
- Facebook, Instagram, Yelp – anywhere customers might find you
- Your website banner with a friendly holiday schedule
- Apple Maps
2. Set Friendly Out-of-Office Replies
If you’re stepping away for the holiday weekend, a thoughtful auto-reply helps customers know what to expect. A good auto-reply is clear and human without being overly formal.
Sample out-of-office message: “Thanks for reaching out! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. We’ll respond as soon as we’re back. If it’s urgent, call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!”
3. Don’t Overshare in Your “Out-of-Office”
It’s tempting to share the specifics of your holiday plans, but customers don’t need that level of detail. Keeping auto-replies simple protects your privacy and reduces security risks.
Stick to:
- Dates
- Response expectations
- Alternate contacts
4. Test Your Phone Systems
Outdated voicemail greetings can create confusion for customers already trying to fit errands into a tight schedule.
Pro tip: Call your own number to run a quick test. You’d be surprised how many businesses have outdated greetings.
Sample voicemail: “You’ve reached [Business Name]. Our office is currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we’ll return your call Monday morning. If this is urgent, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Happy Holidays, and thanks for your patience!”
5. Communicate Shipping Deadlines
If your business involves shipping or deliveries, communicate deadlines clearly and early. Clear expectations now prevent last-minute stress for your customers later.
Use reminders across:
- Social media
- Your website
- In-store or onsite signage
Happy Customers = Good Business
Holiday tech etiquette is about setting clear expectations, communicating like a human being, and respecting your customers’ time. A few quick updates can prevent a lot of frustration and keep your business reputation merry and bright.
Remember: The goal isn’t just to avoid problems, it’s to make your customers feel taken care of, even when you’re not there.
Want help making sure your systems (and your customer experience) stay polished and professional this holiday season? Let’s talk about simple ways to keep everything running smoothly while you enjoy some well-deserved time off.
Book your free consultation call using the form above.
