The holiday season is right around the corner. Offices are closing, teams are going on well-deserved breaks, and inboxes are filling with “Out of Office” replies.
For many businesses, December is the time to slow down—sometimes to a complete stop. Unfortunately, this can mean many leads go unnoticed or unanswered, leaving potential profits on the table.
The truth?
Customers still look for services and products over the holidays. And when leads aren’t properly managed, businesses risk missing out on valuable opportunities.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan to manage leads over the holidays.
This post will walk you through why it matters to stay on top of holiday leads and the best ways to manage them effectively, including one tool guaranteed to make your life easier.
Does It Really Matter to Manage Leads Over the Holidays?
The short answer is yes!
The holiday season isn’t just about festive cheer—it’s a time when many customers shop, inquire, and plan for the year ahead.
And here’s why managing holiday leads is essential:
- Consumers are still active: Studies show that consumers increase their online shopping significantly during the holidays. Need proof? Adobe Analytics reported that U.S. online holiday sales hit a record $211.7 billion in 2022.
- Leads don’t take holidays: Google Trends often highlights search spikes for services such as travel, fitness, and business planning during December.
- Your competitors may not snooze: Even if your team takes a break, another business may be ready to grab your leads while you’re offline. If unanswered leads stack up during this period and potential customers could go elsewhere – ultimately impacting your bottom line.
The good news?
It’s easier than you think to manage these incoming leads during December.
Best Ways to Manage Leads Over December
Here are five effective ways to ensure your leads are well-managed during the holiday season:
1. Set Up Automated Responses
Automated email/SMS responses are invaluable during holiday downtime.
When a lead submits an inquiry, an automatic response reassures them that their request was received and keeps them engaged until your team can follow up.
Pro Tip: Use a warm, friendly tone in your auto-responses, and include clear next steps, like when they can expect a detailed reply.
2. Monitor Enquiries on Social Media
Social media doesn’t rest during the holidays.
Shoppers and clients often send DMs or tag businesses with questions.
Assigning a team member to monitor accounts or using tools for alerts ensures these inquiries are seen and acted on.
3. Prioritise High-Value Leads
Not all leads are created equal, so focus on prioritising the ones that matter most.
Use lead scoring to separate genuinely interested clients from casual inquiries, ensuring you make the biggest impact on your business when staffing is reduced.
4. Outsource Temporary Support
If your in-house team is taking a break, consider outsourcing lead management temporarily to ensure inquiries are handled.
Freelancers or customer support services can fill the gap, preventing any loss of potential business.
5. Invest in a CRM System Like Leadtrekker
The ultimate key to managing holiday leads efficiently is using a lead management system like Leadtrekker.
A CRM centralises your lead processes, ensuring no inquiries slip through the cracks. With automation, streamlined workflows, and data tracking, you can manage more leads with less effort.
If you’re not already using a CRM, there’s no better time to start! Let’s explore what makes Leadtrekker the perfect tool for your business.
Why Leadtrekker is Your Holiday Hero
Leadtrekker does more than just keep you afloat during the holidays. It completely transforms how you handle leads throughout the year.
Here’s how:
Centralised Information
Keep customer details in one easy-to-access place, ensuring your holiday team has all the information they need, anytime, anywhere.
Improved Productivity
Notify team members instantly when leads come in, assign responsibilities, and even set reminders so nothing is forgotten.
Faster Response Times
Leadtrekker tracks response times, meaning your team can engage leads quicker, showing customers that you value their time.
Advanced Automation
From auto-assigning leads to sending instant follow-up responses, automation does the heavy lifting for you—even while you’re sipping eggnog by the fire.
Measure Marketing ROI
See exactly how your holiday campaigns perform by tracking leads and conversions. Optimise your marketing spend with data-backed decisions.
Integrations Galore
Easily connect Leadtrekker to external platforms, from your landing pages to ad campaigns, for a seamless and efficient lead management experience.
With Leadtrekker, you won’t just manage leads—you’ll impress your customers, maximise your team’s efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.
Learn more about Leadtrekker’s features here.
Don’t Miss Out This Holiday Season
Leads don’t take time off, and neither should your strategy.
By preparing in advance with tools like automated responses and a powerful CRM system like Leadtrekker, you can capture opportunities—even when the office is closed.
Get ahead, stay ahead, and make this holiday season your most successful yet.
Book a demo with Leadtrekker today to see how it can revolutionise your lead management.
