6 Essential Updates Every Service Business Needs For The Holidays
The holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year for small businesses. Your customers are in full planning mode, last-minute jobs pop up everywhere, and everyone wants to know exactly when you’re open, how to book, and what support they can get while you’re away.
Holiday readiness isn't just about taking a break, it's about arming your customers with the right information so your team can take a break without interruptions.
Here's what you need to be holiday ready.
1. Update Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first place customers look, especially during the holidays when hours may vary. If your profile isn’t accurate, customers may assume you’re unavailable (or even show up when you’re closed).
What to Update:
- Special holiday hours (this is a big trust signal for Google)
- After-hours or emergency numbers
- Service area changes (common for trades reducing travel during the break)
- Holiday-specific post outlining your hours, availability, or emergency callout info
- A fresh photo or update
Why It Matters:
You're customers are Googling from the beach, their couch, or on the go, your information being up-to-date and correct makes life easier for everyone and means you don't miss jobs.
2. Update Your Website & Online Listings So Customers Know What’s Happening
Your website is the ultimate destination for your customers and it needs to clearly communicate what your holiday period looks like and if you're available.
Some suggestions:
- Add a banner or notice bar
Example:
“Holiday Hours: Closed Dec 24–27. Emergency services available.” - Refresh contact or booking forms
Add a message like:
“We’ll respond within 48 hours over the holiday period.” - Update calendars and booking systems
Block out unavailable days so customers can’t book by mistake. - Refresh automated emails
Add a note about response delays or holiday closures.
3. Let Your Customers Know What’s Changing
Customers rely on service providers heavily this time of year, whether it's last-minute plumbing repairs before the family arrives or a final colour and cut before holiday photos. Be sure to keep them in the loop and let them know what's happening.
What they need to know:
- Your open and close dates
- Any reduced hours
- Availability for emergencies or urgent work
- Last dates for major bookings (e.g., renos, installations, large projects)
- Whether you’ll be offering reduced services
- Expected response delays
- Any holiday surcharges
4. Make the Most of Social Media Over the Holidays
Customers are online more during the holidays, even if they’re not buying.
One great holiday social strategy?
Show up without needing to actually show up.
Before you switch off, get ahead with software like Thryv that helps you create and schedule posts in advance. For more details, check out our blog on this here.
5. Prepare Your Team So Everyone Is On the Same Page
The holiday period can feel confusing internally if expectations aren’t clear.
What your team needs to know:
- Who’s covering on-call or emergency requests
- Any team availability changes
- Updated voicemails and auto-replies
- Clear processes for:
- Urgent jobs
- Quote requests
- Booking changes or cancellations
- Organising vehicles, tools, and materials before the first January jobs hit
- Ensuring safety procedures for shutdown sites
- Managing last-minute bookings
- Handling no-show fees over the holidays
6. Make It Easy for Your Customers to Book for the New Year
January can fill up fast! Help your customers avoid disappointment and lock in their preferred time before they miss out.
How?
- Highlight January availability
- Offer “Book now for 2026” or “Get summer-ready” reminders
- Send an email or schedule a social post encouraging customers to book early
And that's a wrap! Click here for a downloadable checklist of the essentials and get ready to enjoy the holidays - whether you're working through or taking a break.