The Business Beat

Where local business meets smart marketing • November 2025

Hello from Jessie 👋

Hi — I’m Jessie. Welcome to this month’s edition of The Business Beat. As we head into the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to strengthen your online presence and connect with customers when they’re actively searching.

Below you’ll find one focused marketing tune-up, local events, industry insight, and a spotlight on a local business. Let’s help your business grow, one small action at a time.

This Month's Marketing Tune-Up

One focused marketing strategy to try this month — with clear steps and expected outcomes.

Holiday Email Campaign Setup

Why it matters: November and December drive 30% of annual revenue for many businesses. Just so you know, email keeps you in mind when customers are ready to buy.

Action steps:

Segment your email list by past customers, leads, and inactive contacts
Create 3-4 holiday emails: early bird offer, gift guide, last-minute reminder, thank you
Use clear subject lines under 50 characters with local references
Include one strong call-to-action per email
Schedule sends for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 9 am

Expected outcome: 15-25% open rates and increased holiday bookings or sales from your existing audience.

Local Business Events & Opportunities

Upcoming workshops, meetups, and chances to network.

Sunrise Sun Prairie

📅 Nov 18, 2025 • 7:30-9:00 am
📍 Hilton Garden Inn, 1220 S Grand Ave, Sun Prairie

Fast-paced networking event for business professionals.

Pre-register for door prizes and 30 seconds to present your business. Free for members, guests welcome.

Details & Register

Portage Yuletide Passport

📅 November 10 – December 21, 2025
📍 Portage Area Chamber of Commerce

Holiday shopping passport program featuring local businesses

Details & Register

📈 Industry Insights

A quick stat and what it means for your business.

46% of all Google searches are looking for local information

What it means: When someone searches “landscaper near me” or “best chiropractor Columbia County,” Google prioritizes businesses with strong local signals — reviews, updated listings, and location-specific content.

How to adapt: Add your city and county to your website pages, keep your Google Business Profile current, and ask satisfied customers for reviews within 48 hours of service completion.

Business Spotlight:

Jackie's European Imports

Jackie’s European Imports, a beloved New Glarus shop, needed to bring their unique European gifts and specialty items online. We built a custom WooCommerce site with seamless inventory integration, making it easy for Jackie to serve both in-store and online customers.

Now featuring authentic European calendars, chocolates, and specialty gifts—all available online! Support this local New Glarus business by shopping online or visiting in person this holiday season. Shop online: shopswiss.com

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