The holiday season can bring joy—but also stress. Customers are managing last-minute errands, employees are coordinating family schedules, and expectations are often running high.
During this time, a few simple updates to your business’s technology and communications can prevent unnecessary friction. This guide offers practical holiday tech etiquette tips to help your small business deliver a seamless experience—and avoid accidental slip-ups that can sour someone’s day.
1. 📍 Keep Your Online Business Hours Accurate
When your posted hours don’t match reality, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a trust breaker.
Before the season picks up, update your:
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Google Business Profile (this is essential for local search visibility)
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Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp listings
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Website banner or homepage with a clear holiday schedule
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Apple Maps (don’t overlook this one)
Suggested message:
“Happy Holidays! Our office will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 1. We’ll reopen Monday morning and look forward to serving you then.”
Pro tip: Keeping your hours current boosts both customer satisfaction and local SEO performance.
2. ✉️ Use Out-of-Office Replies That Are Clear and Courteous
If you’re stepping away for the holidays, set up an auto-reply that’s helpful and personable. The goal is to acknowledge the sender, clarify your return, and offer a point of contact if needed.
Example out-of-office message:
“Thank you for your message. Our team is currently out of office for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return on Monday, Dec. 2. If your request is urgent, please contact our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. We appreciate your patience and wish you a wonderful holiday season.”
3. 🚫 Avoid Oversharing in Auto-Replies
While it’s tempting to add a personal touch, your automatic responses should remain professional and succinct. Avoid including specific travel plans, staff whereabouts, or casual updates. Too much information can compromise security and distract from the message’s purpose.
Stick to:
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Your out-of-office dates
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When customers can expect a reply
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Who to contact for urgent matters
4. 📞 Double-Check Your Phone Systems
Take a moment to review your voicemail greetings and phone routing before the holiday rush. Callers are often in a hurry this time of year—an outdated or inaccurate message can add to their frustration.
Sample voicemail script:
“You’ve reached [Business Name]. Our office is currently closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message, and we’ll return your call on Monday. For urgent issues, press 1 to reach our on-call team. Thank you, and happy holidays.”
5. 📦 Communicate Shipping or Service Deadlines Early
If your business involves shipping or time-sensitive services, share deadlines clearly and proactively. Use website banners, social media posts, and email reminders to set expectations around fulfillment timelines.
Unmet expectations—not delays themselves—are what damage customer trust.
✅ The Bottom Line: Clear Communication Builds Loyalty
Holiday tech etiquette is ultimately about respect—respect for your customers’ time, your team’s capacity, and your brand’s reputation. A few thoughtful updates can help everyone feel more at ease during a hectic season.
By taking a proactive approach to your systems and communication, you:
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Reduce customer frustration
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Strengthen credibility
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Create a smoother holiday experience for everyone
🧠 Need Support? Let’s Prepare Together
If you’d like to ensure your business technology and communications are ready for the season, we’re here to help. From voicemail scripts to system checks, we offer simple, reliable support that lets you focus on what matters most.
👉 Book a complimentary discovery call here
