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The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for local businesses. Whether you’re selling products online, promoting seasonal services, or simply trying to stay top of mind, your website plays a major role in how customers find and engage with you.

Before the rush hits, take time to freshen up your website so it’s working as hard as you are this season. Here are five updates that can make a big difference for businesses in Brandon and across Westman.

1. Add Holiday Promotions and Calls-to-Action. Your customers are looking for deals, gift ideas, and seasonal offers—make sure they don’t have to dig to find them. Add a clear banner or pop-up on your homepage to highlight promotions, shipping deadlines, or holiday hours. If you’re running local specials, make them front and centre with a strong call-to-action such as "Shop Local Gifts".

2. Update Your Content and Photos. Fresh visuals instantly make your site feel active and current. Swap out generic images for holiday-themed photos that reflect your products, services, or community spirit.
Consider adding new photos of your storefront decorated for the season or your team in action. Local content resonates with Westman audiences and builds connection.

3. Optimize for Mobile Shopping and Browsing. Nearly 70% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices, and during the holidays, that number often climbs even higher. Test your site on a phone: Are buttons easy to tap? Do pages load quickly? Can customers find contact information or make a purchase without frustration? A few small tweaks to your mobile layout can mean the difference between a sale and a scroll-away.

4. Review SEO and Local Search Listings. Now’s the time to make sure customers can find you online. Update your Google Business Profile with current hours, holiday closures, and contact info. Incorporate local keywords throughout your website to boost your visibility in local search results.

5. Make Sure Your Site Loads Fast. Nothing sends potential customers running faster than a slow website. Compress large images, remove outdated plug-ins, and ensure your hosting plan can handle seasonal traffic. A speedy site not only improves user experience but can also improve your Google ranking - just in time for your holiday campaigns.

Get Your Website Holiday-Ready with Leech Group. Whether you need quick updates, new graphics, or a full refresh before the holiday rush, our in-house web and design team can help. We work with businesses across Brandon and Western Manitoba to ensure their online presence looks polished, professional, and perfectly on-brand for the season.

Let’s make your website shine this holiday season. Contact us today.