Presidents’ Day is one of those holidays that sneaks up on small business owners. It’s not as flashy as Black Friday or as emotional as Mother’s Day—but it is a prime opportunity to capture attention during a quieter stretch of winter.

The challenge? Many Presidents’ Day promotions bring in bargain hunters who disappear as soon as the sale ends.

If you want your holiday marketing to actually grow your business, the goal shouldn’t just be offering a discount. It should be turning seasonal visibility into real leads—and long-term customers.

Here’s how small businesses can use Presidents’ Day promotions to do more than drive clicks.

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Why Discounts Alone Rarely Lead to Long-Term Growth

It’s tempting to think that the fastest way to win Presidents’ Day business is to lower prices. And while discounts can drive short-term traffic, they don’t always attract the right customers. Many holiday shoppers are simply looking for the best deal available and won’t think twice about returning once prices go back to normal.

That doesn’t mean promotions are a mistake—it means they need context.

Instead of asking, “How much should I discount?” ask:

  • What action do I want customers to take?
  • How can I continue the conversation after the holiday?
  • What makes my business worth choosing again?

A Presidents’ Day promotion should be a starting point, not the finish line.

Turning Presidents’ Day Attention Into Real Leads

Holiday visibility is powerful, but visibility alone doesn’t create growth. What matters is what customers are able to do once they find you.

During Presidents’ Day, potential customers are discovering local businesses across multiple channels. They might see a social post in the morning, check a listing in the afternoon, and search for reviews later that evening. If your promotion feels disconnected across those touchpoints, the opportunity slips away.

Make sure your promotion clearly answers:

  • What’s the offer?
  • When does it end?
  • What should the customer do next?

Keeping promotions aligned across channels makes it easier for customers to act without friction. (This is where unified promotion management becomes a game-changer for busy owners.)

Using Presidents’ Day Promotions to Build Ongoing Relationships

The most successful holiday promotions don’t end when the calendar flips to Tuesday.

Once a customer engages with your Presidents’ Day offer—by booking, calling, or submitting a form—you have an opportunity to build a relationship. Timely follow-ups, appointment reminders, and post-service messages show professionalism and keep your business top of mind.

Simple touches like:

  • Appointment confirmations
  • Thank-you messages
  • Post-service check-ins

These help turn a one-time interaction into a relationship. Automated follow-ups make this possible even when you’re juggling daily operations.

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Use Reviews to Extend the Promotion’s Impact

Presidents’ Day customers can become your best marketers—if you ask.

Requesting reviews after a successful holiday interaction:

  • Builds trust with future customers
  • Improves visibility in search
  • Extends the value of your promotion long after the holiday ends

One strong review can outperform a dozen short-lived discounts.

Think Beyond the Holiday

A Presidents’ Day offer can also introduce customers to:

  • Ongoing services
  • Maintenance plans
  • Seasonal packages
  • Loyalty programs

The promotion opens the door. Retention keeps it open.

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Making Presidents’ Day Work Harder for Your Business

Presidents’ Day doesn’t need to be a forgettable promotion or a race to the bottom on pricing. With the right approach, it becomes a chance to attract the right customers, capture meaningful leads, and create momentum that extends beyond a single weekend.

When promotions, listings, social posts, and follow-ups work together, small businesses see stronger conversion from seasonal traffic—and fewer missed opportunities.

For business owners looking to manage promotions in one place, capture leads efficiently, and stay connected with customers after the first interaction, platforms like Thryv help turn moments of visibility into lasting growth.

The Year-Round Holiday Marketing Game Plan

The Year-Round
Holiday Marketing
Game Plan

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FAQs

Q: How can small businesses use Presidents’ Day promotions to generate more leads?

A: Small businesses can generate more leads from Presidents’ Day promotions by pairing their offers with clear calls to action, accurate online listings, and follow-up communication. Instead of focusing only on discounts, successful promotions guide customers to book appointments, request quotes, or contact the business directly, turning holiday interest into measurable leads.

Q: Are Presidents’ Day discounts effective for local businesses?

A: Presidents’ Day discounts can be effective for local businesses when they are part of a broader marketing strategy. While discounts may attract initial attention, businesses see better long-term results when promotions are positioned as an introduction to their services and followed by consistent communication, reviews, and repeat engagement opportunities.

Q: What marketing channels work best for Presidents’ Day local promotions?

A: The most effective marketing channels for Presidents’ Day local promotions include social media, local search listings, and online reviews. When promotions are consistent across these channels, customers are more likely to trust the business and take action, such as booking a service or visiting a location.

Q: How do you turn Presidents’ Day customers into repeat customers?

A: Turning Presidents’ Day customers into repeat customers requires timely follow-ups, appointment reminders, and post-service communication. Encouraging reviews and staying in touch after the promotion ends helps build trust and keeps your business top of mind long after the holiday weekend.

Q: When should small businesses start promoting Presidents’ Day offers?

A: Small businesses should begin promoting Presidents’ Day offers at least one to two weeks in advance. Early promotion ensures visibility across search, social media, and listings, giving potential customers time to discover the offer and take action before the holiday ends.