Nothing Is Urgent Right Now. That’s The Point.
Why this strange, quiet week may shape how your small business starts the new year
We are sending this week’s newsletter out a day early.
This Thursday is Christmas.
Next Thursday is New Year’s Day.
Which means inboxes will be full.
Attention will be low.
And most people will be offline with family, food, and a little well deserved rest.
So this issue is landing on Wednesday.
No spotlight this week.
And that is intentional.
The purpose of featuring a local business is to drive real attention and real traffic.
This is not the week for that.
Instead, this issue is about you.
The business owner.
The person still thinking about work even during the holidays.
I hope you get a slow morning.
I hope you get to unplug for a bit.
And I hope this issue gives you one idea worth carrying into the new year.
Let’s get into it.
Marketing Minute: Why Local SEO Wins When Everything Else Slows Down
When the holidays hit, ads slow.
Social engagement drops.
Email open rates dip.
But local search stays steady.
People still need plumbers.
Roof repairs.
Coffee.
Haircuts.
Last minute gifts.
Local SEO is quiet leverage.
It works when you are not posting.
It works when you are not paying for ads.
It works while you are eating leftovers.
Google rewards businesses that are consistent.
Clear listings.
Updated hours.
Real reviews.
That is why small businesses win here.
What To Focus On Right Now
Accuracy beats activity.
Make sure your Google Business Profile is correct.
Hours.
Phone number.
Services.
Check it once.
Then check it again.
Because Google trusts businesses that look alive.
Action Item You Can Do Today
Open your Google Business Profile.
Update your holiday hours.
Add one new photo.
Five minutes.
Real impact.
P.S.> If you want me to take a quick look at your Google Business Profile and tell you what is helping or hurting your local visibility, reply with “local” and I will point you in the right direction.
The Easiest Marketing Win Most Businesses Ignore
Your best customers already like you.
They already trust you.
They already paid you.
And yet most business owners never talk to them again.
That is a mistake.
Email marketing is owned attention.
No algorithm.
No pay to play.
Just you and your customer.
Why This Matters For Small Businesses
When business slows, email still works.
When ads get expensive, email still works.
When platforms change, email still works.
Because you control it.
And you do not need fancy tools to start.
A Small Step That Creates Momentum
Export your customer list.
Even if it is messy.
Send one email.
Thank them.
Wish them happy holidays.
No sales pitch.
Just presence.
Consistency starts with one send.
P.S.> If you want a simple starter email you can send to past customers or subscribers this week without overthinking it, reply with “email” and I will write it for you.
Most Businesses Will Wait. The Winners Won’t.
This newsletter exists to support small businesses in Roseburg.
Real people.
Real work.
Real stories.
The new year is coming fast.
And growth does not require perfection.
It requires showing up.
One step at a time.
If you want help tightening your marketing for 2026, reach out.
If you have questions, reach out.
If you just want to say hi, reach out.
We are building this together.
P.S.> If you want help planning your January marketing so you are not scrambling after the holidays, reply with “January” and I will share a simple plan you can use.
Small Biz News
⬆️ Oregon’s Minimum Wage Goes Up In 2026.
💡 Key Insights for Small Business Owners Heading into 2026.
😋 Best Industries and Cities for US Small Businesses.
🚛 6 Smart Business Owner Moves to Start the New Year Strong.
Worth A Glance
✅ Learn: Why Does Santa Claus Say “ho, ho, ho.”.
✅ Guess: How Many of These Faces Do You Recognize?
✅ View: The AP’s Best Wildlife Photos of 2025.
✅ Consider: The Unhealthiest Drinks of the Holiday Season.
Local Job Opportunity
💼 Administrative Assistant - Small Business Development Center
Thanks For Reading
If you made it this far, it matters. You’re helping build a real voice for small businesses in Roseburg. A place for real stories and real people.
If you enjoyed this issue, share it with someone who should see it. If you haven’t subscribed yet, one click goes a long way.
Want to Sponsor an Issue?
If you want your business featured at the top of a future issue, let me know. Sponsors help keep this going and get in front of the local community. If you want your story told, let’s make it happen.
I’m Here to Help
If you need help with your marketing, reach out.
That’s what I do and why I write this.
We’re building something together, and I want your business to win.
Tell Me What You Need
This newsletter is a conversation.
Tell me what you want more of.
What you’re struggling with.
Which local business deserves a spotlight.
Your input shapes this community.