November 24, 2025
Holiday Tech Etiquette For Small Businesses
(Or: How Not To Accidentally Ruin Someone’s Day)
The holidays are already stressful — for everyone. Customers are racing to finish errands, employees are balancing family chaos, and expectations are sky-high.
The last thing your business needs is a tech misstep that turns a good customer grumpy or derails your team’s hard-earned goodwill.
Think of this as your Holiday Tech Manners Guide — a few simple reminders to keep your business running smoothly and your customers smiling all season long.
1. Update Your Online Hours (Before The Angry Calls Start)
Picture this: A customer drives across town during their lunch break because Google says you’re open — only to find the lights off and the door locked. Instant frustration, and possibly a bad review.
Avoid becoming the villain in someone’s holiday story. Update your hours everywhere customers might look:
- Google Business Profile (the most important one!)
- Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp
- Your website banner or homepage notice
- Apple Maps — yes, people still use it
Sample update:
“Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed Thursday, Nov. 28–Sunday, Dec. 1 to spend time with family. Back Monday morning, slightly over-caffeinated and ready to help!”
2. Set Friendly Out-Of-Office Replies (That Sound Human)
If you’re stepping away, don’t leave customers wondering whether their message fell into a black hole.
A good auto-reply should sound helpful, warm, and clear — not robotic.
Sample message:
“Thanks for your message! Our office is closed for Thanksgiving from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. We’ll respond as soon as we’re back (and caffeinated). For urgent matters, call our support line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!”
A friendly tone shows you care — even when you’re offline.
3. Keep Your “Out Of Office” Professional (No Vacation Itineraries, Please)
Your customers don’t need to know you’re flying to Denver to see Aunt Carol or that Bob from accounting is on a “Friendsgiving potluck tour.”
Oversharing isn’t just awkward — it can also create security risks by broadcasting when your office is empty.
Keep it short and professional: dates, response times, and alternate contacts. That’s it.
4. Test Your Phone Systems (Before They Test Your Patience)
Holiday callers are often rushed and anxious. The last thing they want to hear is an outdated voicemail from three years ago.
Pro tip: Call your own number. Check that your greeting, menu options, and on-hold messages are accurate and up to date.
Sample voicemail:
“You’ve reached [Business Name]. Our office is closed for the holiday weekend. Please leave a message and we’ll return your call Monday morning. If this is urgent, press 1 for our on-call team. Happy Holidays, and thanks for your patience!”
5. Communicate Shipping & Service Deadlines Early
If your business ships products or schedules holiday services, clear communication is everything.
Post your “order by” or “schedule by” deadlines prominently on your website and social media. Send reminder emails, too — customers will appreciate it.
Remember: A late delivery is frustrating. But a missed expectation? That’s what costs loyalty.
The Bottom Line: Good Tech Etiquette = Happier Holidays
Holiday tech etiquette isn’t complicated. It’s about being proactive, communicating clearly, and showing that you respect people’s time — both your customers’ and your employees’.
A few small updates can prevent a lot of stress and keep your reputation bright through the new year.
Because the goal isn’t just to avoid problems — it’s to make people feel cared for, even when your doors (or inbox) are closed.
Need Help Keeping Things Running Smoothly This Holiday Season?
From updating your business systems to securing your data while you’re away, we can help make sure your technology supports your customers — not frustrates them.
Book your free discovery call today and learn how to keep your operations polished, professional, and stress-free this holiday season.
Because nothing says “holiday cheer” like a business that just works.
