One of the biggest perks of running daily deals is being in control, and deciding when you want to run them. Whether it’s once a year, once a month, or even once a week–you get to the make the final decision on what works best for you business. How do you know when the timing is right?

The right timing for your local deal will really be based on what you’re looking to accomplish. Maybe you want to make the most of your busy season, fill up the store when things are slow, or show some customer appreciation. Here are some of the best times to run local deals:

When you’re at your busiest

It may seem counter intuitive, but one of the best times to run a local deal is when your business is at its busiest. Whether it’s a certain day, weekend, or even an entire month–times when your business is already seeing heavy traffic are perfect for running a local deal.

Why? Because when you’re at your busiest, you’re actually at your best. Your store is filled with people who know and love your products, your staff is prepared to handle the rush of the busy season, and you have more opportunities than ever to make a first impression new customers will never forget.

Most importantly, it allows you to make the most of those all too short busy seasons, and drive results that can help boost sales throughout the year.

When you have a milestone you want to celebrate

While the end goal of your deal will always be to grow your business, it is also important to remember that your deal is also an important way for showing your customers they are appreciated.

A perfect time to say “Thanks” is when you have something to celebrate–like a milestone. Whether it’s the opening of a new store, reaching a sales goal, or surpassing a social milestone–as outlined below–a deal can help you thank the people who made it possible.

When people are in the mood to shop

The holidays are the perfect time to run a local deal for one important reason: people are in the shopping mood. Not only that, they want and even expect to receive deals from the businesses they love the most.

You already know the holidays are a time unlike any other shopping season. With a carefully crafted deal you’ll be able to stand out in the rush that is the holidays and make this year one worth celebrating.

Create a schedule that works for your business

The most important thing to remember when planning a deal is that it has to be not only the right deal, but also the right timing and frequency for your of business.

Whether it’s on your laptop or smartphone, or something you print out –a calendar provides you with the perspective you need for planning your local deal.

Mark key dates for your business–like busy or slow seasons, planned events, or scheduled promotions. Then mark key dates for your customers–like holidays, changes in the season, or big shopping days.

While other businesses are running deals on someone else’s schedule, you’ll be running deals that work for your business AND for your customers.

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Gina Watkins is a leading expert on e-marketing for small business – and has a real passion for helping businesses to succeed. Her ongoing series of dynamic lectures are filled with real-world examples, humor and results-driven wisdom garnered from more than two decades of sales, business development and marketing experience. In addition to owning her own business, she is an award-winning direct marketer, has been featured on WUSA Channel 9’s Mind Over Money show, Dr. Gayle Carson’s Women In Business radio show, Morgan State’s Briefcase Radio program, and in numerous other media. In her role as Constant Contact Regional Development Director, she’s presented to more than ten thousand seminar attendees about the keys to success with easy, affordable, highly effective technology tools that grow trusted business relationships.