62% of US small businesses said they anticipate a strong holiday season, a rise over 2005 level of 60%. The majority of small businesses (81%) also expect consumers to make more holiday purchases online in 2006. To capitalize on this, most small businesses will use online marketing methods to promote their holiday offerings. In fact, of the 68% surveyed that will run seasonal promotions – 82% will use email marketing in their promotional mix, 50% will use other online marketing tactics (i.e. online advertising, paid search), and 35% will use direct mail, Constant Contact says.