The pumpkin spice is flowing, sweaters are making their annual comeback, and you know what that means: the holidays are sneaking up on us and now’s the time to kickstart holiday marketing. If you’re in the industry, you’re not just planning turkey dinners and holiday gift lists—you’re gearing up to grab a piece of the holiday marketing pie. So, grab a candy cane, get comfy, and let’s talk about how to ensure your holiday campaigns are ready to make an impact.
Start Planning Yesterday
Yes, you read that right. The truth is, holiday marketing is a lot like baking cookies: the earlier you prep, the better they turn out. If you’re still in the brainstorming phase, it’s time to pick up the pace. Outline your key promotions, set your goals, and map out your timeline. This way, when the holidays are in full swing, you’re not scrambling like someone who forgot to defrost the turkey. Starting early also helps avoid overwhelming your audience, as 67% of consumers feel inundated by holiday marketing even before peak shopping days arrive, according to eMarketer research.
Embrace the Nostalgia
Holiday marketing thrives on nostalgia. Tap into the collective good vibes of seasons past. Whether it’s reminding your audience of those epic childhood snow days or their favourite cheesy holiday movies, you’ll want to sprinkle your campaigns with a healthy dose of feel-good moments. Just be careful not to go too far—no one wants their inbox full of ’90s family Christmas card-level cringe.
Segment Like Santa’s Naughty and Nice List
Santa checks his list twice—and so should you. Segmenting your audience is crucial if you want to ensure you’re sending the right message to the right group. Personalize your emails and ads based on your customers’ behaviour. The more specific your messaging, the better your chance of hitting that holiday sweet spot (pun intended). Personalized experiences are in high demand, with consumers increasingly expecting tailored recommendations and individualized communications.
Create a Sense of Urgency—But Keep It Real
Urgency works, but during the holidays, audiences are bombarded with “LAST CHANCE” offers. Stand out by mixing authenticity with urgency. Instead of shouting “Sale ends tonight!” on every single post, try focusing on limited-edition items or exclusive experiences. Make it clear why customers shouldn’t wait, without overdoing the desperation vibes. Consumers appreciate genuine value-driven promotions, such as exclusive deals or one-time offers that are communicated with authenticity.
Optimize for Mobile, Or Get Left in the (Snow) Dust
Did you know that a significant portion of holiday shopping happens on mobile? That means your emails, landing pages, and checkout process need to be sleigh-smooth on a phone. Make it easy for users to click, scroll, and buy—even if they’re in line for gingerbread lattes or wrapping gifts at midnight. In 2024, mobile shopping is expected to dominate the holiday season, with more consumers relying on their smartphones to browse and purchase items.
Don’t Forget the Spirit of Giving
The holidays are about more than just sales—they’re about giving. Consider adding a charitable angle to your campaign. Partner with a local charity, donate a percentage of sales, or encourage your audience to get involved in a good cause. Not only does this spread some holiday cheer, but it also strengthens your brand’s relationship with your customers.
Test, Tweak, and Stay Flexible
The best-laid holiday plans can change faster than the weather in December. Maybe a piece of content isn’t resonating like you thought it would, or perhaps there’s a shipping delay (thanks, supply chain!). Make sure you’re monitoring your campaigns closely, ready to tweak and adjust. Staying flexible will help you keep up with the hustle and bustle of the season—and avoid those dreaded last-minute surprises.
End With Gratitude
Your customers have a lot of choices during the holiday season. Remind them why they chose you by ending your campaigns with a sincere thank you. Highlight your appreciation for their support and loyalty, and maybe toss in a bit of warmth and humour—after all, nothing says “we appreciate you” like a well-timed joke about holiday leftovers.
Conclusion: Let the Festivities Begin!
Getting your holiday marketing campaigns ready takes time, creativity, and a dash of holiday spirit. Start early, tap into those nostalgic vibes, and stay flexible when things inevitably take a turn. Most importantly, remember that your customers are just as human as you are—bring them joy, laughter, and a reason to choose you this holiday season.
If you need help to kickstart holiday marketing for your business, reach out to one of our Marketing Consultants today.
Sources
Holiday Marketing Guide: Top Strategies & Trends for 2024, Taboola, 2024
2024 Holiday Marketing: Trends You Can’t Ignore, Bloom, 2024
14 Timely Holiday Marketing Strategies for 2024, WebFX, 2024
Top 10 Must-Know Holiday Marketing Tips for 2024, The Media Ant, 2024
