There are many things to consider when it comes to the holidays, particularly if you're in charge of a company's marketing. (And, particularly, when you consider the crazy year and a half we've all had.)
You must establish a plan for your holiday marketing, take into account every variable that might make or break your success, and then put that strategy into practice. But at what precise time should you begin your Christmas marketing?
It's a common query among entrepreneurs and marketers, so we've offered a few suggestions (and methods!) to get going. Consider it our gift to you.
When to begin planning your holiday marketing
People seem to begin their Christmas shopping, or at least holiday preparations, earlier and earlier each year. Additionally, analysts believe that this year's buyers will shop early to buy presents before costs rise too much due to the possibility of a recession and record-high inflation. In fact, over 40% of those polled claimed they would start shopping earlier this year because of it.
Thus, you must begin your Christmas marketing preparation early if you want to benefit from the hectic holiday shopping season. Even if you don't have all the specifics worked out on what will happen with your company in November and December, planning your holiday marketing as early as July or August may provide you some insight into what you should be concentrating on in a few months.
What time should you begin your Christmas marketing campaign? The quickest reply is August.
Don't worry if you haven't begun preparing yet. You still have time to develop a winning approach to attract customers this holiday season.
Here are some suggestions to help you launch your Christmas marketing strategy:
Start planning any promotions or promos you'll run throughout the holidays.
Indicate who and when you wish to target.
Choose a few main points you wish to make.
Consider the many marketing strategies you wish to use to reach your marketing objectives.
Discuss your strategy with your marketing partner to determine how they might aid in execution.
Starting your preparation this early can seem like a difficult endeavor, but you'll thank yourself later when the holidays arrive quickly and furiously a few short months from now.
When to add holiday messages
After the Fourth of July, my neighborhood Target began displaying Halloween decorations. It was a bit odd attempting to buy sunscreen and a cooler for some pool time while surrounded by pumpkins and spooky décor. However, as soon as I saw the Halloween decorations, my thoughts turned to Thanksgiving and the next winter festivities. What should I prepare? What do I want for Christmas? How much cash should I reserve for presents? And it seems natural that they would begin preparing so quickly since that October has managed to creep up on us all.
56% of respondents, according to our research, want to finish their Christmas shopping before December. Therefore, it is fair to assume that you may begin preparing your holiday message in August, or at the very least, at the start of September.
And when the hectic shopping season approaches, you don't have to go all out with the Christmas happiness; instead, you may concentrate on some of the other seasonal festivals, like Halloween. This is also a terrific approach to attract Christmas consumers ahead of time. Start running a few promotions, launch a customer loyalty program, or inform them of your seasonal offerings.
When to commit 100 percent to your holiday marketing
Whatever business you work in, once November arrives, your Christmas marketing plan should be well under way. The Halloween candy has been drastically reduced, the scary houses have been cleaned out, and frozen turkeys and pumpkin cans have taken over the grocery shops. Give it your utmost to attract those spenders since the holidays are almost here.
Also keep in mind that you are not required to stay home for the holidays if you are not a retailer. Consumers will still need your services unless you run a seasonal company (and your busiest times aren't in the winter), so consider how you can stay at the top of your customers' minds over the holiday season.
Quick recommendations for Christmas marketing
Start promoting for the holidays now! Here are three fast ideas to help your company stand out and attract new clients throughout the Christmas season.
1. Spend money on a multi-platform holiday marketing effort
Your best hope is to use an integrated marketing strategy to reach customers wherever they are this holiday season. This year, 70% of consumers say they expect to research their Christmas purchases online, up from 60% in 2019. Invest in local PPC advertisements, check your SEO, and run display ads that follow them throughout their internet search to make sure you're there for them.
2. Draw in store visitors
The fact that in-store purchasing is still permitted during this holiday season may surprise you. According to our study, 55% of consumers said they will do their research online but make their purchases offline. Make it simple for people to find you by providing accurate local listings.
You may also think about investing in geofencing so you can directly promote your company to customers in your neighborhood or close to your rivals.
3. Do something fresh
Last but not least, consider some unique (read: unorthodox) methods to connect with your neighborhood consumers this year. Consider how you may turn it into a branded content series since holiday shoppers are always seeking for inspiration and doing research online over the holidays (remember, 70% will do so this year). Doing so establishes you as a thought leader and fosters trust with your audience. Additionally, it might make you stand out from other companies this Christmas season for customers.
To give your consumers your holiday deals directly, you may also launch a Christmas email marketing campaign. (If you need some inspiration, look at these Christmas email subject line suggestions!)
Start your Christmas marketing for 2022 now
When you prepare for it, have the correct strategy, and work with the right marketing pros to make it successful, holiday marketing can be a gift. Create your Christmas marketing strategy now, get going with these fast recommendations, and enjoy the season!
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Salty Red Dog Marketing, LLC is a marketing agency in Red Bank, NJ, Westport, CT, and everywhere in between. We service businesses with marketing strategies, digital marketing, social media, and consultations.
Contact: info@saltyreddogmarketing.com
Phone: NJ: (732) 802-6205 // CT: (203) 429-9671