12 marketing tips for the holiday 2024:
The holiday season is the pinnacle of the year for many businesses, and it’s also one of the most competitive times in marketing. In the past, we’ve hit ya with some last-minute tips. This time around, we’re chatting about the benefits of advanced planning. Getting on top of the holiday season saves you money and lets creativity flourish – who doesn’t love saving money AND being creative? Let’s get into it.
1. Early planning means Low CPMs:
Election cycles, sports, and holiday seasons. These are some of the most costly times to advertise. More eyeballs and perceived importance drive up CPM costs. As we’ve talked about before, getting your media plan placed for the holiday season early gives you flexibility in the most available inventory and typically lower rates. Aim to start thinking about the holiday season in August and September. If you’re trying to plan black Friday deals or Hanukkah promotions in late October or November, it will cost you.
2. Leverage Email Marketing:
Build your emails well before the send-date. This way, you’ll have time to craft fully realized user journeys, place relevant conversion tracking, and get creative with messaging. Audiences are trained to respond to good deals, but adding a little bit of ✨spice✨ makes you stand out. Also consider:
- Segmentation: Split your email list based on purchase history, engagement rates, or demographics. Tailored messages have higher engagement rates.
- Exclusive Deals: Offer exclusive promotions for your email subscribers, making them feel valued and more inclined to make a purchase.
3. Optimize for Mobile shopping:
YOUNGER GENERATIONS SHOP PHONE FIRST! We cannot stress that enough. Even millennials only use the computer to make “big purchases” (airline tickets, houses, furniture, etc.)
@missesgrace Am i right or am i right? #millennial #millennialsoftiktok
♬ Funny - Gold-Tiger
Ensure that your website and checkout process are mobile-friendly. If you need help making your site mobile-friendly, we might know some people.
4. Gift Cards Galore:
Promoting gift cards is the perfect gift solution. Not only are they convenient for shoppers, but they also guarantee future interactions when recipients return to redeem them. Gift cards also generate early revenue for the holiday season. Additionally, billions (yea with a b) are never redeemed each year.
5. Be Transparent about shipping:
Advanced planning affords customers time to purchase and ship their items. If businesses start messaging early enough, they can dictate the flow of packages with guaranteed arrival dates. You’ll always have stragglers, but after a few seasons, your hard work will condition people to respond to your timelines, not theirs.
6. Collaborate with Influencers:
Partner up with social media influencers for quick shoutouts or product reviews. They can offer authentic endorsements and expose your brand to their loyal followers. And we know a thing or two about influencer marketing.
7. Retargeting Ads:
Maximize retargeting ads to reel in customers who’ve shown interest in your products but haven’t converted. Display ads that showcase holiday promotions or best-selling items.
8. Highlight Gift Ideas:
Create content around gift guides or holiday bundles. “Top Gifts Under $50” or “Perfect Gifts for Tech Lovers” are content that can attract undecided shoppers.
9. Engage with User-Generated Content:
Encourage customers to share photos of their purchases or experiences with your brand. Reposting user-generated content can serve as authentic testimonials and drive engagement. UGC is also shown to drive up AOV (regardless of season 😃)
10. Offer a Holiday Loyalty Bonus:
Offer double points or a special holiday bonus to your existing loyalty program members. This can incentivize purchases and strengthen customer relationships.
11. Create Urgency with Countdown timers:
On your website or email promotions, implement countdown timers for special deals. This visual cue can instill a sense of urgency and prompt immediate action.
12. Personal Touches:
Consider adding a personal touch to your deliveries, like a handwritten thank-you note or a small complimentary gift. These gestures can leave a lasting impression and encourage repeat business.
Wrap-Up:
The holidays are busy, but Implementing even a few of these tips well ahead of the season can make a significant difference in your holiday sales and brand engagement. So, light up your marketing efforts with a touch of holiday magic, and remember the gift that keeps on giving is working with a talented team that understands your unique needs. 🎄🎁🌟
