Hey Alexa, add a marketing campaign to the Christmas list!
We know, we know, it’s not even Halloween yet, and we’re the annoying people that are already bringing up Christmas. But trust us, it’s for your own good! If you haven’t started planning your Holiday promotions or marketing campaigns (and please don’t blame the messenger), you are technically “behind.”
We love to start thinking about our client's holiday efforts in August, which feels SO strange as we are all still enjoying warm beaches, blue skies and cool lakes. Thinking about crisp snow, warm fires, and perfectly baked turkey doesn’t quite fit in with livin’ la vida lake time. But if you haven’t gotten started yet, don’t stress; we’ve got you.
We’ve started a list of 5 tips to get you kickstarted on your holiday campaign. Let’s dive in:
1 - Start Now
Have we driven this home yet? If you have zero plans, just get started, even if you’re strapped for time. Spend a few minutes each day strategizing and planning; before you know it you’ll have everything pulled together, right?
2 - Create a Unique Offer
Do you sometimes feel like all the holiday campaigns meld together into one sugar-fueled, peppermint-flavoured, green-and-red mass of information you can’t retain? We feel you. This year, try something new, something different that will help you stand out from the crowds. Not sure how? Think about your colourway strategy; who says the holidays have to be completely green and red? Think about the language you use, again, it doesn’t always need to follow the sing song, jingle bells we’ve come to expect with the holidays. Or even consider your photography strategy, can you bring in some holiday vibes in an unexpected way? We’re not telling you to abandon tradition completely, but a few magical touches of strategic surprises will help your campaign etch itself in the hearts and minds of your audience, that much more than your competition.
3 - Tailor It To Your Audience
This is a BIG one, and we recommend our clients practice this regardless of the time of year. But it stands repeating: create an offer, promotion or campaign that fits your audience. One that is centered around your products and services and the function and solutions they can provide in your clients’ lives, hopes and dreams. The moment you forget about this is the moment your marketing and sales will fall flat. Ensure that you carry this principle into your holiday marketing campaigns.
4 - Use the Right Marketing Mix
This one is also incredibly important, this is *not* the time to start experimenting with your tactic and channel mix. For many businesses, especially those in retail, Q4 is when they truly become profitable. If you’ve invested a ton of time, resources and hours into creating an amazing campaign, this is the time to double down on the channels and tactics that have been delivering for you all year. For instance, if you have focused on strengthening your word of mouth or referral marketing, because this is what has grown your business in the past, think about how you can integrate this into your holiday campaigns. Or if Pinterest has been delivering you leads and sales all year, this is where you should focus your media spend. If nothing has worked well for you all year, well that may be the time to call in some extra support (read the Freshly team) to give your campaign an extra boost and help you make educated and informed decisions for your media buying budget and tactics mix.
#5 - Start Now
If you’re still reading this, then thank you for making it to the end, we appreciate you, but seriously, get out of here!! Go get some paper and brainstorm! If you’re still not sure where to start, begin by gathering some inspiration (hello Pinterest!), it’s the best way to get the creative juices flowing!
Happy Holiday Planning friends!
If you’re still feeling lost and overwhelmed, or maybe you and your team just can’t eke out enough time for a special campaign, book a discovery call with us and we can help you get your holiday on (and fast!)
