‘Tis the season to be savvy (with your holiday marketing)!

The holiday season will be here before you know it, and for small to medium-sized businesses, it’s the perfect time to maximize your marketing efforts. This year, due to economic circumstances, consumer behavior is poised to be more deal-hungry than in previous years.

So, let’s dive into some helpful strategies and tips to help you navigate the busy holiday season.

How to Market During the Holidays

Do you wait until the last minute to buy gifts for the holidays? Or maybe you’re the kind of person who plans ahead so you get the best deals and items you’re looking for?

What do your holiday shopping habits have to do with advertising for your business? 

The answer is simple – People who plan ahead get the pick of the litter. They get the first pick and give themselves enough time to adjust as needed, saving money.

Some years are easier to plan ahead, and others, you’re flying by the seat of your pants. The holidays are hectic enough, so planning your business’s advertising and marketing during that time won’t give you the desired results.

A lack of planning will leave you lacking a solid advertising spot that reaches your ideal customers and one that is worth the price.

A best practice is to start planning for the fourth quarter and the holiday season before November.

Consumers rely on holiday deals like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to get the best deals and avoid last-minute shopping. Many retailers begin advertising around November 1, but others start as early as October 1. This is because many people have time off around the Thanksgiving holiday, so it’s a prime time to drive people to brick-and-mortar stores or retailer websites.

Holiday retailers will see sales grow almost 5 percent to reach $1.3 trillion this year, according to a forecast done by Insider Intelligence. If you want a piece of that pie, here are some tips to prepare for the holiday season. 

Holiday Advertising: Making Your Brand Shine

Your holiday advertising should resonate with the spirit of the season.

Here’s how to make your brand shine through advertising.

Design with Care

Invest in eye-catching, holiday-themed design elements for your ads. 

Incorporate festive imagery, colors, and fonts that align with your brand.

Craft Compelling Messaging

Your ad copy should evoke emotions, whether it’s nostalgia, excitement, or the joy of giving.

Use catchy slogans and emotionally charged language to connect with your audience.

Choose the Right Platforms

Identify where your target audience spends their time online and allocate your advertising budget accordingly.

Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads can be highly effective during the holidays.

Digital Advertising Trends During the Holidays

With people changing how they consume media and an economy on the upswing, there’s more to today’s holiday shopping than just the rush from Black Friday and Christmas.

Here are three key holiday predictions to remember as you plan your holiday media buys.

The Holiday Season Will Start Sooner Than Ever

Fifty percent of adults in the U.S. plan to start their holiday shopping in October, and only about 10 percent plan to begin in December.

Why is this?

October 2022 Amazon’s Prime Early Access was the kick-off of last year’s holiday season. The online retailer plans to do the same this year during the Prime Big Deal Days starting October 10 at 3 a.m. EDT through October 11.

This year, Amazon will make it easier for Prime members to find deals they’re interested in with personalized recommendations based on past purchases, browsing history, and items saved to their Lists, according to the company.

The 2023 Holiday Season Will Be Bigger Than Ever

The pandemic caused a significant economic slump, but holiday spending has steadily grown over the last few years – and 2023 will be no exception.

One point three trillion dollars in retail spending is expected for 2023, which is a $50 billion increase year over year. 

The Media Revolution Will Change the Way Holiday Shoppers Engage with Entertainment

Consumers today are more connected than ever.

These connections to ad-supported streaming options mean advertisers have more opportunities than ever to reach them. Media buyers should consider streaming video, digital audio, and gaming to reach their ideal customers where they are most engaged.

Here are some more quick tips.

• Video Marketing: Video content continues to dominate online engagement. Create holiday-themed videos to showcase your products or services and share them across social media and YouTube.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website and ads are mobile-friendly. Many consumers shop on their smartphones during the holiday rush.
• Local SEO: Optimize your online presence for local search. Highlight your physical store’s holiday offering and hours to attract nearby shoppers.

Holiday Season Advertising Ideas: Stand Out from the Crowd

Get creative and unique with your holiday marketing strategies to stand out from your competition.

Themed Contests

Run holiday-themed contests on social media. 

Encourage user-generated content, like holiday photos with your products, for a chance to win prizes.

Interactive Content

Develop engaging, interactive content, like holiday quizzes or gift guides, to keep your audience entertained and informed.

Charitable Initiatives

Show your company’s goodwill by supporting a charitable cause during the holidays.

Share your efforts and encourage your audience to participate.

Holiday Season Advertising Planning: Your Roadmap to Success

Effective planning is the backbone of successful holiday marketing.

Setting goals, budgeting, and analyzing results are all crucial factors in creating your holiday marketing plan. Let’s dive into the real meat and potatoes of your plan.

Set Clear Goals

Define your holiday marketing objectives, whether it’s increasing sales, expanding your customer base, or boosting brand awareness.

Budget Wisely

Allocate your budget strategically across different marketing channels. 

Keep a buffer for unforeseen opportunities or challenges.

Content Calendar

Create a content calendar that outlines your holiday-themed content and promotions.

Consistency in messaging is critical.

Track and Analyze

Use analytics tools to monitor the performance of your holiday campaigns.

Adjust your strategy based on real-time data to maximize results.

Jump Right into Your Holiday Marketing

Hopefully, these holiday marketing tips and tricks help you get your business poised for a successful and joyous season.

Planning, creativity, and staying informed about trends are the keys to your holiday marketing success. Don’t hesitate to contact us for personalized advice and assistance by filling out the form below.

Download our FREE Holiday Marketing Strategy Guide HERE.