Although we’re still buried knee-deep in fall specials and pumpkin spice everything, it’s time to turn our thoughts to the ever-so-busy holiday season. No matter what your business, the holidays bring with them a whole host of opportunities to reach new audiences, communicate with current customers and get your message out with some holiday flair. But where do you begin? Here are a few tips to give your holiday marketing plan a kick-start!
Set Goals
- Determine what target you are trying to reach. Increasing revenue, yes. But how do you plan to get there?
- Set goals for growing your email list, gaining Likes for your Facebook page, and increasing online store traffic with special online promotions. Once you set your target, use your holiday marketing plan elements to help you get there.
Plan Your Holiday Events
- Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday… and that’s not even thinking of December holidays like Hanukkah and Christmas. Center your event(s) around the holidays that align best with your brand.
- Be it in-store events or online promotions, building a holiday event to center your marketing efforts around provides focus and the opportunity to reach customers with a new message. This is your chance to get creative and have fun. Use Facebook Live to show some onsite antics of your staff getting ready for the holidays or ask customers to wear some holiday gear to earn a discount during the event day.
Determine Inventory, Specials & Featured Products
- Stock up on seasonal bestsellers and featured products so you always have your most popular products at the ready.
- Provide double points to Customer Loyalty members
- Create themed shopping lists and bundle featured products and specials in holiday packages for gift giving purposes.
Lock Down Your Communication Plan
- Schedule direct and e-marketing communications to promote your events and specials.
- Get ahead of your social media calendar and schedule all of your standard posts to leave time for in-the-moment updates while in the thick of the season.
- Create graphics and product images so that they are at the ready for use throughout the season. A consistent look will provide a solid and creative feel for your marketing efforts. Have it carry through to all print, social media, web and e-communications as well as to any in-store displays.
And remember, although the late fall and early Winter bring so many events, it pays to keep in mind how to plan for events opportunities throughout the calendar year. If your holiday wish list is already getting full, contact us at Beverly Cornell Consulting and let us help you reach your holiday goals. Even Santa has helpers!
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