Christmas is a critical time for marketers. It’s the period when people are more likely to spend money, buy gifts, and engage with festive content. To make the most of this opportunity, marketers should have a well-thought-out plan. Here’s a simple guide to help you get ready for your Christmas marketing.
- Create a timeline & plan ahead
Map out when you will start your Christmas promotions, social media campaigns, email marketing, and other activities. A clear timeline ensures that everything is done on time, without last-minute stress.
- If you’re selling products, make sure you have enough stock to meet increased demand. Nothing is worse than running out of best-sellers right before Christmas.
- Understand Your Audience
Christmas is a time when people are looking for gifts, deals, and ideas. To capture their attention, you need to understand what your audience wants.
- Segment your audience: Not everyone is looking for the same thing. Some people may be buying for kids, while others might be shopping for friends or significant others. By segmenting your audience, you can create tailored messages that speak to each group’s specific needs.
- Look at last year’s data: Check what worked and what didn’t during last year’s campaigns. Did certain products sell out fast? Did specific ads perform better? Use these insights to refine your strategy this year.
- Create Festive Content
People love Christmas-themed content. It’s a time when emotions are high, and people are more likely to engage with warm, festive, and cheerful messages.
- Decorate your marketing: Update your website, social media profiles, and email templates with Christmas designs. Simple touches like snowflakes, Christmas trees, and red-and-green color schemes can create a festive atmosphere.
- Create gift guides: Many shoppers struggle with finding the perfect gift. A well-crafted gift guide can provide inspiration and drive sales. Organise the guide by categories like “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Her,” or “Budget-Friendly Gifts.”
- Use video and stories: Short, engaging videos or Instagram stories with Christmas themes can grab attention and increase interaction. Show off your products in a festive setting or share fun Christmas tips with your audience.
- Offer Special Deals and Promotions
Christmas is a time when shoppers expect discounts and special offers. A well-timed promotion can boost sales and encourage customers to buy more.
- Early bird discounts: Reward those who shop early with exclusive discounts. This can also help you manage stock levels better throughout the season.
- Free shipping: Offering free shipping is a huge draw during Christmas. Consumers are more likely to complete a purchase when they don’t have to worry about extra costs at checkout.
- Bundle offers: Create bundles of related products and offer them at a discounted price. This not only increases the perceived value but also encourages people to buy more.
- Use Social Media to Build Excitement
Social media is one of the best places to create a buzz around Christmas. Use your platforms to engage with your audience and promote your festive offers.
- Run contests and giveaways: Encourage your followers to engage with your brand by hosting Christmas-themed contests or giveaways. This is a great way to increase brand awareness and grow your following.
- Share user-generated content: Ask your customers to share photos of themselves using your products as gifts or in festive settings. This not only creates excitement but also serves as social proof for new customers.
- Countdown to Christmas: Create a sense of urgency by promoting limited-time offers or creating a “12 Days of Christmas” campaign where you offer different deals each day leading up to the 25th.
- Don’t Forget Mobile Users
Many people shop from their phones, so make sure your marketing is mobile-friendly.
- Optimise your website: Ensure your website is easy to navigate on mobile devices, with fast load times and a simple checkout process.
- Mobile ads: Consider running mobile-specific ads to target shoppers who are browsing on their phones.
- Plan for Post-Christmas
While the main focus is on the weeks leading up to Christmas, the period afterwards can also be profitable.
- Boxing Day or New Year’s sales: Plan post-Christmas promotions to clear out leftover inventory and keep sales strong into the new year.
- Send thank-you emails: After Christmas, send a warm thank-you email to your customers. This not only shows appreciation but also keeps your brand top-of-mind for future purchases.
Preparing for Christmas as a marketer involves planning, understanding your audience, and creating festive, engaging content. By starting now and offering value to your customers through personalised deals and content, you can make the most of the season. With the right strategy in place, Christmas can be a time of great success for your business.
If you need a hand with your Christmas marketing materials, contact Protean Inbound!
