Ah, the holidays! That magical season of pumpkin spice, overflowing inboxes, and the yearly debate about when it’s acceptable to blast Christmas music. (Spoiler: the Gritty Gals are ready to put up our tree the moment the first
‘-ber’ month hits.)
For business owners and marketers, it’s a season full of opportunity, but also one that demands creativity and strategy if you want to avoid blending into the holiday noise. So, grab some hot chocolate (we like ours with a dash of Baileys 😉), and let’s unwrap our no-nonsense guide to holiday marketing that’s sure to sleigh (see what we did there?).
1. Start Early, But Not Too Early
You want to be festive, not Clark Griswold-level over the top. The sweet spot? Mid-to-late November. Avoid the “too soon” side-eye and hit just in time for holiday buzz to build. Don’t worry, no one’s putting up 25,000 lights...yet. The best time for companies to start holiday marketing for is early to mid-October or early November. In 2023, 60% of holiday shopping was completed by the end of November, making it essential for brands to start marketing early to capture these buyers (BCG Global)
2. Use FOMO to Your Advantage
Create a sense of urgency without sacrificing authenticity. Instead of using generic phrases like "24-hour flash sale" or "Only a few left," which can feel overused, opt for more genuine language that still builds pressure. For example, “Our most popular items are flying off the shelves—grab yours before they’re gone!” or “Don’t miss out on this exclusive deal—once it’s gone, it’s gone!” This approach creates urgency while sounding more authentic, ensuring your customers feel compelled to act quickly without feeling like they're being pressured.
3. Get Personal
Nobody wants a boring, cookie-cutter "Happy Holidays" message. Instead, tap into what your clients actually care about. Use their past interactions to offer up customized services or special deals they’ll actually appreciate. Whether it’s tailoring a service package or sending them something that fits their preferences, knowing their habits makes your outreach feel personal and way more effective.
4. Make Your Content Sparkle
Your content needs to stand out like Buddy the Elf in a room full of Scrooges. Whether you’re offering services or products, have fun with your holiday marketing. Think about creating holiday-themed videos, interactive quizzes, or even running a playful challenge that ties into the season. For service businesses, how about a “12 Days of Expert Tips” or a limited-time, can't-miss holiday special? Keep it festive and playful, and your audience will stay engaged and excited to see what comes next.
5. Collaborate with Influencers
We’re not big fans of the word "influencer" at Gritty Gal, but let’s be real—they’re like your holiday helpers. Find people who genuinely align with your brand, and let them show off your services or products in their own authentic, festive way.
6. Leverage User-Generated Content
Nothing says "real deal" like your customers showing off your service (or product) in action. Whether you run a service-based business or sell a product, create a customer spotlight series—share their stories and pics across your platforms, and watch the community take off. It’s not just about spreading holiday cheer—it’s about letting your business shine, backed by people who genuinely love what you do.
7. Optimize for Mobile
Everyone’s shopping on their phones—make sure your site and checkout are mobile-friendly, or you’ll lose customers faster than they can say “add to cart.”
8. Create a Holiday Experience
Go all-in on those holiday vibes! Whether you’re running a service or selling products, give your brand a festive makeover—dress up your website, emails, and socials with fun holiday graphics, throw in a seasonal playlist, and splash some cheery colors everywhere. Make it feel like a winter wonderland, and get your audience in the holiday spirit, no matter what you offer
9. Give Back
The holidays are all about giving (and not just to your Amazon cart). Whether you’re selling products or offering services, run a charitable campaign where a portion of sales or service fees goes to a good cause. It’s a win-win—your customers feel great about supporting something meaningful, and you get to spread a little extra holiday cheer while doing what you do best!
10. Analyze & Adapt
Don’t just sit back and hope for the best—track your campaign. If something’s working, double down. If it’s falling flat, pivot. At Gritty Gal, we know the power of adapting on the fly. The holiday season moves fast, so stay sharp and be ready to switch gears when needed to keep things rolling.
Don’t let the holidays sneak up on you—start thinking about your strategy now, because let’s face it, they’re inevitable. After all, the holidays wait for no one—except maybe Santa.
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