We don’t want to stick a candy cane in your pumpkin spice latte, but the holidays are sneaking up faster than you can say “fa-la-la-la-la.” If the thought of prepping for the holiday marketing season makes you want to start spiking your eggnog, we’ve got you covered with some fun and foolproof tips.
Sure, planning early is smart, but let’s not get carried away. We don’t want to be the ones putting up Christmas lights in September (we’re looking at you, big-box stores). Instead, use this time to create a game plan and start building excitement without jumping the gun. Think of it as warming up the oven before baking that holiday pie—don’t pop it in too early, or it’ll burn before the feast! Here’s what that could look like:
The holidays are rife with traditions, and traditionally holiday ad costs soar higher than Santa’s sleigh. But fear not! To avoid blowing your budget on one big day, spread your ad spend across the season. Focus on those sweet spots where you get the most bang for your buck, like early-season sales or lesser-known shopping days. And don’t forget to sprinkle in some love for your loyal customers—retargeting is your friend.
To make the most of your budget, focus on one or two key areas instead of trying to be everywhere at once. For example, if you know your audience is most active on Instagram and email, prioritize those channels for your holiday campaigns rather than spreading yourself too thin across every platform. Or, if driving in-store traffic is your main goal, focus on localized ads and promotions that bring customers directly to your doorstep. By zeroing in on the platforms and goals that matter most, you can make your ad spend work harder for you during this competitive season.
During the holidays, some of your metrics might end up on the “naughty” list, but that’s actually not a bad thing. With so many brands competing for attention, you might see dips in click-through rates or spikes in ad costs. Instead of stressing, focus on what really matters—like your conversion rates or return on ad spend. Keep an eye on the numbers that count, and remember that some fluctuations are just part of the holiday magic.
The holidays are your time to shine, so go ahead and sprinkle some festive cheer into your content. Create holiday-themed landing pages, blog posts, and social media that jingle all the way. Think gift guides, special offers, or even a “12 Days of Deals” campaign. And if you can get your customers involved by sharing their holiday moments with your brand, even better—it’s like the gift that keeps on giving!
Keep your finger on the pulse of your campaigns. If something’s not working, don’t be afraid to switch it up, like swapping out that fruitcake for a fresh batch of cookies. Use real-time data to make quick adjustments, and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, the holidays are all about surprises, right?
So there you have it—a merry little guide to holiday marketing success. By planning early (but not too early), managing your ad spend like a pro, focusing on the right metrics, and keeping your content festive and fun, you’ll be on your way to the top. And remember, if you need a little help spreading that holiday cheer, Kalen Marketing Solutions is here to make your season bright!
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