Is Your Marketing Prepared for the Holidays?

Fall is coming to a close and the holidays are quickly approaching. 

Statistics say that between 20 and 40 percent of annual sales for small- and mid-sized businesses take place during November and December each year. 

In fact, most business owners say that the months between October and December of this year will not only be the best of the year in terms of sales and revenue, but will also set the tone for 2017. 

Don’t make the mistake of not effectively utilizing a seasonal marketing strategy this year.

The holiday season is the perfect time to connect with your target audience. With the right message, you can show your current customers how much you appreciate them while simultaneously reaching out to new, prospective customers.

 The holidays have been statistically proven to lead to a 50 percent boost in ad impressions as well as an 150 percent increase in direct traffic and a 60 percent increase in conversion rates.

So how can you make holiday marketing work for your business? Here are our top three tips for creating a seasonal marketing campaign.

1. Start Early40% of Americans say they typically begin holiday shopping the first week of November. In order to maximize your holiday sales, you need to start planning and executing your seasonal marketing strategy early. To get a head start on the season, your marketing plan should begin promoting holiday ads weeks in advance. Starting early will help you stand out and make an impression on your target audience. This helps prime and prepare consumers to choose your business as their default destination for their holiday shopping. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to test out your message on your target audience to gauge their reaction and adjust accordingly.
2. Take Advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 55% of Americans say that they plan to visit stores or shop online on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two huge opportunities for your business to gain exponential sales and revenue through discounts and deals. In 2015, Black Friday shoppers spent a whopping $4.45 billion in stores and online and Cyber Monday sales reached a record high of $3.07 billion, with each shopper spending an average of $125. Statistics suggest that the spending for 2016 will only increase. Use seasonal offers and sales to show your current customers how much you appreciate them and their business and show prospective customers what you have to offer. Surprise buyers by offering deals they’d be crazy to ignore. Make sure that your advertising promotes your Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and brings people into your store and to your website.
3. Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.In Holiday advertising, season’s greetings definitely matter. The holiday season is the time for authentic, meaningful messages. Create something share-worthy that will delight your customers and evoke responsive emotions. Celebrate the season by promoting holiday feelings of togetherness, comfort, family, friendship, thankfulness, love, hope and peace.

Tips to help make your holiday marketing effective

Using these three tips will help you create a holiday marketing campaign for your business. However, even if you follow all of these tips, your advertisements will be just one in a sea of many. What makes seasonal ads great and how can you make sure that your marketing efforts stand out and get noticed by your target audience? Here are a few things that will help you make your holiday ad campaign as effective as possible.

• Choose the right marketing mix. Using the right combination of traditional and digital marketing mediums can help you reach your target audience right where they are.
• Deck the halls in your store, on your website and on social media platforms. Get festive and help people celebrate and get into the spirit of the season.
• Timing is everything. Even the best advertisements can flop if not done in the right place at the right time.
• Be personal. Your target audience is much more likely to engage with your brand and your products and services if they feel you value them as an individual and not just as another dollar sign.

Is your marketing strategy ready for the holiday season? Now is the time to make sure that your seasonal advertising sends the right message and really makes an impact on your target audience. Want to create an advertising campaign that really wows the crowd? Trust in the experts at Splash Omnimedia! To create a comprehensive holiday marketing strategy, contact us today!