How to Use Marketing to Increase Sales: Holiday Edition

If you’ve been with us for a while (which, first of all, you’re amazing) you’ll know a while back we wrote a blog about how to use content marketing to increase sales. And just like all of your favorite sitcoms and pop-stars around this time of year, we too, are making a Holiday Edition. Grab your eggnog, cozy up to the crackling fireplace on your laptop screen because it’s definitely not cold enough for a real one, and get ready to hear those sleigh bells ring in the tune of sales- Holiday Marketing style.

LET’S TALK SOCIAL 

This time of year is always a great time to start running and scheduling more social media campaigns. More people log onto their favorite social channels for holiday decor inspiration, to check on and post about family, search for gifts, etc. It’s also a great time to partner with other businesses for holiday gift bundles as rewards to your followers for winning contests. Fun initiatives means increased engagement which makes for a happy brand and consumer. 

KEEPIN’ IT SHORT-TERM

On another note, your holiday marketing is a great opportunity for you to reach out and connect with prospective clients who are want a trial run with your or just a short term contract. The merry-and-bright season can be a tricky time for some as they might not be able to focus on what they lack, so they come to you for a condensed period of time for the service it is they need. This also helps to take some of the pressure off of a long-term contract for both them and yourself. 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS JOLLY SEASON’S THEMES

The holidays are also a stocking stuffer of content (pun definitely intended). From blogging to social media content to memes; there’s SO MUCH you can do. With blogging, for instance, you can have fun with alliteration like “Santa & SEO: What They Have In Common”, or create a holiday themed blog such as our Holiday Marketing Do’s and Don’ts. 

 

With social media, you could create a “holiday aesthetic” and for the months of November-December, have a feed theme that works cohesively in a way that’s pleasing to the elf eye and holiday-esque, if you will. Run holiday-themed contests, post holiday-themed stories. Literally, the holiday season is like Santa’s little helpers for your social media channels. You can do so much with them. Paid ads can also be valuable as more people are likely to turn to the internet to shop for gifts. If your holiday-themed ad hits just the right spot, you’ve got a sale. 

DON’T FORGET TO DO YOUR RESEARCH

Make sure to do research on your audience during the holidays. Certain target groups have very specific behaviors. Millennials are estimated to spend the most out of any age group during this time of the year. Additionally, check to see who your competitors are in your industry. Both big and small. This is a great way to see what is working and not working for them, and could significantly help if appropriately applied to your business tactics. Check up on holiday industry trends (because they’re out there and are SUPER valuable) to see what people want or need more or less of from you this holiday season. Before launching a new campaign, be sure to confirm what platforms are being heavily used by consumers and plan accordingly. 

 

A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN = LOST IN THE SNOW

Speaking of planning accordingly – setting goals are so important. Plan early to get the most out of your audience! Ask about collaborations weeks or months in advance to have those set in place when the time comes. Set goals for how much you want to increase, make, spend, etc. and then try to hit them! Create SEO keywords with your business collab so people recognize it and take note. Don’t ballpark and bullsh*t, that almost never works. 

 

Now that we’ve discussed content ideas and types, it’s your turn to brainstorm who your target audience will be and what your end goal is for your holiday marketing. Plan your campaigns strategically so they don’t run at times they shouldn’t, or clash with other sectors of your business. This is where your editorial calendar should come in – your BEST friend here. Fill it with consistent content directly tied to most or all of the business goals you have set. Once you have your content, decide if it meets these three requirements: does it serve your goals, serve your consumer’s needs, and accomplish your keyword targets (the terms people will be searching for to find your brand/service/product)?

At the end of the day, consumer and follower engagement during the holidays will always boost your business. It is also a good indicator of whether or not you’re doing something right. And if you have any questions about that, fortunately for you that’s our area of expertise. Schedule a consultation with us today or even send us an email to chat. We are always open to talk strategy with you! No sitting on Santa’s lap required.