The holidays are fast approaching, and as consumer demand increases, it’s crucial to take advantage of the traffic. The best way to do this is with proactive and consistent marketing across digital and traditional channels. Ensure you plan your marketing initiatives ahead of time, schedule social posts and e-blasts in advance so you’re not scrambling to put something together and missing out on potential sales.
Here are some ideas to promote your brand for the holidays and boost sales:
1. Capitalize on Special Events
Plan promotions around special events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day, when shoppers are already looking to save money with great deals. Promote your special events on social media, your website, through in-store signage and your email mailing list. Tease the sales early. You might even want to “drip” out offers leading up to the typical days to gain traction.
2. Utilize BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up In Store)
Convenience can often be the deciding factor for holiday shoppers. With limited time and a long shopping list, spending less time in-store can make consumers’ shopping experience less stressful and create a positive correlation with your store. Having a way for customers to shop online and easily pick up in-store can really boost sales.
Also, consider lowering or removing a minimum order limit for free shipping during seasonal buying days. Keep an eye on your competitors and match or beat their shipping offers. If your website doesn’t have e-commerce capabilities, consider making this a priority in 2024.
3. Run a Holiday Giveaway
Get in the festive spirit with a holiday giveaway! What better way to spread Christmas cheer than by giving away free products, gift cards or services? Giveaways are a great way to increase engagement and brand awareness. Run a gift card giveaway through your social channels or an in-store gift basket giveaway at the point of purchase. Be sure to adhere to social platforms and your local giveaway laws and regulations.
4. Offer Special Deals or Bundles
Create special deals or valuable bundles that draw holiday shoppers’ attention and encourage traffic to your store. This one is a no-brainer: good promotions = more customers. Whether you sell goods or services, bundling up can sweeten the deal. Bundles could be offering “advent calendars” of smaller items, “BoGo” sales, or adding an accessory as a “free gift with purchase” at checkout. Consider also the items and products that a customer could consider for “stocking stuffers”.
5. Promote Your Bestsellers
Make sure to promote your bestsellers in-store and online. Bestsellers are bestsellers for a reason. Be sure to have the bestsellers front and center on your website and social media. Consider running an ad or social campaign that showcases a new best selling product every day or two, or run promotions on the best sellers to get more traction.
BONUS – 6. Advertise through Advocacy
People are often drawn to brands and their products by word of mouth. The holidays are an ideal time to share reviews from customers and encourage a sale through advocacy. During the busy shopping season between Black Friday and Boxing Day, customers are bombarded with ads and need to make quick decisions on who to buy from. They might be hesitant to spend their dollars with a company they haven’t bought from before. Sharing your customer reviews, success stories, testimonials, and more can help build trust quickly and encourage people to buy from you over a competitor.
As the holiday season approaches, coming up with a strategy to promote your business and sell your products or services is the first step. Once you have a strategy, implementing an omnichannel approach and scheduling tactics in advance (where possible) will help reach more consumers and save you time.
Need more guidance? Turn to your enhanced marketing department at Sims Advertising to help you with the 2023 festive season.
