The holiday season is fast approaching, and marketing budgets can often get the short end of the stick as other priorities come into play. However, with the highly competitive marketplace this time of the year, marketing is more important than ever. The unique spike of consumer spending around the holidays provides a huge opportunity for your business, but you must keep your brand top-of-mind. If you are looking to get a bang for your buck (or lack thereof) check out these four recommendations.
#1 Make a Video
Use social media to your advantage with videos. Audiences are 10x more likely to engage with video content — whether that be embed, share, or comment — than text-only blogs or related social posts. Feature your bestselling product(s), unique gift ideas, or a special promotion for your services. Influencers avidly use this time of year to make recommendations, and DIYers shine with their well-crafted gift baskets and homemade items. Many companies can have a similar style video about their product. Try adding gift wrapping tips, or unique use recommendations to let consumers know your products are multi-functional.
Social media offers the opportunity to put money behind your videos to increase your audience. If you have budget available, spend some money here. If not, do not let that stop you. A fun and engaging video can get a large audience organically.
#2 Write a Blog
If you use blogs regularly, consider throwing in a couple of holiday-themed extras. This is similar to the videos in trying to encourage how your products or services can be part of the holiday season. If not as a gift, try the approach that your product or service can save time during the busy holiday season. Be sure your blog is keyword rich, and then spread the word on social as well as your website. A relevant blog can help get attention during the increased search time of holiday shopping. To further capitalize on the spirit of the season, you may consider storing this content in a special “holiday” section.
#3 Send an Email
If you have any type of customer email list, put it to good use. Emails, especially those with a strong subject line and mention of a new product, get opened more than a standard newsletter style. Also, 59% of consumers say that marketing emails have influenced their purchasing decisions. Emails allow quick and easy contact with the customer and provide a large amount of space to communicate a brand’s message. They also provide the opportunity to check consumer engagement easily by checking views and clicks on the emails.
#4 Offer a Unique Experience or Gift
Depending on your product or service, time or a bit of money can be better spent by making your customers feel acknowledged. Hosting a holiday party and inviting top spenders or clients can do wonders for a reputation. Acknowledge and nurturing ongoing relationships are part of a strong marketing strategy. If your customers are not close, try sending personal Christmas cards or thank you cards for a wonderful year. Many large corporations send out non-personal gifts to employees and top clients. If you choose to send a gift, attach a personal note. If you are a retail establishment, try having a special shopping experience. Even, something as simple as having hot chocolate or a seasonal tasting can make a lasting impression.
The Spirit of the Season
These are four simple tips that can be done on a minimal budget. At Media Venue, we would recommend planning to be sure your marketing budget is allocated throughout the year. As part of our planning process, we work with you to balance and appropriate funds for your sales fluctuations. If you are ready to take your marketing up a notch, call us today at 502-855-4783 and our team will gladly host a discussion meeting to see how our strategy can work for your company and budget.
