The holiday season can be overwhelming for any business, but a solid marketing plan is a game-changer. This checklist is designed specifically for NECC’s creative entrepreneurs to stay organized, reach customers effectively, and make the most of holiday sales. From social media to email campaigns, this guide covers all the essential steps for a successful holiday marketing season.
1. Set Clear Goals for the Season
Before diving into holiday marketing, determine your top three goals. Are you focused on boosting holiday sales, increasing brand visibility, or maybe growing your email list for future campaigns? Being specific will keep you focused on what matters most and help measure success.
Examples:
- Increase sales by 20% compared to last holiday season.
- Add 200 new email subscribers by the end of the year.
- Double engagement on social media through interactive posts and stories.
Why It’s Important:
Goals give you a target, making it easier to focus efforts and allocate resources where they’ll have the most impact.
2. Create a Content Calendar and Plan Ahead
A well-planned content calendar is essential for staying organized. Map out key dates and events for the season, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and any special promotions. Create a rough outline of posts for each day, specifying content type (e.g., stories, reels, or posts).
Examples:
- Schedule “gift idea” posts for the week before Black Friday.
- Plan a countdown series leading up to a big sale.
- Include “behind-the-scenes” content for authenticity and to engage followers.
Why It’s Important:
A calendar helps you see the bigger picture, ensuring you’re not scrambling last minute and can give each post the attention it deserves.
3. Plan Seasonal Product or Service Launches
Think about what special products or services you want to highlight this holiday season. These could be limited-edition items, holiday-themed versions of existing products, or exclusive seasonal bundles.
Examples:
- Create a “Holiday Gift Bundle” featuring several of your top-selling items.
- Offer a limited edition product that’s only available for the holidays.
- Introduce gift-wrapping as a premium add-on for purchases.
Why It’s Important:
Seasonal products create excitement and urgency, giving customers more reasons to shop with you.
4. Update Your Website for the Season
Your website should reflect the festive season. Update your homepage with holiday visuals, feature special deals, and create a dedicated “Gift Ideas” or “Holiday Favorites” section for easier navigation.
Examples:
- Update banners to highlight holiday offers or promotions.
- Add a section with “Gifts Under $50” or “Staff Picks.”
- Make your return policy clear and visible to encourage confident holiday shopping.
Why It’s Important:
A seasonal website creates a festive atmosphere and guides customers to your most relevant products quickly.
5. Optimize for Mobile Shopping
With a large number of shoppers using mobile devices, ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. This means fast load times, easy navigation, and an intuitive checkout process.
Examples:
- Simplify navigation with drop-down menus and search filters.
- Test the checkout flow to make sure it’s easy to complete on mobile.
- Ensure images load quickly and display well on smaller screens.
Why It’s Important:
A seamless mobile experience helps prevent cart abandonment and enhances customer satisfaction.
6. Run a Holiday Email Marketing Campaign
Email marketing is one of the most effective tools for holiday engagement. Plan a series of emails that gradually build excitement around holiday products, events, and special offers.
Examples:
- Kick off with a “Season’s Greetings” email introducing holiday offerings.
- Send a “Last Call for Shipping” email to encourage last-minute purchases.
- Share a post-holiday “Thank You” email to keep the relationship going.
Why It’s Important:
Email keeps your brand top-of-mind, allowing you to engage customers directly with curated holiday content.
7. Tap into NECC’s Network for Influencer Collaborations
Partnering with influencers in the NECC network can help you reach new audiences. Seek out collaborations with members whose audiences align with your own brand, and consider product swaps, gift guides, or joint giveaways.
Examples:
- Collaborate on a holiday giveaway where followers must follow both brands.
- Feature influencers in your content to create a trusted brand connection.
- Swap products for review or include them in each other’s holiday gift guides.
Why It’s Important:
Collaboration boosts credibility, allowing you to tap into an audience that’s already interested in your type of product or service.
8. Set Up Social Media Ads for Key Promotions
Social media ads can be an efficient way to boost visibility for holiday promotions. Use ads to promote your top holiday offerings or drive traffic to your holiday gift guide.
Examples:
- Run a carousel ad showcasing your top three holiday products.
- Use “Stories Ads” to share countdowns for a limited-time offer.
- Retarget visitors who previously engaged with your content but haven’t purchased.
Why It’s Important:
Ads help reach new potential customers and keep your brand visible in a crowded holiday marketplace.
9. Offer Gift Cards or e-Gift Options
Gift cards are popular during the holidays, especially for last-minute shoppers. Offering e-gift cards makes purchasing even easier and allows your brand to reach people who might not be familiar with it.
Examples:
- Add a “Gift Card” option on your website and highlight it in your marketing materials.
- Offer a small discount or bonus for customers who purchase gift cards above a certain amount.
- Create a visually appealing digital gift card that reflects your brand.
Why It’s Important:
Gift cards provide a flexible shopping option, driving sales and potentially introducing new customers to your brand.
10. Share Customer Testimonials and Reviews
Testimonials and reviews act as social proof, boosting trust and showing potential customers why they should buy from you this holiday season.
Examples:
- Feature testimonials in your holiday email campaign.
- Add a “What Customers Are Saying” section to your holiday product pages.
- Share customer photos or reviews in your stories or posts.
Why It’s Important:
Social proof reassures new customers and strengthens credibility, especially during a busy shopping season.
11. Prepare for Customer Service Needs
Be ready to handle increased customer inquiries by creating an FAQ page and setting up automated responses for common questions. This keeps customers informed and reduces strain on your team.
Examples:
- Include details on shipping times, return policies, and gift wrapping in an FAQ.
- Set up an auto-responder for social media DMs with answers to common questions.
- Consider hiring temporary support if you anticipate high volumes of inquiries.
Why It’s Important:
Good customer service fosters trust, ensuring a positive experience that can lead to repeat business.
12. Plan a Post-Holiday Strategy
The holiday season isn’t over when the sales end! Keep your momentum going into January by planning a thank-you campaign or previewing new products or services.
Examples:
- Send a “Happy New Year” email featuring popular products from the holidays.
- Share a survey asking for customer feedback on their shopping experience.
- Plan a soft launch of upcoming products or a “welcome back” offer for January.
Why It’s Important:
Building connections after the holidays sets the stage for continued engagement and future sales.
With this checklist, creatives can feel confident and organized throughout the holiday season. Let’s make this holiday a celebration of creativity, community, and connection by sharing our favorite tips, tackling our goals together, and lifting each other up for a memorable season!
