Sleigh the season: Holiday marketing dos and don'ts
Written by Rachael
Can you believe the biggest shopping season of the year is already here? Whether you’re a holiday-season pro or it’s your first rodeo, these tips will keep your campaigns fresh, your brand authentic, and your customers clicking that “buy” button.
(Just consider it our early Christmas gift to help you sleigh the season...)
Do: Plan ahead, but stay flexible
Getting a jump start on holiday campaigns is key, but don’t lock everything down. Be ready to pivot based on trends, customer feedback, or what’s hot at the moment. Stay flexible, and you’ll stay relevant.
Don’t: Overload on holiday clichés
A little festive spirit is great, but it’s easy to go overboard. Keep it authentic to your brand instead of flooding everything with red, green, and tinsel. Subtle seasonal touches work way better than classic holiday clichés.
Do: Tap into customer emotions
The holidays are all about connection and nostalgia. Use storytelling, personal touches, and customer testimonials to make your audience feel something. The stronger the emotional connection, the more likely they’ll choose your brand.
Don’t: Spam your audience
More emails and ads don’t mean more sales. Be strategic with your frequency and avoid overwhelming customers with endless reminders. Use segmentation to hit the right people at the right time instead of blasting everyone daily.
Do: Create urgency with real deadlines
People need a reason to buy now, not later. Limited-time offers, countdown timers, and last-minute shopping deadlines add urgency—but remember to be honest and consistent. False hype is a quick way to lose trust.
Don’t: Forget mobile optimisation
Holiday shoppers are on the go, which means they’re shopping from their phones. Make sure every email, ad, and landing page is mobile-friendly so customers can shop anytime, where without a hitch.
Do: Reward loyal customers
Show a little love to your MVPs! Special discounts, early access to sales, or exclusive content can go a long way in making loyal customers feel appreciated—and in keeping them coming back.
Don’t: Ignore shipping and delivery promises
We’ve all had the stress of waiting for a parcel to arrive in time for the big day. So if you promise delivery dates, stick to them. Manage expectations clearly, and if anything changes, communicate quickly and honestly. Shipping slip-ups can be deal-breakers for repeat business.
Do: Personalise where you can
Stand out from the crowd by making your marketing feel personal. From email subject lines to product recommendations, a little personalisation can make your brand feel tailored and thoughtful in a sea of generic holiday spam.
Don’t: Leave out post-holiday plans
The holiday season might end on 1st January, but customer relationships don’t. Plan for re-engagement campaigns in the new year to keep the momentum going and turn one-time holiday buyers into long-term fans.
Keep these dos and don’ts in mind, and you’ll be set up to crush the holiday season. Stick to what makes your brand unique, stay real, and don’t forget to take a breather—it’s the holidays, after all.
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