In our industry, the holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year—because for our clients, they’re an essential marketing opportunity. Their customers get in the spirit, too, by enjoying festive promotions, activities and events and the cheer their favorite peddlers spread in the form of seasonal savings.
Of course, there are an unbelievable number of ways and places to promote your business. How can you take advantage of this annual marketing blizzard AND stand out from the crowd in a way that meaningfully connects with your specific audience? Consider these great holiday online marketing ideas, designed to rope in cyber customers and enrich your current strategies:
Celebrate Internet sales.
Hospitality and lifestyle clients like ours enjoy flourishing retail sales, and they rejoice in this magical (and vital) finale of what can be an annual multi-million-dollar boom. It’s simple: the holidays are the perfect chance to treat loved ones to private label products or indulge in little luxuries themselves. And beyond that, what better moment to book a dream vacation or golf getaway?
While brick-and-mortar storefronts and in-person sales are still popular, reports show that more shoppers are shifting their habits online. Since many anticipate (and require) holiday deals before they’ll buy, do everyone a favor and extend them from the outset. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, and straight to the season’s end, expand your sales potential by offering free shipping and exclusive promotions. Advertise away on your social media and website, as well as through search engines and emails.
Reward your fans.
Run a “12 Days of Christmas” type of sweepstakes on your Facebook, Twitter and/or your website. Give away a new prize every day that will appeal to your audience and excite interest in your brand.
Hashtag holiday fun.
Engage fans with an Instagram photo contest focused on the goodies your brand offers. Participants can submit their favorite holiday gifts or experiences that are on their wish list to Santa.
Show you’re giving back.
‘Tis indeed the season for charitable giving. Partner up with an organization for a holiday campaign and promote it on site and online. It’s a win-win that supports your business as well as a great cause!
Create a holiday e-card…
…that allows your audience to see and interact with your brand or merchandise, especially anything winter and holiday related. It’s easy, friendly and a fabulous means to stay in touch with your customers and even colleagues.
Engage shoppers with a social app of your own.
Starbucks addicts are buzzing about their holiday augmented reality app. Just point your phone at one their seasonal coffee cups and watch an animation come to life. The Starbucks Cup Magic app also works on almost 50 other products available at their retail locations. Creating your own app can promote social sharing of your brand by allowing users to send e-cards as well as other holiday offers.
Happy Holidays to all—and bring on the business!
The clock is ticking, but there’s still time to unwrap some holiday online marketing ideas. Email ssharp@danacommunications.com to contact Stephen Sharp, Dana’s Director of Interactive, and get started today.
