When Should You Begin Planning for Holiday Marketing

Holiday marketing is crucial for businesses. It’s a time when consumers are ready to spend, making it a chance to increase sales and brand recognition. But planning for holiday marketing takes time. To have a successful campaign, companies must start early.

When to start planning for holiday marketing

The exact timing for holiday marketing planning can vary depending on the nature of the business, the industry it’s in, and the specific holidays it wants to target. However, as a general guideline, there is a way when companies should consider starting their holiday marketing preparations.

Early to mid-year (6-8 months before)

For businesses targeting major holidays like Christmas or New Year’s, January to March is the ideal time to start planning. Companies can use this period to reflect on the previous year’s holiday campaign, gather data, and set initial goals.

Late spring to early summer (4-6 months before)

By April or June, companies should have a clear strategy in place. Begin crafting the holiday messaging, designing creatives, and determining which channels the company will utilize.

Mid to late summer (2-4 months before)

Start finalizing the holiday marketing materials by July or August. If the company is running any special promotions or discounts, this is the time to plan them out. Ensure the business website and online store are ready for an influx of holiday traffic.

Early fall (1-2 months before)

Launch teaser campaigns to create anticipation in September or October. Consider early bird promotions to capture early shoppers. Test email and social media campaigns to ensure everything is functioning as planned.

Late fall (1 month before)

By November companies should be ramping up their holiday marketing efforts with a full-scale campaign. Launch Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions if applicable. Ensure all the marketing materials are set and tested.

The holiday season (December)

Continue the marketing campaign throughout the holiday season. Pay attention to real-time data and adjust strategies if needed. Don’t forget post-holiday marketing to keep the momentum going into the new year.

Holiday marketing ideas

Develop a content calendar that outlines what the company will post on social media, send in emails, and display on the website. Consistency is key during the holiday season. Engage the audience with holiday-themed contests and giveaways. Encourage user-generated content by asking customers to share holiday photos featuring the company’s products. Segment the email list and send targeted holiday offers. Personalization goes a long way in boosting conversion rates. Ensure the website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Implement holiday-themed graphics and banners. Make sure the checkout process is seamless. Everyone loves a good deal during the holidays. Consider offering exclusive discounts to email subscribers or loyal customers. Collaborate with influencers to promote the holiday products. Influencers can help companies reach a wider audience and lend credibility to the brand. Make it easy for shoppers to find the perfect gift by curating gift guides. Invest in Google Ads to ensure the company’s products appear at the top of search results. Use relevant holiday keywords to maximize visibility. Utilize remarketing ads to target visitors who have shown interest in the company’s products but didn’t make a purchase. Consider running a holiday campaign that supports a charitable cause. This not only spreads goodwill but also resonates with socially conscious consumers. If the company has a physical store, don’t forget to decorate it for the holidays. Create an inviting atmosphere that encourages in-person shopping. Simplify the holiday experience for the customers by offering gift wrapping services as this can be a significant selling point.