Sleigh the Holiday Season: Early Planning for Marketing Success
As the summer heat still lingers, it might seem premature to think about jingling bells and winter wonderlands. However, at IMC, we're already fine-tuning our Q4 strategies for clients in the retail real estate space. Why? Because when it comes to holiday marketing, the early bird doesn't just catch the worm - it captures the market.
The Importance of Early Holiday Marketing Planning
The holiday season is a critical time for businesses, especially in retail and real estate. With consumer spending at its peak, it's crucial to have a solid marketing strategy in place well before the festivities begin. Here are some key insights and tips to help your business thrive during the most wonderful time of the year:
1. Capture Early Shoppers with Gift Guides
Did you know that a quarter of consumers finalize their holiday shopping lists well before the season officially kicks off? To tap into this proactive market:
Create and distribute gift guides as early as pre-Halloween
Segment your guides by price points, recipient types, or themes
Ensure your guides are easily shareable across social media platforms
By serving up thoughtful gift ideas early, you position your brand at the forefront of consumers' minds as they begin their holiday planning.
2. Leverage the Power of Video Content
During the holiday season, video content reigns supreme. Shoppers increasingly favor video over other content formats, making it a must-have in your marketing toolkit. To maximize your video marketing efforts:
Create festive video content that aligns with your brand
Utilize trending audio to boost visibility and engagement
Showcase products, services, or properties in action
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of holiday preparations
Remember, authenticity resonates with audiences, so don't be afraid to let your brand personality shine through your videos.
3. Secure Your Influencer Partnerships NOW
Why the urgency? Here's what you need to know:
Beat the Rush: As the holidays approach, top-tier influencers' schedules fill up quickly. By reaching out now, you increase your chances of partnering with your preferred content creators.
Allow for Creative Planning: Early partnerships give both you and the influencers ample time to brainstorm and develop truly engaging, on-brand holiday content.
Budget Efficiently: Securing partnerships early often comes with more favorable rates, allowing you to stretch your marketing budget further.
To make the most of these collaborations:
Start identifying and contacting potential influencer partners immediately. Don't wait for the leaves to change color!
Focus on local content creators for a more targeted approach. They often have a deeper connection with your specific market.
Develop a clear, comprehensive campaign brief that aligns with your holiday goals. This gives influencers a solid foundation to work from.
Consider long-term partnerships that extend beyond the holiday season. This can lead to more authentic, sustained engagement with their audience.
Be open to creative input from the influencers. They know their audience best and can offer valuable insights on how to connect with them during the holidays.
A Bright Holiday Season Ahead
While we're still enjoying the last few days of summer, we're already excited about making this holiday season shine extra bright for our clients. By starting your holiday marketing planning now, you set the stage for a successful and profitable Q4.
Remember, the key to sleighing the holiday season is preparation. Whether it's through early gift guides, engaging video content, or strategic influencer partnerships, there are numerous ways to make your brand stand out during this bustling time of year.
Ready to elevate your holiday marketing strategy? Contact us today, and let's make this holiday season your most successful one yet!
