Struggling to come up with ideas for the holiday season? I've done it for you. 

Tips and Watchouts

Day 1: Update Your Google My Business Listing

• Use high-quality images of your business.
• Incorporate keywords related to your business in the description.
• Regularly update your listing with new posts or offers.
• Watch Out: Avoid providing misleading or incorrect information, as this can harm your reputation.

Day 2: Post a Holiday-themed Update on Social Media

• Use festive visuals or graphics that align with your brand.
• Engage with your audience by asking holiday-related questions.
• Share exclusive holiday offers or previews.
• Watch Out: Don’t overdo the promotion; balance it with genuine, engaging content.

Day 3: Respond to Recent Customer Reviews

• Thank customers for positive reviews warmly.
• Address any negative feedback professionally and offer solutions.
• Highlight improvements made based on customer feedback.
• Watch Out: Never engage in arguments or be defensive in responses.

Day 4: Email Your Customers a Holiday Greeting

• Keep the email visually appealing and mobile-friendly.
• Personalise the greeting with the customer's name.
• Include a special offer or discount as a holiday gift.
• Watch Out: Avoid sending too many emails which might lead to unsubscribes.

Day 5: Decorate Your Storefront or Website

• Ensure decorations enhance, not obstruct, the customer experience.
• Keep website changes simple to avoid loading issues.
• Use decorations to highlight special products or offers.
• Watch Out: Don’t let decorations overshadow your brand’s identity.

Day 6: Launch a “12 Days of Deals” Promotion

• Promote different deals each day to keep customers engaged.
• Use social media and email to announce daily deals.
• Offer a mix of deals to appeal to a wide range of customers.
• Watch Out: Avoid complex deals that might confuse customers.

Day 7: Partner with a Local Charity

• Choose a charity that aligns with your business values.
• Promote the partnership across all your marketing channels.
• Encourage customer participation through events or donations.
• Watch Out: Ensure the partnership is authentic and not just for publicity.

Day 8: Create a Holiday Gift Guide

• Curate products that cater to different interests and budgets.
• Make the guide easily accessible on your website and social media.
• Use attractive visuals and clear descriptions.
• Watch Out: Don’t make the guide too lengthy or complicated.

Day 9: Host a Flash Sale

• Clearly communicate the start and end time of the sale.
• Feature popular or exclusive products.
• Use urgency-inducing language to encourage quick purchases.
• Watch Out: Be prepared for increased traffic; ensure your website can handle it.

Day 10: Share a Customer Testimonial

• Tips:Choose a testimonial that highlights a unique aspect of your business.
• Get permission from the customer before sharing their testimonial.
• Pair the testimonial with a relevant image or graphic.
• Watch Out: Don’t edit the testimonial in a way that misrepresents the customer’s opinion.

Day 11: Offer a Small Freebie with Purchase

• Choose a freebie that complements your products.
• Clearly communicate the terms of the offer.
• Use the freebie to introduce customers to new or less-known products.
• Watch Out: Make sure the cost of the freebie doesn’t negatively impact your profits.

Day 12: Write a Thank You Note

• Make the note genuine and heartfelt.
• Mention specific details that show personal attention.
• Use branded stationery to reinforce your business identity.
• Watch Out: Avoid making the note sound like a sales pitch.

Day 13: Share a Behind-the-Scenes Look

• Share stories about your team, your processes, or how products are made.
• Use photos or videos to make your content more engaging.
• Encourage feedback or questions from your audience.
• Watch Out: Ensure that all shared content aligns with your brand image and values.

Day 14: Update Your Email Signature

• Include a small, festive graphic or message.
• Ensure your contact information is up to date.
• Add links to your website or special holiday offers.
• Watch Out: Keep the signature professional and not too cluttered.

Day 15: Create a Holiday-themed Profile Picture or Logo

• Make subtle changes that maintain brand recognition.
• Use holiday elements that resonate with your audience.
• Update all your profiles for consistency.
• Watch Out: Don’t alter your logo to the point where it’s unrecognisable.

Day 16: Engage with Followers on Social Media

• Tips:Promptly respond to comments and messages.
• Share user-generated content with proper credits.
• Create interactive posts like polls or questions.
• Watch Out: Avoid getting involved in controversial topics or disputes.
  
  

Day 17: Introduce a Holiday Hashtag

• Tips:Create a short, memorable, and unique hashtag.
• Encourage customers to use the hashtag in their posts.
• Monitor the hashtag to engage with user-generated content.
• Watch Out: Ensure the hashtag isn’t already widely used for different purposes.
  
  

Day 18: Run a Social Media Contest

• Tips:Clearly state the rules and the prize.
• Make participation easy and fun.
• Promote the contest across all your platforms.
• Watch Out: Comply with the rules and regulations of each social media platform.

Day 19: Offer Gift Wrapping Services

• Use branded wrapping materials.
• Promote this service prominently in-store and online.
• Train staff to wrap gifts efficiently and beautifully.
• Watch Out: Don’t let this service slow down your overall customer service.

Day 20: Host an Online Q&A Session

• Promote the session in advance to gather questions.
• Use a stable platform and check your internet connection.
• Be prepared, but also be ready for spontaneous questions.
• Watch Out: Avoid giving vague answers; be clear and concise.

Day 21: Share a Personal Holiday Message

• Tips:Speak from the heart about what the holidays mean to you and your business.
• Keep the message brief and sincere.
• Include a visual element like a photo or video.
• Watch Out: Stay professional; avoid overly personal or sensitive topics.

Day 22: Promote Last-minute Gift Ideas

• Tips:Highlight products that are easy to choose and use.
• Offer expedited shipping or instant delivery options.
• Create bundles or packages for quick selection.
• Watch Out: Ensure you can fullfil last-minute orders without delays.

Day 23: Send a Reminder of Holiday Hours

• Clearly state any changes in your operating hours.
• Use multiple channels (email, social media, website) to communicate changes.
• Offer alternatives like online shopping if you’re closed.
• Watch Out: Avoid last-minute changes to your schedule, which can frustrate customers.

Day 24: Wish Your Customers Happy Holidays

• Send a heartfelt, inclusive holiday message.
• Use a mix of media like email, social posts, and website banners.
• Reflect on the past year and express optimism for the new year.
• Watch Out: Ensure your message respects all cultures and holiday traditions and stay authentic.

Day 25: Celebrate, Don't Market: A Day of Rest and Joy

• On Christmas Day, take a well-deserved break from marketing. Your audience will appreciate the break too. It shows you value the holiday spirit and understand the importance of taking time off.
• Watch Out: Avoid the temptation to run last-minute promotions or sales. Not only could this be less effective as many people are not focused on shopping, but it could also be seen as insensitive to the spirit of the day.

Day 26: Promote a Boxing Day Sale or Special Offer

• Offer attractive discounts or exclusive deals.
• Market the sale prominently across all channels.
• Prepare for high traffic, both in-store and online.
• Watch Out: Ensure inventory and staff are prepared for increased demand.

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Day 27: Showcase Most Popular Products or Services of the Year

• Use sales data to identify top-selling items.
• Share customer reviews or testimonials for these products/services.
• Consider offering a special deal on these popular items.
• Watch Out: Balance highlighting popular items with promoting lesser-known offerings.
  
  

Day 28: Year in Review - Share Your Wins and Milestones

• Highlight significant achievements, growth, or positive changes.
• Use visuals like graphs, photos, or a video montage.
• Encourage team members to share their personal favourite moments.
• Watch Out: Avoid overemphasising failures or challenges; keep the tone positive.

Day 29: Feature Loyal Customers - Share Customer Highlights

• Obtain permission before featuring customers or their stories.
• Include quotes or testimonials in your highlights.
• Thank customers publicly for their loyalty and support.
• Watch Out: Ensure customer privacy is respected; don’t share sensitive information.

Dec 30: Post About Business Goals or New Initiatives for the Upcoming Year

• Tips:Share clear, achievable goals that excite your audience.
• Invite feedback or ideas from customers.
• Tease new products, services, or changes coming in the new year.
• Watch Out: Avoid making vague or unrealistic promises about future plans.

Dec 31: Countdown to the New Year - Hourly Deals or Messages

• Plan a variety of deals or messages to maintain interest.
• Promote the countdown ahead of time to build anticipation.
• Use engaging visuals and reminders on social media.
• Watch Out: Keep the message schedule manageable to avoid overwhelming your audience.

January 1st - Sleep in and don't think about marketing!

As always, if you need help with any of these tasks, please book in a Marketing Power Hour with me and we can do it together!