Tis the season for snowflakes, hot cocoa, and skyrocketing sales! At CyberMark, we understand how a strong online presence impacts business during the festive season. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve put together the ultimate 2023 Holiday Marketing Checklist to ensure your digital marketing strategies shine.
Local Listing Updates: Tidings of Joy for Local Shoppers 🎄
Local listing updates aren’t just a holiday tradition; they’re a necessity during the holiday season. From updating business hours to adding festive images, every detail matters. Updating your local listings guides holiday shoppers to your storefront and secures that next lead.
Here are a few reminders to keep in mind during this season when managing your online listings.
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Business Hours
Update your business hours to reflect the holiday schedule. Be as clear as Rudolph’s nose to guide your customers through the festive period. Add any special hours to your Google Business Profile, and other online listings to ensure a positive customer experience.
Nothing frustrates a potential lead more than showing up to a store that’s closed even though its online hours show open. This negative experience can result in a lost lead or negative reviews. Check all your listings and social media profiles for updated hours before heading into the holiday season.
Seasonal Images
Deck the halls of your online presence with festive visuals. A picture is worth a thousand words, and during the holidays, it could also be worth a thousand sales. Consider updating your cover photo with a festive touch—a cozy storefront, a twinkling tree, or your team dressed in holiday gear.
Whether it’s your Google My Business, Yelp, or any other local listings, maintain consistency in your holiday imagery. A unified festive theme across platforms reinforces your brand identity and creates a memorable experience for potential customers searching for local holiday offerings.
CTAs
Craft compelling Calls-to-Action that jingle all the way to conversions. Implement urgency in your CTAs by using holiday-themed language like “Limited-time offer” or “Get it before it melts away!” Remember, simplicity is key – make sure your CTAs are clear, concise, and impossible to resist.
Holiday Marketing Campaigns: Sleigh the Competition with Festive Flair 🛷
Holiday marketing campaigns are more than just glitter and sparkle. From digital ads that shine to emails that sing, let’s uncover the secret ingredients to making your brand the star of this year’s holiday marketing experience.
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Digital Ad Campaigns
Think of your digital ad campaigns as the star of a winter blockbuster. Optimize them with holiday-themed creatives that make your competitors frost with envy. You want your ad campaigns to take center stage for your local holiday shoppers.
For Google Ads, consider using festive copy that captures the spirit of the season. Craft compelling headlines and descriptions using holiday-themed keywords like “gifts,” “holiday deals,” or “festive discounts.” Let your audience know that your business is not just part of the holiday scene but is offering something special and merry.
Consider using video ads for your social media platforms. Create short reels that showcase your products or services in a festive setting. Whether it’s a heartwarming narrative about your brand’s journey through the year or a lively showcase of your team preparing for the holidays, let the visuals and narrative evoke the warmth of the season.
SMS & Email Campaigns
Turn your communication channels into a winter wonderland of deals. Send SMS and email campaigns that warm your customers’ hearts and ignite their holiday shopping spirit. Personalize your messages by addressing customers by name and tailoring promotions based on their previous purchases.
Segment your email list to send targeted campaigns to specific customer groups. For instance, reward loyal customers with exclusive early-access deals, and entice new customers with enticing first-time buyer promotions. Don’t forget to include eye-catching visuals and a touch of holiday cheer in your email designs.
Homepage Banners & CTAs
Make your homepage as inviting as a crackling fireplace. Adorn it with banners and CTAs that guide your visitors to the North Pole of Savings. Consider creating a dedicated holiday-themed landing page to showcase your best deals, promotions, and festive products.
A well-designed homepage sets the tone for a positive customer experience. Ensure that your website is optimized for speed and navigation, providing a seamless journey for visitors from the moment they land on your homepage.
Social Media Content: Share the Festive Cheer Across Platforms 🎁
Your holiday social media strategy should be more than just pretty pictures. Tell a festive story that resonates with your audience. From fun contests to promotions that bring warmth, explore why your social media isn’t just a channel but a stage for an interactive holiday display.
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Contests
Host holiday-themed contests that bring joy to your audience. Whether it’s the best-decorated Christmas tree or the ugliest sweater, let your customers showcase their festive spirit.
Encourage them to share their entries on social media with a special hashtag. It’s a great way to build a sense of community around your brand.
Promotions
Unwrap special promotions like presents under a tree. Whether it’s BOGO deals or holiday bundles, spread the joy of savings. Emphasize the value of your promotions by letting customers know they’re getting a great deal.
Create a sense of urgency with countdowns or limited-time offers. Use social media to showcase your promotions through graphics, carousel posts, or live videos.
Scheduling
Plan your social media posts like Santa plans his route. Use scheduling tools to ensure your content is delivered consistently, even when you’re sipping eggnog by the fireplace.
Create a content calendar for your holiday posts – a mix of promotions, engaging posts, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Experiment with posting times to find when your audience is most active.
Post-Holiday Reminders: A Toast to the Year That Was 🥂
Once the holiday excitement settles, it’s time for post-holiday reflection. Turning off campaigns and reviewing performance metrics aren’t just about closing the chapter; they’re about setting the stage for a prosperous new year.
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Turn off Campaigns
As the holiday dust settles, gracefully retire your holiday campaigns. Craft a “Thank You” email to express gratitude for the support during the holiday season.
Evaluate the performance of your campaigns using analytics tools. Identify what worked and areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine your approach for future holiday seasons.
Review Performance
Pour over the performance data like a fine glass of holiday wine. Identify what worked and what didn’t. Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) like conversion rates, click-through rates, and social media engagement.
Prepare a report highlighting the success of your holiday campaigns. Share these insights with your team and use them to plan future marketing strategies.
Closing the Chapter with CyberMark: Your Partner in Prosperity 🚀
As the snow settles and the New Year approaches, CyberMark is here to turn your marketing dreams into reality. Download our free 2023 Holiday Season: Digital Marketing Survival Checklist for a step-by-step guide to navigating the holidays.
May your marketing for the holidays be as merry as Santa’s laugh and as bright as Rudolph’s nose. Happy Holidays from CyberMark – where your success is our favorite gift!
Ready to conquer the New Year? Contact CyberMark for expert help in managing your online presence with data-driven digital marketing services.
