Is It Too Early To Launch Your Holiday Marketing Strategy?

by Keri Jaehnig | Featured Contributor

Not sure when your holiday marketing should begin?

If you’re anything like me, about this time of year you are hanging on to the last remnants of summery weather, clinging close to the crop pants and flip-flops, and avoiding any temptation toward the pumpkin spice latte.  The image posts on Facebook counting down the weekends until Christmas are all too soon.

Are you with me?

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, you have to be thinking about the holiday marketing season, though, because your clients are.  In fact, they may have been thinking about it since the beginning of the year.

There is no doubt that the holidays are a major time of revenue for most businesses.  It’s the very reason Black Friday and Cyber Monday now exist!  In turn, getting the holiday marketing season right can make or break a business – No matter how big or small.

In this post, you will discover:

• A holiday marketing calendar for your email marketing strategy
• Holiday marketing for different business sizes and types
• Social media marketing tips for efficient online holiday marketing
• Ways to balance business and family during the holidays

There are some holiday marketing ideas that are consistent for all, but the approach should be customized to fit each brand.

Holiday Marketing For Big Brands

This may surprise you, but big brands like Starbucks and Target build their entire year’s marketing strategy toward the success of their holiday season.  In turn, they kick off the new year with the end of the year already in mind.

Do you get “Christmas In July” coupons via email from your favorite brands?  Their holiday marketing campaigns may be planned a year out (and maybe more).  In fact, they probably have a specific number of emails they plan to send their subscribers each month with a specific set geared toward holiday promotions.

Want to get ahead on your planning for next year, and optimize your efforts for the rest of this year?  Take a look at this great Infographic by Exact Target via MarketingProfs.  It will be especially helpful for those in retail.

Holiday Marketing For Startups And Small Business Brands

Depending on when you started your business, you may be handling your holiday marketing like a pro, or you may be breathless to make the most of your first holiday season.

If you began steps in June and July you are well on your way…

• A holiday marketing strategy is set
• Blog posts are planned and being written
• Graphics are ready or being polished for social media and advertising campaigns
• Email newsletters are in draft
• Traditional media is in line with your online marketing efforts

Did your heart skip a beat because you’re not quite there?

Relax – There is still time to get your business holiday ready and maximize your holiday marketing plans!

• Be realistic
• Decide on one promotion  you can do successfully with the resources you have now
• Prepare what you can in advance
• Be sure your holiday marketing approach includes excellent customer service and impeccable follow-up

Consider collaborating with a business at a similar point in their development in a complementary (not competing) niche.  By teaming up, you are not alone in your pursuit, and you can both win.  You share energy, some costs, contacts, and can even offer services in connection with each other if this is a good fit.

Many in this category are DIY social media marketers.  If this describes you and your business, this is the time to use your tools well:

• Plan your social media content NOW
• Schedule posts in advance where possible
• Make any email newsletter social media friendly
• Measure your success so you can use the insight for next year

Not sure what tools?

I’ve prepared 24 Social Media Tips & Tools For The DIY Social Media Marketer for you!  While this is part of my archives, most are still easy to use and even with upgraded efficiency.

Holiday Marketing And The Business Owner

If you are reading this, you probably wear several hats in your business.  You know you can manage your regular business responsibilities and are eager to execute a successful holiday marketing strategy.

A successful holiday marketing strategy comes from a healthy and successful business.  A successful business thrives from an effective management culture and a solid, healthy business owner and team.

While you should take time to strategize a fabulous holiday marketing plan, you should also spend some time planning your personal holiday business survival.  Take a few moments to consider ways to balance business and family during the holidays.  You will be glad you did!

And if you’re a DIY social media marketer, it is possible to succeed in your business and also achieve delicious holiday social media marketing.  Think gingerbread men and warm spiced cider.

Icing The Cookie To Sum It Up

The title question: Is it too early to launch your holiday marketing strategy?

The quick answer: No.

A slightly longer answer: You should be kicking it in high gear or quickly figuring out how to make the most of this holiday season.

It is really never too early to be working your holiday marketing plan.  The key is knowing your audience and catering your holiday marketing strategy to them.

Over To You

It’s your turn to talk holiday marketing!  🙂

Did the answer surprise you?

Where do you fit in this holiday marketing sphere?