Holiday season is a stressful time for many shoppers. Finding the right gift or experience at the last second is not an option many people have, which is why consumers plan months in advance. The next few months are not only the busiest, but also where the most spending occurs. That’s where strategic marketing comes into play. As marketers we have the ability to showcase our clients and products to make sure they receive the highest levels of engagement and revenue during one of the busiest times of the year. When it comes to marketing, our opportunities are limitless when it comes to using digital platforms. Being ahead of the curve will allow for the most seamless shopping experience.

With the ability to create content on social media, we can drive customer engagement in any direction needed. To a smart marketer, the timeline needs to start in early autumn, if not sooner. Shoppers begin to think about ‘the holidays’ as soon as October rolls around, so this is a key time to plan targeted advertisements and take advantage of auction efficiency. As the world delves into a more technological headspace, e-commerce is the most reliable method of selling. By enabling immersive online experiences customers are more likely to remember the brand, or even recommend it to others. The way a product is showcased can be a pivotal factor for the client and their revenue in the holiday season.

The last two months of the year are not only festive, but also have the biggest impact on sales. November consists of Cyber Monday and Black Friday, which are known to be the height of the season’s sales. These “Mega Sale Days” attract a lot of buyers, in fact 1 in 2 shoppers participate in these sale days. Marketers should be prepared to maximize marketing strategies during these peak months and drive sales to their targeted customer bases. Creating an inviting atmosphere will not only increase engagement, but will also create a long-term customer relationship. As the holiday season comes to a close, this is where marketers have one last shot to take advantage of advertising. There are always customers that will wait until the last second to buy products, so this is the time to drive awareness about in-store sales or last chance online promotions. 

Social media platforms should be used like flagship stores. Attracting the customer’s attention through social platforms will increase engagement and shareability as well. The brand should be able to display their products in a simple but informational value, provide a seamless shopping experience, and make sure the checkout system is as straightforward as possible. Marketers should be able to communicate a clear and concise brand message and the value in buying the product. Verbiage on the website should consist of a friendly conversational tone rather than making it look like obvious marketing with a multitude of facts listed. Lastly, demonstrating knowledge of your targeted audiences’ language and imagery will help make your brand more compelling. 

At the end of the day, the shopping experience is what will make or break your clients’  holiday season. Marketers should be smart about the steps they take and make sure that advertisements and immersive experiences are planned well in advance to avoid misinformation or glitches. Start putting your game plan together and enjoy the experience! Here’s some of our top advice and tips for advertising for each platform this holiday season.