7 Ways to Make Your Holiday Marketing Stand Out

The greatest time of the year is finally drawing near, and people across the nation are getting ready to celebrate. With millions set to buy gifts for every name on their list, the holiday season is like the Super Bowl for many businesses around the country.

 In addition to making sure their shelves are well-stocked, many companies are getting a jump start on their all-important holiday marketing plans. With millions of businesses competing for billions of dollars, the competition can get quite intense. If you are a smaller business or even a larger one replete with a marketing department but are in a particularly competitive niche, you might feel overwhelmed at the scope of the task that lies ahead.

 But there is no need to worry. With a little extra planning and by following some of the ideas below, you can make this year’s holiday marketing campaign one to remember.

Use Media that Wows

The sheer volume of ads and messages people see this time of year is nothing short of stunning. It can be difficult to make your brand stand out.

One thing you should take advantage of then, is media that wows. What this might mean is that, when you send an email to your customers, instead of attaching a still image, choose a GIF. Or better yet, create a short, funny video and post it on your social media channels.

With your print materials, consider dazzling customers by embossing, texture, or using other elegant finishes such as soft touch, spot UV or pearlescent colors. Any small detail you include in your marketing efforts could be the thing that grabs your audience’s attention.

Tell Your Story

Another way to rise to the top this winter is to tell your audience your story. Customers love brands and businesses they feel they can connect with. When they know your story and what makes your company different from others in the same niche or industry, they will be more likely to shop at your store.

Make sure to emphasize the unique aspects of your journey or the products and services you offer. Tell the story of your products too, where they are made, and how they make it to your shelf. Broadcast what makes your company unique.

Sympathize With Your Customers

The best way to market your products this holiday season, or any time of year for that matter, is by understanding the wants and needs of your customers. Choose media and messages that meet them where they are and highlights how what you are offering brings real value to their lives.

Maybe what you are selling makes life easier, or bodies healthier. Maybe your products will bring a smile to their child’s face or will lead to lasting memories. Whatever it may be, in your marketing materials, show and tell your customers how they will benefit from your products and services.

Use Personalized Ads

No two customers are exactly alike and so the advertisements you craft and broadcast this season should be personalized too. Though it takes more time and effort (and sometimes money too) reaching out to new customers with a message that is different from the one you send to those who have shopped with you for years can show you care.

Variable data printing solutions also let you tailor your printed materials to each demographic you are trying to reach. Finally, you can use other data you have on your customers to create messages and ads that are sure to resonate with them.

Acknowledge Your Customers’ Emotions

For just about everyone, the holidays are a time of heightened emotions. Gladness, excitement, joy, and the hopeful expectation of seeing loved ones and making memories that will last a lifetime abound this time of year.

When it comes to creating successful marketing campaigns, it is important to be aware of the emotions your customers are feeling and craft your ads appropriately. When you include pictures, videos, and language that gives off a warm, fuzzy feeling, your customers are sure to be moved.

Keep Producing Content

Keeping up your content schedule is one way to remain engaged with your audience and customers during the holidays. Many companies get distracted or are simply too busy to follow through on their content calendar and focus instead on upcoming sales and discounts.

Doing so, however, can be a mistake. Everyone will be focusing on ads this winter and customers might grow weary of being subjected to too many overt marketing attempts. Content, however, builds connections that can last beyond the holiday season. Write about the holidays, why you love them, and what your favorite traditions are. Your audience will love you for it.

Give Back

One reason the holidays are such a lovely time of year, even when temperatures are well below freezing, is because it is the perfect time to give back. The Twin Cities have countless charities and organizations that are always looking for volunteers. Taking a day, as a team, to give back not only leads to stronger team unity, but will show your customers your company’s commitment to community.

Marketing this Holiday Season

While it can be overwhelming, creating a successful holiday marketing campaign is well worth the extra work. By adding some nice finishing touches, focusing on the wants and needs of your customers, and playing to the emotions your audience is feeling this time of year, you can market your message in a way that is sure to increase traffic to your store or website.