Advertising during the holiday season follows a different set of rules. This is the time of year to appeal to excitement, joy, and consumerism. Throw away the normal concepts that set you apart from the competition, like expertise and experience. Instead, pay attention to how people are using the web, looking at advertising, and their overall buying habits. Now is the time to get your advertising plan ready for the holidays, so you do not get lost in the crowd.
Shop Local
Holiday shopping in locally owned establishments has risen over the past few years. The American Express Small Business Saturday campaign is eagerly anticipated during the holiday season. However, people new to town may not know if you are a participant or even that you exist. Make sure you get onboard the Small Business Saturday or shop local campaigns early. Ensure you are focused on advertising your business as a locally owned retailer during the holiday season. Coordinate with any and all shop local campaigns to ensure you are on their list and advertise the campaign at your establishment.
Update Your Website
The holiday season is the best time to update your website. Anyone who properly utilizes web advertising knows that adding new content to your site helps keep you at the top of the Google search results. Therefore, the holidays are a great time to add new content to your website and your marketing materials. Find a campaign that works for you and let your website speak to consumers. Consider featuring a combination of holiday-themed blogs and some special offerings for the holidays. Alternately, you can add sales to your website that end after Christmas Day. Even adding new content that is rich with holiday-specific keywords can help your business advertise on the web.
Use Social Media
The holidays are also a key time for social media advertising. Whether it be a completely organic campaign, a paid campaign, or a mixture of both, it is important to be present for the discussion. During the holidays, people are turning to social media to look for deals, keep in touch with family and friends, and share moments. Your business should be a part of this conversation. Someone may see what you are offering without even trying to find you.
No matter what combination of marketing strategies you choose to spruce up your holiday advertising, it is essential to develop a plan that keeps you in the center of the action without breaking the bank. For many businesses, this is the most important time of year financially. Therefore, it is key to be at the forefront of advertising and be early to the party. Plan your digital marketing (such as your website content, AdWords campaign, and even your social media presence) create a budget, and hire a team to help make your vision a reality.
When it comes to hiring the best team to help your business during the holidays, contact the experts at Skol Marketing at (612) 787-7565.
