Christmas in July
How to plan your holiday campaign content + strategy…
…and skip the holiday overwhelm.
In the marketing world, we always celebrate Christmas in July. 😉
And it’s not just because we’re holiday enthusiasts (although that may also be true).
The reality is, a well-planned out, properly executed holiday campaign takes time and preparation in order to see real results.
And creating a campaign strategy, content, and execution plan in July is the best way to avoid MAJOR overwhelm when the fall season hits after summer break.
While we know the thought of adding one more thing to your to-do list can be intimidating, we promise that planning NOW will help save you from the headaches and slight panic of having to “throw something together” in September.
Now is the time to get in the holiday spirit
The months of September through December are some of the most important in any businesses marketing calendar. This is ESPECIALLY true if you’re an e-commerce or retail business.
And while consumer spending goes up during this time period, it’s also a time when online spaces become very crowded with ads, emails, and content pushing sales, promos, and more.
The best way to stand out is with a PLAN along with high quality content and a full-scale content cycle so that you’re able to reach your people/audience through multiple touchpoints.
So how can you prep and plan this summer so that you’re ready when the holiday season hits?
Let’s get into it.
Your Holiday Planning Game Plan & Timeline
Everyone’s business is different, but no matter the industry – if you’re B2C, B2B, etc. – planning in advance WILL make your campaigns more effective.
You need to take time to educate your audience and prime them to know what you’re offering and why they should purchase from you. A post on Instagram at the end of November promoting a holiday sale is not going to cut it.
Here’s what you can do to get started NOW:
June
Start a brainstorming doc to jot down ideas/concepts for your holiday promos.
Book your holiday photo/content shoot for July or August.
Decide on your holiday ad spend budget.
July
Create a month-by-month outline of all sales, launches, and promos you plan to execute from September - December.
Decide on the tools you’ll use to get the word out. Will you use paid ads? Organic posts on Instagram? Blog posts? Emails? Ideally you’ll want to mobilize your campaigns on at least three different channels.
Plan out all photo/video content you’ll need with your photog/videographer in preparation for your shoot day.
August
Write out a rough draft of your emails, posts, ad copy, etc. Build in storytelling and your brand vision. What’s your unique angle? Why should people purchase from you this season?
Expand on your month-by-month outline – it should be looking like a timeline by now with launch dates and specific pieces of content scheduled in.
September
Start your “prelaunch” – begin to prime your audience for upcoming events and promos – build in repetition and different angles communicating your campaign.
Enjoy the feeling of being prepared and ready to hit the ground running as the season gets busy!
Still feeling unsure?
We’d love to help! Reach out for a free 15 minute consult and let’s chat holiday campaign planning!
