As I write this, it’s September 25. Fall is officially here, the stores are filled with Halloween costumes and candy … and it won’t be long before the holidays are here. Christmas is 3 months away from today!
Have you thought about your holiday marketing? No, I’m not crazy… Your marketing needs to be in place BEFORE the holidays actually happen!
This is the best time to start planning your marketing strategies for the holiday season.
Here are five tips to help you boost your sales during the upcoming holiday season:
Make A Plan: Start your planning process now. Are you going to make a special item that’s only available this holiday season? Are you going to partner with another business to offer a “bundle” item? When are you going to offer your sales? Which promotions are you going to run? As you can see, there’s A LOT to think about. Start planning now, before you’re in the middle of holiday chaos.
Reach Out To The Media: The media comes in many forms now – from magazines and newspapers to YouTubers, podcasters, and bloggers … They are ALL the media, and many of them create holiday gift guides. They also have deadlines! Reach out to them and send out press releases about your holiday specials in advance! And while you’re at it, send one to your local TV and radio stations!
Reach Out To Businesses: Many businesses buy gifts for their clients and business associates. These are known as “corporate gifts.” Reach out to your local businesses and let them know about your products. But do this early! Let’s say you make handmade coffee sleeves and they want to order 200 of them. It’s better to get that order in October than on December 20.
Create A Black Friday / Cyber Monday Special : Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and this is the day that officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. Local stores drop their prices, extend their shopping hours and roll out all kinds of specials. The specials go on all weekend, and wrap up on Monday, which is known as “Cyber Monday.” This is a great deal to get online deals, free shipping, and other specials. You don’t have to be a big retailer to do this; create your own specials this weekend!
Host A Holiday Show: Do you sell physical products? Schedule a little “party” or “show” in your home for some time between mid November and early December. Display your products and set out some light snacks and beverages. Invite your friends, family, co-workers, etc. These people are looking for holiday gifts – give them the opportunity to see what you make. You can sell current stock or you can have them place an order for an item. Have them pay for the order now – just like they do at “home parties” for Tupperware, etc. Then, you can deliver the item once it’s finished.
Ready For More Help? Get The Holiday Marketing Toolkit!
- The Holiday Marketing ToolKit Includes:
- Holiday Marketing Workbook (the main workbook w/ timeline)
- 30 Ways To Get Publicity
- Blog / Website Checklist
- Working With Bloggers (workbook)
- Social Media Checklist
- Twitter Party Checklist
- Creating A Press Kit & Media Room
- Intro To Press Releases
- 52 Press Release Ideas
- Press Release Distribution Sites
- Developing A Media List
You will get everything listed above PLUS everything else in the “Try It Out” Bundle For Just $17.
This bundle is only available until October 6.