Not sure how it happened? Back in September you planned a fantastic festive marketing strategy for the holiday season and ordered all your Christmas stock. Now all of a sudden there is less than 2 weeks to Christmas and your well intentioned strategy is nowhere to be seen.
Don’t panic - It happens to the best of us.
In an ideal world we would all have everything prepared and your well-planned festive strategy would be executed in a timely and organised manner. Unfortunately, the world of retail is rarely that perfect.
There are a number of events than can get in the way, namely the explosion of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the UK this year. So don’t worry, there is still time to make the most of holiday sales and get your Christmas marketing up to scratch.
Jingle all the way
If you’re well intentioned Christmas marketing plan hasn’t got off to the start you had imagine, take a look at our 5 last minute marketing ideas guaranteed to boost the festive spirit.
Create a holiday offer
Christmas is one of the only times of year consumers are guaranteed to spend. In order to make the most of this you will need to create an offer so compelling they can’t resist. Look at your direct competitors and the offers they have created, can you better it? Make sure that your offer is appealing and worthwhile as no marketing team will be able to achieve miracles – even at Christmas!
Image: marksandspencer.com
A word of advice, in the festive season it is best to avoid offers of free next day delivery. Your warehouse team and couriers will be extra busy during the festive season and this only adds extra pressure and an increased chance of disappointed for the customer. Discounts on specific items or on the basket value are the safest and most appealing offer.
Be social
Christmas is a time for sharing, so make sure to share your activities and offers with your followers. Create a festive banner and logo for Twitter, Facebook and Google+. If you’re using Pinterest and Instagram, make sure to share photos of your Christmas stock and festivities in the office.
Image: Boots/Twitter
Make sure to use the correct channels for your offers. Studies have shown that retailers who are active on social media have a more loyal customer base and higher conversion rate so it’s worthwhile getting right.
Get in the Christmas spirit
Probably one of the most important aspects of your Christmas strategy is your marketing collateral. Whether it’s a festive background on your ecommerce store or Christmas themed hero banners, it is important to get in the spirit.
Decorating your site can actually encourage visitors to spend as they feel that you are offering something specifically for Christmas. Sites with no decoration or mention of Christmas tend not to do as well as those with festive promotions and banners.
Image: johnlewis.com
Create Christmas countdown emails
There are officially only 12 days left till Christmas. As the big day is fast approaching, send a series of festive emails showcasing offers, gift ideas and of course that all important last delivery day. If you sell online this will help to create a sense of urgency and boost sales.
If you are going to promote different offers and products, make sure to do it in a thematic and methodical manner as a chaotic email will have the adverse effect.
Image: c/o urbanoutfitters.com
Create holiday blog content
Consumers are in a festive state of mind and so writing holiday-themed blog content will ensure you’re both on the same page. Create content that is useful, engaging and targeted towards your customer base.
During the festive season, more than in any other event in the retail calendar, consumers look for inspiration and guidance. Create posts on the ‘Top 5 gifts for your mother in law’ or ‘10 gadgets for the man who has everything’. This type of post is great to share on social media as it will encourage your followers to share with friends.
Image: iwantoneofthose.com/blog
Targeted blog content is also of great SEO benefit and will help to improve organic traffic to your website.
It’s Christmas!
Christmas only comes once a year so make sure it’s a memorable one. It is possible to create an interesting and compelling campaign that increases sales – even with less than two weeks to go! The important thing is to make sure that returning customers and new visitors know about your offers, so make sure to promote them on site, through email and on your social media accounts.
As final finishing flourish send a festive email or Christmas card to your customers wishing them a Merry Christmas. Not everyone does it and so it is often unexpected. Unexpected is memorable and well worth the time spent on creating this thoughtful gesture of goodwill.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
For help with marketing your ecommerce store call Netmatter on 0845 467 1221 or email team@netmatter.co.uk
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