Podcast 42: 11 Last-Minute Christmas Marketing Ideas
Dec 03, 2020
What are you like when it comes to preparing for Christmas? I did a quiz last week and I came out as a ‘laid-back Lizzie’ which is pretty accurate. I usually have most things organised with a few last-minute bits to sort out. When it comes to my marketing, I have my content planned out in advance, but I tend to create it a week at a time, often leaving some bits to the last minute.
So, are you organised for Christmas with your marketing? If you’re not and you’re looking for inspiration, here are 11 last-minute Christmas marketing ideas.
1. Festive sparkles
What can you do to give your business a festive look? If you're able to work in person, you could put up some decorations to add festive cheer. If you’re working online, add a seasonal look to your Zoom calls by decorating behind you, or adding a Christmassy virtual background.
You can also sprinkle a little joy in your graphics by adding a festive twist - here are some you can do easily in software such as Canva. It could be simple such as adding snowflakes or a Christmas hat:
- Logo
- Social media headers and images
- Newsletter banners
- Website homepage image
- Packaging and labels
2. Christmas countdown
Create a campaign counting down to the day. This doesn't have to be the full advent calendar which you're too late for now. You could use the idea of the 12 days of Christmas, or countdown the weeks.
Using your chosen countdown time, provide a tip or offer for each time and share it on your email list and social media platforms.
3. Send a handwritten card
In today’s online world, we get far less sent by snail mail. Sending a simple ‘Thank You’ card to your favourite clients for their support this year will help you stand out. You could send a Christmas card and if you do, make it something that stands out so it doesn't get lost amongst the other cards.
4. Competitions
People love a competition, and they're a perfect way to increase engagement with your business. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, here are simple competitions you could do:
- Caption competition – pick a photo that’s prime for a caption and share it on social media
- Photo competition – get people to share a photo of something festive like their decorated tree or them in their Christmas jumper
- Top festive tip competition - ask your audience what their best tips are for something related to what you do. For example, a therapist specialising in anxiety could ask for the best tips to stay calm, a nutritionist could ask for the best tips to sticking to a diet, etc.
5. Create Christmas gifts
Creating gifts helps to inspire the buyer in making decisions for great gifts for their loved ones. By letting them know who the gifts are for will help them choose the best options so label them as for him, for her, for kids, for the family, under £15 etc. Remember to include any benefits such as free delivery and wrapping for example.
What services and/or products could you turn into Christmas gifts? How could you theme them around Christmas, or could bundle different elements together?
Also, consider how you can create an online experience into something more tangible. Having something to open on Christmas morning takes your gift to a new level. If you're doing online cooking class could have a branded apron, or if you're doing yoga classes, you could provide yoga non-slip socks.
How about creating starter kits such as making your own hand cream or setting up a morning routine? What do you do that could be turned into a kit for someone?
6. Gift vouchers
How about creating a range of gift vouchers for people to give? My friend has been buying vouchers this year from favourite local services and shops including the hairdresser for me and the butcher for my hubby. Is this something you could offer in your business?
7. Christmas markets
As with much of our lives moving online this year, so have Christmas markets. They're a place you can purchase gifts and support small businesses in the process - what’s not to love.
You can hold your own market using your social media accounts in live broadcasts. To make the most of this you will have to make it into an event and promote it but it could be a simple way of bringing some extra sales into your business.
Another option is to join an organised market - some are free, others will have a seller's fee. You’ll still have to promote the market to your audience, but someone else will lead the event and help you make the most of the opportunity. If this appeals, check out social media groups, business networking groups and paid memberships you're in.
8. Christmas newsletter
If you send a regular newsletter to your email list - fantastic. Even if you don’t, or you’ve been a little inconsistent recently, how about creating a Christmas newsletter. You can keep it simple by creating a collection of seasonal tips or curating different content you think your clients will love. Make sure you add in any information they may want too like your opening times over the Christmas period.
9. Be charitable
Christmas is a time for giving and being charitable is attractive to clients. Whether you support a favourite charity by raising money for them or sharing their posts on social media. You can also get involved with awareness events run by charities such as 'Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day' on 11th December. You simply wear your favourite festive jumper and make a donation to the charity.
10. Community events
This is a great one especially if you would usually work within your local community. What events could you be part of to both support your community and reinforce your business at the same time?
A local fitness instructor to me started a weekly walking group to visit different towns to see the Christmas lights for people who want to be more active. It meant the less mobile members of the community got out and about whilst getting to know more about what she does.
11. Create a Christmas ad
Christmas ads are a hot topic every year, which of the big brands is going to make the top spot. You don’t need to let the big budgets of them stop you from creating your own video. My favourite Christmas ad every year is by a local family-run hardware store and this year they’ve delivered again. No big budget required, just a little imagination.
If you’re happy on video and feeling creative, what ad could you create for Christmas? How could you bring some festive joy to your audience?
I hope I've inspired you to add a little Christmas cheer to your marketing this December. Which one of the above ideas are you going to do?
If you need help working out what to do this Christmas to market your business, book a power hour with me and I'll help you come up with a Christmas plan.
Podcast 42 show notes:
- (02:07) Festive sparkles
- (03:37) Christmas countdown
- (04:10) Send a handwritten card
- (05:00) Run a competition
- (06:09) Create Christmas gifts
- (07:47) Gift vouchers
- (08:27) Christmas markets
- (10:59) Be charitable
- (11:49) Community events
- (12:53) Create a Christmas ad
Join the Holistic Business Matters Facebook group
