It’s hard to believe the holidays are right around the corner. If you’re in the marketing and PR world, you know we often start planning our holiday strategies well in advance—sometimes even months or a year ahead! Let’s explore five key aspects to consider when creating your holiday promotions.

Plan an Event

When you think about holiday events, don’t just focus on food and drink. Consider how your business—be it a restaurant, salon, or local clinic—can host events that nurture relationships with existing clients and bring in new ones. For instance, you could organize an open house for long-term clients, offering goodies and fostering goodwill without the pressure of hard selling.

Remember to check local calendars to avoid scheduling conflicts with other events. You could host a series of smaller events throughout the season, like a weekly special, to keep your audience engaged.

Create Seasonal Items

Think outside the box when it comes to seasonal offerings. Seasonal products can be a fun way to generate buzz! Take inspiration from the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte—its seasonal return creates excitement and urgency.

Consider launching a limited-time holiday item that can generate social media buzz, even if it’s not a big seller. For example, a Thanksgiving burger loaded with all the fixings could be a fun PR stunt that gets people talking.

Showcase Gift Ideas

During the holidays, everyone is shopping for gifts. Make sure to highlight what your products or services can offer as gifts. Promote gift cards prominently and consider offering enticing promotions like “buy $100, get an extra $20.”

Also, consider offering experiences as gifts. A fancy dinner or a day at the spa can make for memorable presents.

Give Back to the Community

The holidays are a time for giving, so find ways your business can support local charities. Whether it’s partnering with a local nonprofit for a fundraiser or organizing a food drive with your team, giving back can enhance your brand image and connection to the community.

Engage your team in these initiatives, perhaps by volunteering together. Not only does this strengthen team bonds, but it also makes for great promotional content. Share your efforts with local media to amplify your message.

Focus on Team Connection

Don’t forget your team! The holidays can be a stressful time, so find ways to foster connection and appreciation among your staff. This could be a holiday party, a team outing, or even simple gestures like a day off during the busy season.

Consider hosting events that emphasize gratitude or plan something post-holidays when things calm down a bit. Unique holiday gifts sent in January can stand out in a sea of December offerings.

As you get ready to dive into the holiday season, remember that thoughtful planning and creativity can truly help your business stand out. 

Want to hear more tips on holiday marketing and strategy? Be sure to check out the full episode of our podcast where we discuss even more ways to prepare your business for success this season. Listen to the episode here.