The holiday season is in full swing, and while many businesses have had their marketing plans locked in for weeks, some of us are still figuring it out. If you’re feeling behind, don’t worry—you can still create meaningful holiday offers and get them in front of your customers in time for Christmas.
Here’s how to craft great last-minute holiday offers and market them effectively, even with just a few weeks to go.
Step 1: Craft Simple, Impactful Holiday Offers
Your customers are busy, overwhelmed, and looking for solutions that make their holiday season easier. Instead of over-complicating your offers, focus on simplicity and immediate value.
Offer Ideas:
Holiday Bundles: Group complementary products or services into a convenient, discounted package. For example, a gift box with your top-selling items or a “buy two, gift one free” deal.
Flash Sales: Run short-term promotions for 24–48 hours, creating urgency for customers to act quickly.
Exclusive Holiday Experiences: Offer something unique, like a “VIP shopping hour,” holiday-themed service, or personalized gift options.
Key Tip: Use words like “stress-free,” “convenient,” and “limited-time” in your marketing to appeal to customers’ holiday needs.
Step 2: Market Where It Matters Most
With limited time, focus on the channels where your customers are already paying attention. Prioritize platforms where you can reach them quickly and effectively.
Marketing Channels to Prioritize:
Email: Send holiday-themed newsletters with clear CTAs, highlighting your offers.
Social Media: Post engaging, festive content promoting your deals, and use Stories or Reels for added visibility.
Google Business Profile: Update your profile with holiday hours, special promotions, and festive photos to attract local customers.
Key Tip: If you have an email list, now is the time to use it. A simple, well-designed email can drive significant holiday sales.
Step 3: Create Urgency and Drive Action
Time-sensitive offers and clear deadlines are your best friends when marketing late in the season. Customers need a reason to act now.
How to Create Urgency:
Shipping Deadlines: Highlight the last day for guaranteed holiday delivery.
Limited Availability: Use phrases like “only 10 left” or “limited stock” to encourage purchases.
Countdown Timers: If you’re running an online sale, include a visible timer showing how much time is left to act.
Key Tip: Add urgency to your messaging with phrases like “Hurry!” or “Don’t Miss Out!”
Step 4: Don’t Forget Customer Service
In the rush to get sales, don’t overlook the importance of excellent customer service. Quick responses to questions, clear policies, and easy transactions can make all the difference in securing last-minute sales.
What to Focus On:
Clear FAQs: Update your website with shipping info, return policies, and answers to common questions.
Holiday Support: Offer live chat or extended hours to help customers during peak shopping times.
Follow-Up Emails: Send confirmation emails with clear delivery details to build trust and reduce anxiety.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of the Time You Have
You don’t need weeks to plan the perfect holiday campaign. By focusing on simple, impactful offers, marketing them through your best channels, and creating urgency, you can still generate meaningful sales and end the year on a high note.
Remember, the holidays are as much about building customer relationships as they are about making sales. Keep your messaging festive, friendly, and focused on how you can help your customers this season.
Have questions about holiday marketing? Schedule a FREE consultation!
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