The holiday season is the time of year when people come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and create memories that will last a lifetime. For businesses, it can also be an important period to make the most of the spirit of the holidays with a well-timed advertising campaign. While the holidays are a perfect time to spread cheer, they can also significantly impact a business’s success and bottom line. To prepare your business for the holidays, we’ve explored and want to share why holiday advertising campaigns are so important for businesses.
Increased Consumer Spending: The holidays are the time of year when consumers spend the most, a compelling reason for your business to invest in holiday advertising campaigns. As early as the beginning of November, shoppers are on the lookout for gifts, decorations, and special offers. By strategically promoting your products and services, your business can tap into this increased demand and boost your sales. The National Retail Federation, which is based in the United States but compares well to Canada’s market, reports that holiday sales can account for up to 30% of a retailer’s annual revenue, clearly showing the importance of seizing the opportunity of the holidays.
Build Customer Loyalty: While it’s important to try to attract new customers during the holiday season, it’s also a great time to nurture your relationships with current customers. Show your appreciation with personalized emails or texts including special offers and exclusive holiday deals to strengthen the bond and encourage repeat business. This can lead to customer loyalty that will extend beyond just the holiday season.
Social Media and Viral Potential: The holiday season is the time of year where you can go viral on social with festive creative. A clever, heartwarming, or humourous holiday ad has plenty of potential to go viral which can expand your reach beyond your typical audience. Think Coca-Cola’s Polar Bears, Hershey’s Holiday Bells, or Campbell Soup’s Snowman; while these commercials are from years ago (with the caveat that they have large advertising spends), many people still recognize them today when they are mentioned.
Competitive Advantage: Your competitors are likely running holiday advertising campaigns, so by participating you’re ensuring your business remains competitive. Not having a presence during the holiday season can put you at a significant disadvantage as you may not be a potential customer’s first thought when thinking about a purchase. Customers rely on advertisements and promotions to guide their holiday shopping decisions, so make sure you aren’t absent in the market as it can cost you valuable business opportunities.
Holiday advertising campaigns are a critical tool for businesses to make the most of the season. They can provide opportunities to increase sales, create brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and most importantly stay competitive with other businesses. Making sure you’re strategically planning your campaigns can not only boost your bottom line but also create lasting connections with your customers. This holiday season, embrace the power of advertising and watch your business thrive during the most wonderful time of the year! Happy Holidays!
-Danny Loughren is a Marketing Manger at SaskTel
