12 Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Ideas to Close the Year Strong

Last week, Samsung Ads released a customer interest survey on holiday advertising. It showed a whopping 67 percent of respondents said they prefer to see ads that convey a festive atmosphere. The holiday spirit sells, but are you taking advantage of it? A year-end marketing plan typically takes months to prepare. But if you’re running behind, here are 12 easy, last-minute ideas you can use to elevate your business and transform your marketing efforts into holiday triumphs.

A DASH OF YESTERYEAR

The holidays are a time when memories of favorite gifts and snowball fights dance in our heads. Why not incorporate the magic memories of childhood into your marketing? Dive into nostalgia by using throwback images in black and white and old-fashioned fonts. It’s like time travel, but for your marketing strategy.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CONVERSIONS

Dr. James McQuivey famously wrote that a minute of video is worth 1.8 million words. Make your brand the star of the holiday show by creating behind-the-scenes videos, heartwarming employee memories, or just a simple video message from the boss. Share them on your website, in emails, and on your social media channels. It’s not just about products or services, it’s about getting personal and sharing holiday cheer.

RUN PAID AND ORGANIC SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS

Social media is your holiday helper. For the budget-conscious, craft engaging organic posts featuring special offers and coupon codes. For the big spenders, unleash the power of social media ads to reach wider audiences and turn them into merry customers. And don’t forget the underappreciated channels like Quora, Reddit, and Pinterest.

A TIME FOR GIVING

Who doesn’t like a good giveaway? Run holiday-themed contests on your social media platforms to spread the joy (but make sure to set clear terms and conditions). Freebies not only delight customers but also boost sales and loyalty.

SPREAD CHEER

Get out there and be more than just a business. Volunteer at local community events during the holiday season. Whether it’s a fundraiser or a community celebration, showing some community spirit improves your brand image. When customers see you making a difference, they’ll be more inclined to make a purchase. 

SPREAD GRATITUDE

Gratitude is timeless. Craft heartfelt emails to express your thanks – whether through heartfelt messages or holiday videos. Consider offering discounts on future purchases as a token of appreciation. Thank your clients, donors, volunteers, and partners who have played a pivotal role in your success. Let them know their support is not just noticed but deeply valued.

EMBRACE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Get creative with holiday themes and taglines. In 2018, McDonald’s asked its customers “are you #ReindeerReady?” to promote the carrot sticks in its healthy kids meals. Starbucks’ 2020 slogan was “carry the merry,” an allusion to its famous bright red takeout cups. Let your imagination run wild, there’s no shortage of holiday themes waiting to be reinvented.

GO LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Bring your brand to life with live sessions on YouTube or Instagram. Engage with your audience in real time, answering questions and building a personal connection. With 73 percent of customers favoring live chat, it’s time to make your brand more accessible and interactive.

INFLUENCERS TO THE RESCUE

No time to plan a campaign? Get quick results by enlisting the help of social media influencers. They not only offer quick turnaround times, but also provide fresh ideas and create most or all of the content. Find a creator with the right audience for your brand, sit back, and watch the holiday magic unfold.

BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO OLD CAMPAIGNS

Remember that campaign from last year that hit the bullseye? It’s time to bring it back, but with a fresh twist. Change up the color palette, tweak the promotion, and update it with your current products or services. If it worked once, there’s a good chance it’ll work again.

NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

If your business aligns with New Year’s resolutions, shout it from the rooftops! Whether it’s fitness gear, life coaching, spa services, or anything resolution-related, market it as the perfect gift for a fresh start. Give your customers a reason to invest in a healthy, happy new year.

KEEP THE CHEER ALIVE

Don’t let the holiday spirit fizzle out. Keep the vibe alive with post-holiday marketing campaigns. Send follow-up emails, run exclusive post-holiday offers, and turn one-time shoppers into loyal customers. Extend the season into 2024.