Marketing During The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Most everyone has found the last few months to be exceptionally challenging in light of the ongoing pandemic.  There’s no doubt we could all use some extra cheer right about now—something to help us smile and help ease the “COVID-fatigue” that has so many in a funk.

The good news is this:  With summer in the rear-view mirror and Halloween just a few days away, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll promote your brand over the holiday season.

Need another great reason to get cookin’ on your holiday promotions?  The fact is, this is the time of year when everyone is in the giving spirit.  This also means people are more open to new partnerships, products and services.  So, what’s a good plan to play into all these positive vibes and make your holiday campaign most memorable? Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Determine The Goal of Your Campaign – Is your desire to thank existing clients or canvas for new ones?  Your answer may reveal that you should create two campaigns,  investing more in appreciation gifts for your established clients  and a lesser amount for new customer outreaches.

2. Establish A Budget – Like every project, knowing how much you have to invest in your holiday campaign is a critical part of the planning process. It may be that your budget allows only for mailing out greeting cards. Some companies choose to do this at Thanksgiving so that their card launches the season and doesn’t get lost in the flood of Christmas cards in December.  If you’re leaning more toward sending a gift item and you have the budget for this, it’s a good idea to remember that a lot of businesses are restricting face-to-face meetings.  Be sure to factor in the added expense of shipping or mailing your gifts.  With many people working from home these days, it might be wise to give your recipients a heads-up that you’ll be sending them a special gift and ask them where they’d like to have it shipped.

3. Select Your Holiday Card Or Gift Item – Enlisting the help of a reputable marketing firm is the easiest way to accomplish this step.  Marketing professionals such as TVG Marketing Services, have access to a wide range of branded items, all customized with your company logo.  Some firms also have on-staff artists and photographers who can create memorable designs for a truly unique expression of your brand.  This includes greeting cards as well as other collateral material, gift boxes, folders and much more.  Working with the right marketing firm means much less legwork and hassle for you and your staff because they can also provide complete fulfillment of your gift items.

In case you’re wondering, food gifts are the most popular item to give during the holidays. This is likely due to the fact that they provide a memorable sensory experience.  A fun tip:  For a food gift that has residual marketing power beyond the holidays, ask your marketing firm to source items in reusable, keepsake containers— branded with your logo, of course!

With careful planning and professional execution, your holiday campaign will be a hit!  It will also be something your prospects and customers will look forward to receiving year after year.

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