It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well… mostly. Ask anyone in retail or the service industry; they might have a slightly less enthusiastic take on the season. For them, the holiday rush brings joy and relentless pressure.

For us, as a Guildford and Portsmouth-based digital marketing agency, Christmas is hands-down the busiest time of the year. And we wouldn’t have it any other way! But with this festive season comes tight deadlines, intense campaigns, and the challenge of cutting through incredibly competitive advertising markets.

Now that we’ve had a brief moment to catch our breath after the madness of Black Friday, it’s all systems go as we gear up for the holiday season. The pace is relentless between strategy meetings, festive creative brainstorming sessions, and tracking consumer trends. But it’s also exhilarating!

So, how exactly do we, as a leading digital marketing agency, prepare for the Christmas period? Here’s how we tackle this whirlwind season and our top tips for success.

Start With That All-Important Festive Research

Preparation is everything. The first step? Dive into your research.

We analyse what’s trending, what competitors are doing, and, most importantly, how customers are behaving. Understanding online shopping habits and consumer behaviour is key to unlocking the festive potential. This time of year, people are shopping with intent, often with shorter decision windows, so your strategy needs to reflect that urgency.

Don’t forget to pay extra attention to your existing customer base. These are the people who already trust your brand, and they’re more likely to respond positively to your festive campaigns. That said, it’s equally important to expand your horizons and target new audiences. A balance of retention and acquisition is the recipe for long-term growth.

Embrace that Christmas Spirit

When it comes to getting creative, Christmas is your chance to shine. Adding a glamorous touch of festive flair to your branding is not just fun – it’s strategic.

Think about how you can make your creative truly “Christmassy.” It doesn’t have to be over-the-top; sometimes, the simplest ideas make the biggest impact. Whether it’s snowflakes in your graphics, a seasonal message in your ads, or a touch of red and gold in your branding, lean into the magic of the season.

Consistency is crucial. Ensure your festive theme flows seamlessly across all your platforms, from your website to your social media channels and email campaigns. A cohesive approach reinforces your brand and makes it instantly recognisable – even in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Spread the Christmas Cheer Wherever You Can

Christmas is, at its core, a season of giving – and this applies to businesses too.

Show your appreciation to loyal customers with gestures that build goodwill and strengthen relationships. This could be as simple as an exclusive discount code, a freebie, or even a heartfelt thank-you email. Small acts of kindness go a long way in creating brand advocates who’ll spread the word for you – think of it as festive word-of-mouth marketing.

Don’t underestimate the power of giving back, either. Partnering with a charity or running a campaign that supports a good cause is rewarding and resonates deeply with your audience during the season of goodwill. If you take a bit of advice from the team at Delivered Social – giving is not just for Christmas.

Create Campaign Urgency With Time Limited Offers

December can fly by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, the Christmas countdown has hit single digits, and shoppers are scrambling to finish their lists.

Capitalize on this sense of urgency by incorporating clear deadlines into your campaigns. Messages like “Order by [date] for guaranteed Christmas delivery” are classic for a reason – they work. Creating FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a powerful way to nudge customers into action.

Time-limited offers and countdowns are your allies in the lead-up to Christmas. They not only drive conversions but also keep your brand front of mind during the busiest shopping days of the year.

Plan Beyond Santa

Here’s the thing: while Christmas Day marks the end of the holiday build-up, it’s not the end of the marketing season.

Boxing Day and New Year’s sales are just around the corner, and they’re major events in their own right. Many consumers are ready to spend their gift cards or take advantage of post-Christmas discounts, so it’s essential to be ready to hit the ground running. Many business owners will be just as prepared to get their plans set for the year ahead.

At our agency, we always plan for January during the fourth quarter. Having your campaigns, content, and strategies ready to go saves you from last-minute stress and ensures a smooth transition into the New Year.

Enjoy the Process and Have Fun Creating Content

We’ll admit it – working in marketing during December can feel like being part of Santa’s workshop. The deadlines are tight, the pace is relentless, and the stakes are high. But it’s also an inspiring time.

The holiday season is the ultimate test of your marketing expertise, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing a well-executed campaign deliver outstanding results. From increased engagement to record-breaking sales, the rewards of a successful Christmas campaign make all the hard work worth it.

If you’re feeling the festive pressure and need support with your Christmas or New Year marketing strategy, don’t hesitate to contact us at Delivered Social. We’re here to help you navigate the season and achieve amazing results.

And from all of us, we wish you a joyful and prosperous holiday season!