Ah, the holiday season! It’s the time of year when everyone’s spirits are high, wallets are (hopefully) open, and social media feeds are bursting with holiday cheer. For brands, it’s a golden opportunity to connect with audiences, drive engagement, and boost sales. But just like your grandma’s secret stuffing recipe, holiday marketing takes the right blend of ingredients to get it just right.
To help you make the most of this magical time, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media Marketing During the Holiday Season. Think of it as your holiday marketing compass, guiding you toward greater engagement, happier customers, and fewer social media slip-ups!
The Do’s of Social Media Marketing During the Holiday Season
Let’s start with what you should definitely be doing. These tips will keep your brand on the nice list and help you spread some serious cheer.
🎁 Do Plan Ahead
The holiday season is busy for everyone—especially for your followers. Get a jump on the competition by planning out your social media strategy well in advance. Start brainstorming your holiday campaigns, content, and promotions months before the season hits, and make sure you have a content calendar mapped out.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until December to think about your holiday posts. Aim to have your content prepped by the middle of November, if not sooner. That way, you’re not scrambling to post and can focus on engaging with your audience.
🎁 Do Use Holiday-Themed Content and Visuals
Bring on the holiday vibes! Switching up your visuals to reflect the season can make your posts feel more festive and engaging. Whether it’s adding some snowflakes, holiday colors, or incorporating holiday items into your imagery, visually festive content is a must.
Try This: Experiment with holiday-themed Stories, GIFs, and festive filters. Throw a little Santa hat on your logo or add some sparkle to your posts. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference.
🎁 Do Get Personal and Share Stories
The holidays are all about connection, so don’t be afraid to show the human side of your brand. Share behind-the-scenes photos, team holiday traditions, or even customer stories. People love seeing the real faces behind a brand.
Example: Run a "Meet the Team" holiday series on Instagram or share heartfelt messages from your CEO. People engage more when they feel they’re part of the journey.
🎁 Do Leverage User-Generated Content
Holiday shoppers love to see how real people use your products, especially if they’re looking for gift inspiration. Encourage your customers to share their holiday moments with your products, and feature their posts on your page. User-generated content (UGC) not only builds community but also provides social proof that can drive more sales.
Pro Tip: Create a unique hashtag like #HolidaysWith[YourBrand] and encourage customers to tag you. Repost the best entries to your Stories or feed, and remember to credit the creators!
🎁 Do Create Exclusive Holiday Promotions
People are on the lookout for deals during the holidays, so make sure you’re offering something special! Whether it’s a limited-time discount, a festive giveaway, or a buy-one-get-one deal, exclusive holiday offers can be a fantastic way to drive traffic and boost sales.
Try This: Run a “12 Days of Deals” campaign or a fun advent calendar that reveals a new surprise daily. Keep your audience engaged and looking forward to each day’s deal.
The Don’ts of Social Media Marketing During the Holiday Season
Now, let’s talk about the things that can get your holiday marketing a little too frosty. Avoid these don’ts to keep your followers happy and engaged.
🚫 Don’t Overdo the Sales Push
Yes, the holidays are a prime time for sales, but nobody wants to feel like they’re being blasted with promotions 24/7. Striking the right balance between value-driven content and promotions is key. Focus on spreading holiday joy, building brand loyalty, and engaging with your audience beyond just “BUY NOW!”
Remember: Less is sometimes more. Mix up your promotional posts with helpful tips, holiday humor, or engaging questions. Think of it as mingling at a holiday party—don’t talk about yourself the whole time!
🚫 Don’t Ignore Customer Engagement
With all the holiday chaos, it’s easy to post and ghost—but this is the time to be extra responsive! People have questions about orders, gift ideas, and delivery dates. Ignoring their messages is a one-way ticket to getting put on the naughty list.
Tip: Keep an eye on your comments and DMs, and consider ramping up customer service support if needed. Quick responses can turn potential frustrations into positive experiences, and that’s priceless.
🚫 Don’t Forget About Diversity and Inclusivity
The holiday season is celebrated in many ways around the world, so keep your content inclusive. Show respect and awareness for different holidays by featuring diverse visuals, language, and themes that go beyond Christmas.
Pro Tip: Acknowledge Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s in your content, or create posts that simply celebrate “the holiday season” to reach a wider audience. Inclusivity shows thoughtfulness and respects the diversity of your audience.
🚫 Don’t Use Only Generic Holiday Stock Photos
Nothing says “impersonal” like a sea of generic stock images! While holiday visuals are a must, be sure to add a little personality to them. People want to feel a connection, not feel like they’re seeing the same photo they saw on a dozen other pages.
Try This: Create custom graphics or use real photos of your team, your products, or your happy customers celebrating. Unique content feels more authentic and helps your brand stand out in the holiday noise.
🚫 Don’t Post Without Checking Trends
Hopping on the right trends can give your holiday content a major boost, but posting without being aware of the trends can make your brand seem out of touch. For example, if #UglySweaterDay is trending, you might want to join in with a fun post of your team in their holiday sweaters!
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on seasonal hashtags and current trends on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Holiday trends often change quickly, so stay on your toes!
Creative Holiday Campaign Ideas to Inspire You
Need a little inspiration to make this holiday season one for the books? Here are some fun and quirky ideas:
“12 Days of Kindness” Challenge: Encourage followers to do something kind each day, and ask them to tag you in their posts or Stories. Reward participants with a discount or a chance to win a gift card.
“Throwback Holidays”: Share throwback holiday photos of your team or even historical shots related to your industry. Nostalgia is always a hit during the holidays.
Holiday-Themed Giveaways: Create themed giveaways that encourage followers to share why they love your products or tag a friend who needs a holiday pick-me-up. This spreads holiday joy and attracts new followers.
Wrapping Up: Make the Most of the Holiday Season!
Holiday marketing can be a blast—and a huge opportunity—if you do it right. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can build stronger connections with your audience, attract new followers, and create a festive brand presence that makes people excited to engage with you.
So, go on and plan those holiday posts, whip up some merry graphics, and get creative with your campaigns. And remember: the holiday season is just as much about spreading cheer as it is about sales. Keep it fun, inclusive, and interactive, and your engagement will light up like a Christmas tree!
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