In the ad world, it's already holiday time. (Yep, we're talking about the Q4 kind!) The holiday season isn't just a time for joy and celebration; it's also a crucial period for businesses to maximize their revenue and strengthen their brand presence. According to forecasts by eMarketer, overall retail spending will increase 4.5% to $1.3 trillion for the 2023 holiday season. The earlier your business can start their holiday ad campaign, the better your chances of standing out in the holiday crowd.
So, why should businesses start preparing their holiday ad spend now? Let’s get into it.
Beat the Competition
Timing is everything. By launching your holiday advertising campaigns ahead of the pack, you get a jumpstart on your competitors. Early birds catch the worm, and in this case, the worm is the attention and spending power of consumers eager to make their holiday purchases. Not to mention, holiday programming like Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas and Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas sell out without fail! Advertising on Optimum cable TV is available exclusively through a4. Our team can work with you to get your business in front of large audiences across top networks.
Build Anticipation
The best things in life are worth waiting for, and anticipation can be a powerful driver of consumer engagement. By initiating your holiday advertising now, you can create a sense of excitement and curiosity among your target audience. Tease upcoming promotions, new products, or special offers to pique their interest and keep them eagerly awaiting your official holiday launch. Simple creative refreshes should take place now. Changing your digital ads or adding different wording to your video assets can take time. Prepare early to get your messaging in sync with the holidays.
Extend Brand Exposure
Consistency in advertising is key, and starting early allows you to establish a consistent presence in the minds of your potential customers. By the time the holiday rush hits, your brand will be deeply embedded in their consciousness, increasing the likelihood of them choosing your products or services over competitors.
Cater to Early Shoppers
Believe it or not, there are shoppers who start planning and buying for the holidays well in advance. More than half of shoppers this year plan to complete their shopping before December, in order to beat an increase in prices. By targeting this group, you not only capture early sales but also gain the opportunity to nurture a long-lasting relationship with these customers, potentially turning them into loyal patrons.
Avoid Last-Minute Stress
As the holiday season approaches, stress levels can skyrocket as businesses rush to finalize their advertising strategies. As your ad partner, we recommend starting early. Preparing ahead of time allows us both to sidestep the last-minute frenzy, giving us plenty of time to strategize, create, and execute your campaigns with precision and excellence.
Leverage Multiple Touchpoints
Effective advertising requires multiple touchpoints with your audience. While cable TV can provide large reach, we can also target your exact audience through our digital and mobile solutions. Shoppers prefer mobile for browsing and buying. In 2022, mobile made up 77% of all traffic during peak holiday shopping. AdMessenger, our proprietary fully customizable scrolling text ad platform, runs on mobile web inventory and over 15,000 apps!
While we handle your paid ads, don’t underestimate the power of organic marketing. Did you know 80% of shoppers say they look for emails from businesses to help them choose their holiday purchases? Social media and email campaigns are great ways to reach past customers and current followers.
Engage in Storytelling
By beginning your advertising early, you can create compelling narratives that resonate deeply with your audience. Stories build emotional bonds, and these connections can translate into long-term customer loyalty.
Starting your holiday advertising now isn't just a smart business move — it's necessary to get the best results long before the holiday rush. By getting a head start on the festivities, you position your brand to shine brighter, engage deeper, and profit larger during the most wonderful time of the year. So, set the stage for success, spread the holiday cheer, and let your business sleigh the competition!