It was July 5th. I woke up and took some time to clean up the remnants of a well-celebrated Independence Day and then headed out to run some errands. Where the shelves were once lined with patriotic picnic paraphernalia, ghouls and goblins stood amongst a maze of Halloween candy. I got choked up for a moment. Hadn’t summer just begun? I had stopped in for sunscreen and new beach towels, but left with two solar-powered jack-o-lanterns and cornucopia place mats -- what? The marketing masterminds had won. When it comes to consumer trends and retail spikes, the seasons and holidays really influence our purchasing behavior.
When the costumes have been packed away and the treats devoured, the tinsel, stockings, and wreaths will appear signaling that the mother of all holiday frenzies has officially arrived. In this issue we breakdown holiday marketing. We will take a look at how brands plan for various holiday marketing campaigns and explore some of the new trends in holiday marketing tactics. We will provide some guidelines and tips to help businesses and organizations plan early in order to launch and execute successful holiday marketing campaigns. Pick up some creative ideas as we breakdown past holiday marketing strategies via short Q&A’s with Rhythm’s Creative Director and one of our long-time clients, Arzu Studio Hope (read this Q&A for a chance to win a couple stylish and feel-good stocking stuffers). With less than 140 days till Christmas, you can’t let the last days of summer distract you from your upcoming holiday promotions. While your marketing team doesn’t need to start decorating the office with garlands and mistletoe just yet, the holiday-specific ads, e-marketing campaigns and web updates should be solidified early and ready to run prior to your Thanksgiving feast and Black Friday fun.
We hope you find this issue of The Source informative and, as always, we welcome your feedback.
Kristin Bush
The Source Editor-in-Chief
It’s August. Are You Ready For The Holidays?
While Black Friday may signal the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, the planning behind the marketing campaigns and the vehicles chosen to drive consumers to purchase begins months in advance. To make sure your holiday marketing campaign doesn’t get trampled by a herd of reindeer, we share some simple steps you should follow when planning your holiday marketing efforts.
Going Digital With Holiday Marketing
The old-school pre-printed holiday greeting cards don’t cut it anymore. Step up the holidays by going digital. Here we share some examples of fun and creative campaigns that capture attention and beg to be shared.
Read the ArticleGiving Back Can Help Boost Customer Relationships
Typically marketing campaigns and overall strategy focus on sales. However, when possible, it’s good to approach customer relationships from a different angle and the holiday season is the perfect time to spread some love and work on building relationships by exposing and promoting the more human side of your brand.
Read the ArticleTrendwatch
Get some insight into creative and effective holiday marketing campaigns and trends via interviews with Rhythm’s Creative Director and the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Arzu Studio Hope.
Read the Article
