The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the busiest shopping time of the year! Retailers and brands are competing for consumer’s attention. During this shopping season, it is vital for your company to properly communicate its key messages. One way to deliver these key messages is through social media channels. Social media provides brands and retailers the opportunity to connect directly with customers through online engagement, allowing for a more personal shopping experience.

According to Research Industry Voices, 28 percent of consumers will follow certain retailers/brands on social media to keep an eye out for sales, promotional codes and deals. Additionally, 22 percent will follow retailers/brands on social media to find out what’s popular to get ideas for gifts. This is precisely why leveraging mobile and digital marketing to the fullest extent is crucial during the holidays.

Many brands are using unique approaches through social media channels to increase sales during the holiday season. Social media campaigns included in the mix this holiday season include contests, holiday cards and social giving. Once specific company that has embraced digital assets for its holiday campaign is Target. Target combined Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram for its 2015 holiday campaign, increasing its social budget by 30 percent compared to last year.

The efforts you put forth online and on social media should be mimicked in-store as well. The growth of online shopping does not discount the in-store shopping experience. Brands still need to invest dollars on in-store employees and processes to keep shoppers happy and ensure their customer’s in-store experience is as seamless as their digital experience. With the holiday season in full swing, companies must review their online and mobile presence, launch holiday campaigns highlighting special deals and promotions through social channels and ensure all content is authentic and conveys the holiday spirit.