The Countdown is On: Preparing for the Biggest Shopping Time of the Year

Published November 7, 2024

With Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season just around the corner, brands and consumers alike are gearing up for what promises to be the most competitive retail period of 2024. While holiday shopping always brings a rush, this year’s trends show that financial concerns and early shopping are key factors in shaping consumer behavior. As we approach the holidays, it’s crucial for businesses to understand these shifts to make the most of the shopping frenzy.

3 Shopping Trends We Are Seeing in 2024

As we look at the forecast for the 2024 holiday season, several emerging trends stand out. These trends are driven by both economic pressures and changes in consumer expectations, offering brands an opportunity to tailor their strategies.

  1. Budget-Conscious Shopping
  2. Early Shoppers Are On the Rise
  3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

1. Brands Must Be Mindful of Pricing and Consumer Financial Difficulties

While it’s tempting to push for high-margin products during the holidays, brands need to be conscious of the financial strains many consumers are facing. Shoppers are more aware than ever of their spending habits, particularly when their budgets are stretched. Offering a range of price points is key. Brands that can provide affordable options alongside premium ones are more likely to retain customers.

Discounts and promotions are expected, but they shouldn’t sacrifice perceived value. Instead, focus on highlighting how your products are worth the investment—whether it’s through quality, durability, or added benefits such as extended warranties or sustainable features.

Additionally, offering flexible payment options like buy-now-pay-later can make your products more accessible to consumers facing financial challenges. This gives shoppers the confidence to make purchases without feeling the immediate financial strain, increasing the likelihood of completing the sale.

2. Shopping Early: The Best Move for Everyone

Encouraging early shopping is beneficial for both brands and consumers. For consumers, shopping early means having access to the best deals and avoiding the holiday rush, while brands benefit from smoother inventory management and reduced pressure on fulfillment systems.

We’ve all heard the stories of shoppers waiting anxiously for UPS deliveries on Christmas Eve, hoping their gifts arrive on time. Shopping early helps avoid the headaches of shipping delays, out-of-stock items, or settling for something less than perfect because your original gift idea wasn’t available. Brands that promote early shopping through reminders, countdowns, or early access deals will position themselves as helpful partners in reducing holiday stress.

From a brand perspective, early shopping allows for better logistical planning. Businesses can spread out orders, reducing the risk of bottlenecks and shipping delays that often plague the holiday season. Promoting early bird deals or exclusive pre-holiday offers also creates excitement and drives early conversions, reducing the reliance on steep last-minute discounts.

3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

Consumers are expecting a smooth transition between online and in-store shopping. Brands that can blend digital and physical shopping experiences, offering flexible pickup and return options, will capture the attention of customers seeking convenience. Personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history will also play a significant role in increasing sales.

Additionally, integrating mobile technology into the shopping experience is becoming essential for brands aiming to enhance omnichannel experiences. Mobile apps that offer features like in-store navigation, real-time inventory checks, and mobile payment options bridge the gap between digital and physical interactions. By enabling customers to easily switch between browsing on their devices and shopping in-store, brands can offer a seamless, consistent experience that keeps shoppers engaged and satisfied.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be unique, shaped by emerging consumer trends and ongoing economic pressures. Brands that recognize the importance of budget-conscious shopping, sustainability, and omnichannel experiences will stand out from the crowd. By encouraging early shopping, businesses can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable shopping season for everyone involved. The countdown is on—are you ready for the biggest shopping time of the year?

6 Black Friday Marketing Ideas to Get Noticed on Social Media

Published October 29, 2024

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, making it a prime opportunity for brands to get noticed by their audience and drive sales. With social media’s highly visual and interactive platforms, you can create engaging campaigns that not only promote your Black Friday deals but also build long-term customer relationships. Here are 6 marketing ideas to maximize your Black Friday success on social media.

1. Countdown to Black Friday

Build anticipation for your Black Friday sale by posting countdowns. Instagram has countdown stickers in Stories that are fun to use. 

  1. Just open up your Instagram and go to where you would create a story. 
  2. Click on the arrow on the left side of your screen so you can click create. 
  3. From there, click on the sticky note smiley face at the top center of your screen and search Countdown. 
  4. Set a name and end date and time for your countdown! Followers can click on the countdown and be reminded of your event.

Facebook has Facebook Apps such as:

  1. Countdown Timer by Timer+ (Facebook App
  2. Countdown Clock by Countdown Timer (Facebook App)
  3. Event Countdown by Event Countdown (Facebook App)

To add a countdown clock to your Facebook post or event:

  1. Choose an option from above.
  2. Customize the countdown clock with your desired date, time, and design.
  3. Copy the link or embed code.
  4. Paste the link or embed code into your Facebook post or event.

Announce your deals early and encourage followers to set reminders so they don’t miss out. This is a great way to generate excitement and keep your audience engaged leading up to the big day.

2. Host a Black Friday Giveaway

Create excitement by hosting a giveaway leading up to or during Black Friday. Ask followers to like, comment, and tag friends to enter, or have them share your post in their Stories for additional entries. This is a great way to increase engagement, grow your audience, and generate buzz around your deals. Be sure to look up specifics for each platform’s rules on giveaways. There might be specific text you need to include with your giveaway.

 

3. Use Stories and Reels to Tease Your Deals

Stories and reels are an engaging and entertaining way to showcase your Black Friday deals. Create short, creative videos highlighting your top-selling products, best deals, or limited-time offers. The Reels format is perfect for attracting new customers through Instagram’s Explore page. Stories are awesome ways to remind your current audience of what is coming!

4. Collaborate with Influencers

If there is someone on social media who you feel could be a great partner for your brand, reach out to them to discuss collaborating. Partnering with influencers to help promote your Black Friday deals can bring in a whole new segment and audience that you never knew needed your products. Influencers can create authentic content that will help drive traffic to your brand and hopefully boost sales. Be sure to do your research though, making sure that the influencers you choose align with your brand and target audience.

5. Offer Free Shipping

No one loves paying for shipping. Even though everyone understands the cost of doing business online, free shipping can save someone an extra $5 that could be used for something else instead. Free shipping can be a huge motivator for online shoppers, especially during Black Friday. Promote your free shipping offer across your social media posts and stories. Free shipping could be the deciding factor between you and a competitor. Money saved is almost like money earned! Put that shipping cost back in the pocket of your customers.

6. Post Behind-the-Scenes Content

If there is something new coming out for the holidays, show the behind-the-scenes action of it in  your Black Friday preparations. Don’t have a new product? People love to see what it takes to find what they are ordering, packing it up and prepping it to get to them. It adds a personal touch and opens a new way for your audience to be a part of your company.

The Bottom Line

By incorporating these ideas into your Black Friday campaign, you can create a highly engaging experience for your followers while hopefully boosting sales and growing your brand’s online presence. Ready to implement these tactics? Start planning your Black Friday strategy today and watch your engagement soar! 

Mixing Politics and Business: The Pros, Cons, and Facebook Advertising Rules for This Election Year

Published October 3, 2024

Business owners often face a tough decision on whether to mix politics with their brand. The impact can be significant, both positively and negatively.

Pros

  • Engaging Customers: Aligning with certain values can deepen customer loyalty.
  • Brand Differentiation: Taking a stand can distinguish your business in a crowded market.

Cons

  • Alienation Risk: You risk losing customers with opposing views.
  • Reputation Damage: Political stances may overshadow your product or service.

 

Election Year Rules

Platforms like Facebook enforce strict advertising regulations during election years. For instance, there’s a restriction period for political ads, requiring businesses to comply with transparency rules and limits on ad targeting. Ensure your ads follow these policies to avoid disruptions. For more details, check Facebook’s Election Ad Guidance.

What Can You Post

Here are some “Switzerland” election posts that businesses can use to encourage voting without taking a political stance:

  1. “Your Voice Matters”:
    “Voting is a privilege and an important way to have your voice heard. No matter where you stand, make sure to cast your vote this election!”
  2. “Celebrate Democracy”:
    “Voting is the heart of democracy. Let’s come together and celebrate this important right. Don’t forget to vote!”
  3. “Your Civic Duty”:
    “Voting is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. Exercise your civic duty and make sure your vote counts this election.”
  4. “Freedom to Vote”:
    “The freedom to vote is one of our nation’s most valuable rights. Take part in this democratic process and make your voice count.”

You may have to police posts should there be a comment about either side, but overall, general reminders to vote can be a nice way to connect to your community and clients.

The Bottom Line

Unless your business truly depends on the outcome of an election, it would probably behoove your brand to stay neutral in all social media posts. Remember that even if a social media post gets deleted, it still lives on forever, somewhere on the Internet.

How the Kelce Brothers Are Scoring Big Off the Field by Marketing Themselves

Published September 10, 2024
How the Kelce Brothers Are Scoring Big Off the Field by Marketing Themselves

When it comes to life after the NFL, many players face uncertainty. But not the Kelce brothers. Jason and Travis Kelce are not just planning for life after football—they’re actively cashing in on themselves. For those outside the marketing world, their strategies offer a compelling case study in how to leverage personal branding for long-term success.

Building a Brand Beyond the Game

Both Jason and Travis Kelce have capitalized on their on-field success to create off-field opportunities that extend their brand far beyond football. The key to their success lies in their ability to connect with audiences in a way that feels authentic and relatable, something that marketers strive to achieve with any brand.

  1. New Heights Podcast: A Platform for Personal Branding

One of the most notable ventures is their podcast, New Heights, produced by Wondery. Launched in September 2022, the podcast became an instant hit, landing among the top sports podcasts on Apple and Spotify. The brothers’ banter, combined with their unique perspectives as NFL insiders, has attracted a loyal following. But this isn’t just about entertaining fans—it’s about establishing a platform where the Kelces control the narrative, engage directly with their audience, and build a brand that can outlast their football careers.

The success of New Heights shows how crucial it is to create content that resonates with your core audience. For the Kelces, this content extends their personalities and values beyond the field, positioning them as influencers in the sports world and beyond.

  1. Product Endorsements: Leveraging Popularity for Profit

The Kelces are also making smart moves in the world of product endorsements. Recently, they partnered with General Mills to launch a limited-edition cereal, “Kelce Krunch.” This collaboration not only ties into their football fame but also taps into their growing influence in the food industry. It’s a savvy move, turning their popularity into a tangible product that fans can literally buy into.

In another smart partnership, Jason Kelce joined forces with Buffalo Wild Wings for an NFL-themed advertising campaign. This partnership further cements his status as a marketable personality, leveraging his tough, relatable image to resonate with fans and consumers alike.

These endorsements show how the Kelces are monetizing their personas in ways that are directly tied to their brand identities. For marketers, it’s a reminder of the importance of aligning partnerships with the values and image of the brand (or individual) you’re promoting.

How the Kelce Brothers Are Scoring Big Off the Field by Marketing Themselves

The Long Game: Planning for Post-NFL Success

For Jason, life after football is happening since announcing his retirement from the NFL recently, and he’s setting himself up for continued success. Travis, though still in the prime of his career, is clearly laying the groundwork for his post-NFL life. By diversifying their interests and building a strong personal brand, the Kelce brothers are ensuring they’ll continue to thrive long after they hang up their cleats.

For those outside the industry, the takeaway is clear: successful personal branding is about more than just fame—it’s about strategic planning, authenticity, and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. The Kelces are doing this brilliantly, setting a blueprint for other athletes (and public figures) to follow.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re in marketing or not, there’s a lot to learn from the Kelce brothers. They’ve taken their on-field success and turned it into a multi-faceted brand that reaches far beyond football. By understanding their audience, staying true to their brand, and planning strategically, they’re ensuring their success well into the future.

For anyone looking to build a brand—personal or otherwise—the Kelces’ story is an inspiring example of how to do it right.

Branding is Why. Marketing is How.

Published August 22, 2024

The statement “Branding is Why. Marketing is How.” succinctly captures the essence of two fundamental concepts in the business world. Let’s break down why this is true and how it applies to building a successful business strategy.

Branding is Why

  1. Defines Purpose and Values:

   – Branding is about establishing the core values, mission, and purpose of your business. It answers the question, “Why does this company exist?” and “What does it stand for?”

   – For example, a company like Apple emphasizes innovation, quality, and design. Their brand is built around the idea of making technology accessible and intuitive.

  1. Emotional Connection:

   – Effective branding creates an emotional connection with the audience. It’s not just about what your product does, but how it makes people feel.

   – Think of brands like Nike, which inspire motivation and determination through their “Just Do It” slogan. This branding evokes strong emotions and builds loyalty.

  1. Differentiation:

   – Branding sets a business apart from its competitors. It highlights unique qualities and the distinctive promise a brand makes to its customers.

   – Coca-Cola, for instance, is not just a soda; it represents happiness and sharing moments of joy, which differentiates it from other beverages.

Marketing is How

  1. Implementation of Strategy:

   – Marketing is the process through which the brand’s purpose, values, and promises are communicated to the target audience. It answers the question, “How do we reach and engage our customers?”

   – This includes various tactics such as advertising, content marketing, social media, and email campaigns.

  1. Tactical Execution:

   – Marketing involves the specific tactics and tools used to deliver the brand message. It’s about the channels you choose, the type of content you create, and how you measure success.

   – For example, a company might use influencer partnerships, SEO, and targeted ads to market a new product.

  1. Driving Action:

   – While branding builds recognition and loyalty, marketing drives the actions you want your audience to take. It’s about generating leads, increasing sales, and growing your business.

   – An effective marketing campaign for a brand like Tesla would focus on highlighting the innovative features of their cars and driving potential customers to test drives and purchases.

Branding is Why. Marketing is How.

The Bottom Line

In summary, branding is the foundational element that defines your business’s identity, purpose, and emotional appeal. It’s the “why” behind what you do. Marketing, on the other hand, is the executional aspect, the “how” that brings your brand to life and engages your audience. Together, they form a powerful combination that can build a strong, successful business. By understanding and leveraging both concepts, companies can create a compelling narrative that resonates with their audience and drives long-term growth.