Cookie Swap: Share your marketing recipes to sleigh this holiday season

[Stephanie_F]

“It’s timeeee…” *queue Mariah Carey*

Share an idea and earn this badge!

Happy holidays! We're thrilled to have you join us for this festive exchange of marketing ideas. Just like a traditional cookie swap, we're here to share, inspire, and indulge – but instead of cookies, we'll be swapping creative and innovative marketing strategies baked to perfection for the holiday season (however, cookie recipes are also encouraged).

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your audiences, spread joy, and drive meaningful engagement. So, no matter what industry you’re in, there is room for every brand to spread some holiday cheer.

Share a brief overview of one or two marketing ideas that have worked well for you in the past or new strategies you’re excited to implement this year. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly idea – the more creative, the better! We encourage you to embrace the holiday spirit, think outside the box, and most importantly, have fun!

Need some inspiration? Here’s a few ideas to bake up:

• Send an email campaign with an eye-catching and festive subject line. You want to stand out in the inbox and provide a little joy along the way. Think of a play on words like, “Sleigh The Day With a BOGO offer,” “Deck the Halls With These Tips,” or “Don’t Be a Grinch, Come Join us for our Live event!”
• Create a social post for a holiday check list. Each day share what you checked off and encourage your followers to share the post with a friend or add it to their stories to see what they’re checking off their list. 
• Grow your list and offer personalized discounts for customers who give you their email on a first-time purchase or show gratitude to your loyal fan base and send them an offer they can’t refuse!
• Print or create a digital QR code and promote it in a place that doesn’t go unnoticed. Think of windows, doors, tables, stickers, you name it! Feeling a little creative? Pop it in an image editing software or Canva and add some holiday theme elements around the QR code, like a garland or candy canes!

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, get cozy, and let's get this virtual cookie swap started! We can't wait to hear what you've got baking. Plus, for sharing an idea you can earn the badge pictured above!

[ACTIVATE]

I like the BOGO campaign - get a cool gift and another one free, to give away (or keep for yourself!)

I also like social contests - put on your ugly Christmas sweater and post on social and tag us, or tag us with a pic of your favorite product of ours and get a VIP discount on your holiday shopping with us.

[DavidFischerSolutionsForGrowth]

During the holidays, your business has to compete with others for attention, so it's important to think creatively to achieve that goal. Remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas, so use neutral terms so that you come across as sensitive and aware of others' differences. A simple example is a subject line such as "Holiday Happenings You Won't Want To Miss!

Here are two easy-to-implement marketing programs to attract attention and raise your profile in the market.

1 - Host an event 
Whether you have a retail location, office or host the event elsewhere, getting people together is smart way to initiate conversations, show off your products and services, learn about the market and simply have a good time. Make sure the event offers something of value (not just a "let's get together"). There could be a presentation, music, demonstration, gift swap, free samples...you get my point. 

2 - Develop a series of emails that lead to something exciting. 
Use your email list and Constant Contact account to create a series of 3-7 emails that provide information, stories, videos, downloadable content, games or invitations. As each email is sent, a new or related piece of content "feeds" the message or story you want your market to learn about. Create some suspense...such as "...and in the next email you'll find out..." As long as there is value to the reader, such as information, coupons, something free or special access, your emails will garner the attention you want.

I hope you find these suggestions of value and that they trigger ideas for your business. Solutions for Growth is one of the largest Solution Providers of Constant Contact, and we manage a substantial number of email programs for all types of businesses. Learn more how we maximize the value of your email list

[Chris-S]

I remember discovering the “12 Days of Cheer Challenge” last year, similar to the “12 Days of Christmas.”

The campaign got followers involved by telling them to do daily tasks like being kind, sharing their favorite recipes, or taking creative holiday-themed photos. It encourages interaction, user-generated content, and spreads positive vibes.

It looked pretty simple to set up as well:

1. Create a graphic or video introducing the challenge.
2. Post daily prompts (e.g., Day 1: Share your favorite holiday tradition; Day 2: Tag someone who inspires you, etc.).
3. Offer a small prize or feature some of the best submissions on your page.

Feel free to adapt this to your business.