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by Dina Kessler
As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share our top insights to help you make the most of the upcoming festivities. In this issue, we’ve prepared some essential tips to enhance your marketing for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. After all, being prepared is the key to success!
We’re also delighted to shine a spotlight on our recent collaboration with LOL Jax, an incredible organization that supports local artists and filmmakers in the Jacksonville area.
We’d like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our valued clients. Your trust and support fuel our passion for delivering top-notch marketing solutions. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your success story!
Hauntingly Effective Direct Mail Campaigns
As autumn arrives and the spooky season begins, businesses have a perfect opportunity to design a memorable campaign. With some imaginative thinking and careful preparation, you can create an experience that will resonate long after the season ends. Here are 5 creative ways to use traditional advertising to attract new customers this fall:
Hauntingly Effective Direct Mail Campaigns
Halloween provides the perfect backdrop for eyecatching mailers. Consider designing themed postcards, brochures, or catalogs that showcase your products or services with a twist. Use bold, seasonal colors and imagery to make your mailers stand out in the mailbox. Don't forget to include a clear call-to-action and a limited-time offer to create a sense of urgency!
1. Spine-Chilling Newspaper Inserts
Despite the digital rise, local newspapers still carry significant weight with various demographics. Create full-page inserts that not only advertise your products but also showcase your company culture. Consider featuring employee spotlights or behind-the-scenes looks at your business operations, all with a Halloween theme. This approach helps build trust and connection with your local community.
2. Bewitching Magazine Advertisements
Magazine advertisements offer a wide-reaching and visually impactful medium. holiday-themed ads in popular magazines can capture attention and spark interest in your brand. Consider placing ads in lifestyle, home decor, or industry-specific publications to reach your target audience effectively.
3. Spooktacular In-Store Signage
Don't underestimate the power of in-store marketing. Use window displays, posters, and banners to create an immersive experience for customers. Highlight special offers, seasonal products, or upcoming events with eye-catching signage. Remember, the goal is to entice passersby to step inside and explore what your business has to offer.
4. Thrilling Event Sponsorships
Hosting or sponsoring local events is an excellent way to connect with your community and boost brand awareness. Consider sponsoring a neighborhood trick-or-treat event, a Halloween parade, or a costume contest. Ensure your brand is prominently featured in all print materials associated with the event, including flyers, banners, and programs. This strategy not only increases visibility but also positions your brand as a communityminded business.
5. Bringing It All Together
The key to a successful marketing campaign is integration. Combine these traditional advertising methods with your digital marketing efforts for a truly comprehensive approach. For example, use QR codes on your direct mail pieces that lead to a special landing page on your website. Or create a social media contest that ties in with your in-store promotions. Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive, memorable experience for your customers across all touchpoints.
Preparing for the Holidays
When you think about the holidays, do you get excited for the small things like pumpkin spice? Or building gingerbread houses? While these things are undoubtedly delightful, there's another reason to love the season: the incredible marketing opportunities they present.
The season of giving isn't just for consumers; it's a golden opportunity for brands to showcase their creativity. This is a prime time to impress your buyers, making it the most wonderful time of the year.
By analyzing past campaign performances and leveraging customer data, you can create a genuine connection with your audience. Staying attuned to current trends will further ensure your strategy remains relevant and impactful
The Secret Ingredient: Understanding Your Audience
Before implementing specific tactics, it's essential to get to know your audience. Consider their traditions, values, and priorities. Develop a clear understanding of who they are and how they make decisions.
Reflect on past campaigns to identify what resonated and what didn't, ensuring your efforts this year are even more impactful. Here are some golden opportunities for each holiday:
Thanksgiving: Gratitude and Giving Back
• Express gratitude: Send personalized thank-you notes to loyal customers
• Host giveaways: Offer festive prizes like Thanksgiving-themed décor or food items
• Support a cause: Partner with a charity and donate a portion of your proceeds
Christmas: Joy, Gifting, and Cheer
• Create a gift guide: Make shopping easier for customers with curated selections
• Run festive social media campaigns: Share holidaythemed content, host contests, and offer exclusive deals
• Decorate your online presence: Spread cheer with festive website and email designs
New Year's: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings
• Launch new products or services: Generate excitement with a fresh start
• Offer limited-time discounts and promotions: Create a sense of urgency with countdown timers and exclusive deals
• Focus on self-improvement: Partner with fitness or wellness brands to offer relevant products or services
Finishing Touch: Consistency and Multi-Channel Strategy
Remember, consistency is key! Maintain a cohesive brand voice across all channels, from social media to digital and print content. Utilize a multi-channel approach to reach your audience wherever they are:
• Send personalized SMS messages announcing limited-time deals
• Capture attention with eye-catching direct mailers featuring special offers
• Showcase your products and bundles across social media platforms
• Remind customers of personalized product suggestions through email marketing
By following these tips and tailoring them to your specific brand, you can create a campaign that will leave a lasting impression and boost your bottom line. So, get ready to spread holiday cheer and watch your business thrive!
Project Spotlight
LOL Jax Film Festival
Since 2017, LOL Jax has brought laughter and entertainment to Jacksonville with its annual summer film festival. This unique event showcases the talents of local filmmakers, actors, comedians, and artists.
Driven by the mottos "LOVE OUR LOCALS" and "LAUGHING OUT LOUD," LOL Jax focuses primarily on comedy, aiming to spread positivity amongst the audience. Performing has provided a stage for countless talented individuals, giving them the opportunity to showcase their passion and creativity.
The Kessler team has been involved from the very beginning, from designing the logo to providing extensive print support. We’ve created a variety of materials, including awards, backdrops, passes, and brochures for film events. Our ongoing commitment, along with the efforts of many other organizations and individuals, showcases the strong community backing for this initiative.
Beyond the festival, LOL Jax hosts year-round events, including film screenings and networking opportunities for filmmakers and companies. This ongoing engagement provides valuable resources for those seeking to enter the film and entertainment industry.
By providing a platform for emerging artists, these events continue to inspire, entertain, and empower the Jacksonville creative scene.
Direct Mail Facts
Most companies are incorporating digital links into their printed ads, indicating the effectiveness of these campaigns compared to traditional mailers lacking online elements (like QR codes or personalized links).
onsumers have been motivated to take action by direct mail, 62% 64% with attributing their response to an offer or promotion.
Over half of marketers use Newsletters and postcards as traditional advertising.
of consumers share direct mail with friends and family, often due 51% to shared discount coupons and promotions.
Kessler Creative is a full-service direct marketing agency that has been trusted by businesses across the US since 2007. During that time, we’ve helped thousands of businesses both large and small meet and succeed their goals through effective direct marketing.