With 2013 coming to an end, there is no better time than now to create a sound marketing plan for the new year. Before you do this, don’t overlook making a “final push” over the last few weeks of December.
Even if your company is not the type to typically benefit from holiday sales, there are marketing strategies you can implement during this time of the year.
Here are three ideas to consider as the month wears on:
1. Send holiday gifts to your clients and top prospects. This may not be something you want to do, as it can be a lot of money out of your pocket, but from a marketing perspective it is an idea you cannot afford to overlook.
From cookies to gifts baskets, what you send does not matter as much as who you send it to. Your goal is to keep your current clients happy while attracting business from top prospects in the near future.
2. Create a holiday inspired video. This idea may be “outside the box” when compared to what you have done in the past, but it can go a long way in setting you apart from the competition during this time of the year.
Of course, you are doing more than creating a video based around the holidays. You must find a way to intertwine your business, allowing you to spread the word about your products and/or services.
3. Sponsor a holiday contest or giveaway. Talk about a great way to draw attention to your organization. Imagine this: you put together a contest in which the winner takes home an assortment of items. Maybe you throw in a big prize, such as an iPad or flat screen television.
These types of contests have the tendency to go viral in a hurry, especially when you market through social media and your corporate blog. Sure, you are going to pay some money for prizes but the brand recognition you receive in the end is well worth it.
Don’t shut down your marketing for the year just yet. Instead, consider one or more of the ideas above during the month of December. The return on investment could knock your socks off!