Holiday Internet Marketing

Is it too early to begin thinking about your holiday internet marketing campaign?

The answer is NO.  Many companies began working on their marketing campaign the day after Christmas last year-  it is never too early to prepare.  Consumers are going to be shopping online more than ever this year, using their mobile devices to shop, and looking for online exclusives.  Here are a few tips to entice these online shoppers.

What should this year's internet marketing campaign include?

1. Mobile - friendly features.  If you sell your products online, make sure mobile browsers can easily find top products, as well easily search for the product they want.  Many consumers will be doing product research from their mobile device so this means your ecommerce site should be easy to navigate using a mobile device.  Also consider mobile-friendly ads for PPC campaigns, and even using QR codes on marketing materials.
2. Email marketing. The majority of people still use email, so it is important to include an effective email marketing campaign in your internet marketing mix.  What are some good topics? Suggest gift ideas, encourage online shopping as a way for consumers to save time (and include deals like free shipping). 
3. Social Media.  Social media is very influential, particularly in the younger demographics.  98% of 18 to 24 year-olds use social media.  If you don't have a presence, you should create one today.  Then begin leveraging social media  by offering special deals, having holiday contests or give-aways, and highlighting seasonally appropriate products.
4. Blogging.  Having a well-written, keyword-rich blog is a great way to bring additional visitors searching for holiday terms.  Some popular holiday keywords? Gift ideas, Christmas decorating, Christmas ideas, holiday ideas, holiday decorating, etc.  Pick the keywords that relate to your industry, and start blogging.  Are you a window installer? Write a blog about how getting energy efficient windows is a great Christmas gift idea for the whole family.  Do you run a flower shop? What better way to 'spruce' up the holidays than to buy poinsettias for all your neighbors?  Consumers will appreciate the ideas, and be more likely to buy if you inspire them.  A few blogging tips: keep it short, use bullets / numbered lists, include images (for Pinning or other social sharing), and use your key terms in the title.
5. Pay Per Click (PPC). A Pay per click campaign, like Google Adwords, might be the perfect option for the holidays.  Pick some of your better selling items, set up an Adword (or other PPC) account, set your budget, and begin bringing in the traffic.  What are a few tips? Pick keywords carefully, be simple and straightforward in your ad, and make sure the customers land on a page that encourages a sale (like a direct sale landing page).  PPC is a great way to really get some extra traffic, and you can easily manage the budget.

There are many other creative or standard marketing ideas that will help your holiday internet marketing campaign.  Got some additional ideas? We'd love to hear them!