‘Tis the Season – Prepping Your Socials for the Holidays
5 tips for holiday social prep
Well, it’s getting to be about that time again! Each year, BNL throws together a little guide on how best to handle social media throughout the holiday season. While you might think this would get a little repetitive, the truth is, best practices look different each and every year.
There have been a few huge changes to social media and marketing as a whole this year. Whether it’s the confusing transformation of Twitter to X, the launch of Meta’s new app Threads, or the absolute domination of video content as the way to get the word out, a lot’s changed since 2022. In this guide, we’ll be updating you on a few great ways to prep your socials for the holidays, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses enjoy a much-needed break without having to slow down. Let’s take a look.
Be prepared for increased social media usage
With many taking time off around the holidays, we can expect to see general usage of apps like Instagram and TikTok skyrocket as we enter December. Whether this is because of more people relaxing or because they’re hiding out in the bathroom during a chaotic family dinner, it is anyone’s guess. But what isn’t guesswork is the potential this time of year has for your brand.
Generally speaking, people will be online much more frequently during the holidays, making it a great time to ramp up your social strategy and help get more eyeballs on your marketing. Of course, no one wants to spend their own holiday slogging away on social media marketing, which brings us to our next point.
2. Schedule posts in advance
If you’re not creating and scheduling social media posts in advance, you’re basically working at least twice as hard as you need to. Sure, certain things come up at a moment’s notice and might need a last-minute touch before they go out, but by and large, you can easily create a month or more worth of content in advance and schedule it to post automatically using a site like Later.com!
What exactly you decide to post is ultimately up to you, we recommend a healthy assortment of content. You should aim for a good blend of the five main content pillars—this can include posts that highlight the finer points of your brand, lifestyle stuff that shows off your community involvement, promotional posts to highlight special deals and sales, or even sharing local news that isn’t strictly related to your business.
3. Hop on seasonal trends
Whether it’s trending audio, formats, or even a little dance, the cyclical motion of social media trends has been the main driving force of anything even remotely viral these past few years. It’s still anyone’s guess as to what these trends will actually be this holiday season, but we highly recommend you pay attention as we approach the holidays. Hopping on trends is a great way to expand your reach organically, but it’s important that you’re not late to the party. Keeping up with trends through ongoing research will keep you ahead of the curve and help your account grow through the season.
4. Show some cheer with a promo
While some parts of holiday marketing are ever-changing and malleable, some things never go out of style. One great example is with holiday promos and sales. Whether you’re an e-commerce brand offering 40% off site-wide, a service company offering free consults for a limited time, or even a restaurant advertising a seasonal lunch special, there’s always a way to show a little holiday cheer.
Whatever profits you might ‘lose’ by offering a discount will more than likely pay for themselves in the form of increased buzz, reach, and patronage from your clients. Don’t be afraid to take a little risk with a promo—after all, generosity and grace are what this season is all about!
5. Leave it to the social media professionals!
Last but certainly not least, there’s always the option to kick back, enjoy the holidays, and let some seasoned experts handle the finer points of your social strategy this year. Finding a great marketing agency that aligns with your brand and your goals might take a little time, but it’ll be well worth it when you can sit back with a festive bevvy and watch your account do numbers all on its own.
If you’re looking for some expert help with nailing social media this holiday season, the BNL Unicorns are here to help. With years of experience in social media, a keen eye for trends, and a true dedication to highlighting the unique things that make your brand special, we have all the tools needed to make this holiday season one to remember for your business.
To learn more about working with us and how it can help take the pressure off so you can enjoy the season, don’t hesitate to drop us a line for a consultation!