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Smart Holiday Marketing Strategies | Tips for Festive Success

The holiday season is a whirlwind of twinkling lights, shopping sprees, and endless opportunities for businesses to grab attention. But with every brand vying for a piece of the festive pie, how can yours shine brighter than the star on top of the tree? Simple: win the holidays with smart marketing strategies. From jaw-dropping deals to heartwarming stories, a well-planned campaign is your ticket to standing out.

Let’s get to unwrapping these tips for a winning holiday content strategy that delivers measurable results.

1. Create Holiday-Specific Deals That Convert

Holiday promotions, when paired with smart marketing strategies, are a proven way to capitalize on seasonal shopping habits. Timely, irresistible offers not only create urgency and excitement but also position your brand as the go-to choice during the festive rush.

Here’s how to make them effective:

Offer compelling discounts: Deals like “Buy One, Get One Free” or limited-time discounts can drive conversions.
Bundle products or services: Encourage bigger purchases by offering curated holiday bundles at a discounted rate.
Develop a gift guide: Showcase your products or services in a holiday-themed guide, making it easier for customers to shop.

Consistency across all marketing channels—social media, email, and your website—is crucial to reinforcing these promotions.

2. Use Social Media to Drive Holiday Engagement

Social media platforms are vital for amplifying your holiday marketing efforts. By incorporating smart marketing strategies, you can capture attention with interactive, shareable content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement.

Host festive contests: Encourage followers to participate in photo contests or use branded hashtags for a chance to win.
Share visually engaging content: Bright, festive visuals, short videos, and GIFs are highly shareable and ideal for spreading holiday cheer.
Leverage paid ads: Organic reach is increasingly limited, but paid ads can ensure your promotions reach your target audience.

Keep your social media campaigns aligned with the season’s festive energy to strengthen engagement and loyalty.

3. Optimize Your Website for with Smart Holiday Marketing Strategies

As the hub of your online presence, your website is a cornerstone of smart marketing strategies and must be prepared to handle increased traffic. A seamless experience can transform curious visitors into paying customers.

Create a dedicated holiday landing page: Simplify the shopping experience by consolidating deals and promotions in one place.
Incorporate holiday SEO: Use terms like “holiday deals” or “Christmas gifts” to attract seasonal search traffic.
Enhance mobile usability: Many shoppers browse on their phones—ensure your site is fast, intuitive, and mobile-friendly.

By optimizing for both performance and user experience, your website can effectively convert holiday traffic into sales.

4. Launch Holiday-Themed Email Campaigns

Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for reaching customers during the holidays. As part of your smart marketing strategies, it’s a direct and personal approach that can yield significant returns, ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.

Promote early access sales: Reward loyal customers with exclusive early-bird promotions to encourage early shopping.
Segment your audience: Tailor messages based on customer behavior, such as past purchases or browsing history.
Use eye-catching subject lines: Stand out in crowded inboxes with playful and festive subject lines that demand attention.

A strong email strategy can deepen customer relationships and drive revenue during the holiday rush.

Make This Holiday Season Count with Smart Marketing Strategies

A successful holiday content marketing strategy hinges on smart marketing strategies that combine creativity, targeted efforts, and seamless execution. By leveraging strategic promotions, interactive social media, an optimized website, and personalized email campaigns, your brand can rise above the competition and achieve standout results.

Need a hand? At Cloud9 Marketing, we’re experts in crafting holiday campaigns that work. Whether it’s social media strategy, SEO optimization, or creating stunning digital promotions, we’re here to help your brand thrive. Let’s make this holiday season your most successful yet—contact us today!

December 9, 2024/by cloud9wp

A preview of the Whistler Adaptive website

Blog, Mobile, Web, Whistler

Championing Accessible Web Design for Whistler Adaptive Sports

At Cloud9 Marketing, we proudly support inclusivity in Whistler’s dynamic sports community. Our latest project with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program highlights our expertise in accessible web design, showcasing our dedication to creating websites that are both functional and inclusive. This collaboration goes beyond web development. It ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can connect with the life-changing programs at Whistler Adaptive.

Building a website that merges stunning design with accessibility requires focus and intention. We embrace this challenge fully. Following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), we created a platform that is easy to use, visually engaging, and welcoming for everyone.

Accessibility is never an afterthought in our projects. It is central to our design philosophy. Every detail, from the clean layout to intuitive features, reflects our belief that digital spaces should serve all users equally.

Merging Design Excellence with Accessibility

This website celebrates the strength and spirit of Whistler’s adaptive sports community. It amplifies their stories and makes it simple for users to explore programs, find resources, and get involved.

We designed the platform to foster connection and empower visitors. Interactive elements, streamlined navigation, and clear content ensure that every user—new or returning—feels valued. The website mirrors the inclusivity and vibrancy of the community it represents.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Digital Inclusion

This project inspires us to dream bigger. At Cloud9 Marketing, we envision a digital world where accessibility is standard, not optional. Our work with Whistler Adaptive Sports is only the beginning. We remain committed to creating inclusive digital experiences that connect and uplift communities.

A Whistler Adaptive Ski Instructor smiling with her ski students at the top of Whistler Mountain

Photo by Whistler Adaptive

Create Your Inclusive Digital Presence with Cloud9

Is accessibility part of your online strategy? It should be. At Cloud9 Marketing, we specialize in accessible web design, crafting websites that are innovative, visually stunning, and inclusive for everyone.

Let’s make your digital platform a true reflection of your values. Together, we’ll create a website that serves your audience and sets a benchmark for inclusivity and excellence.

Start your journey today. Contact Cloud9 Marketing to learn more about our accessible website development services.

December 4, 2024/by cloud9wp

Blog, Marketing, Online Advertising, SEO, Web

Pay Per Click Advertising, Demystified

If you’ve been looking into increasing your web presence as a company you’ve probably encountered the phrase “pay per click.” Well this very vague title is exactly what we are going to explore in this blog post. What exactly is this so-called “Pay Per Click Advertising” and how does it work? Lets find out.

What is it?

Pay per click advertising is a form of web based adverting that helps with search engine optimization. Search engines like Google and Bing have designated spots on their search result pages, usually along the side or in the first 1-3 search result lines. These prime locations are reserved for paying clients who have pay per click advertising with key words relative to the search. Every time someone uses the ad by clicking on it, the paying client is charged, because it has proven to be a successful advertisement placement and search result combination.

How does it work?

First things first, you’ll have to choose a keyword or phrase that you’d like your page to be associated. The process of determining which keywords you should apply to your business page requires a thought out approach. You’ll need to consider how generic or specific you’d like your results to be. Keep in mind what phrases your competitors might be using and always remember your target audience. Lucky you for, Cloud9 has marketing gurus available that do exactly that. We can help you determine what keywords would benefit your business, reach your target audience and achieve web presence goals. Working with a budget in pay per click advertising can work multiple ways. Sometimes it is a bidding war on the price per a click for a desired spot and search combination. Whoever is willing to pay the most per a click gets the spot. You may want to top out at a certain budget each month or after achieving a certain result. Almost all web presence goals can easily be reached by utilizing per click advertising as it increases traffic to your page, or even a sub pages of your website. Each click will take the searcher exactly where you’d like to be on your website. It’s the most ideal way for getting a searcher to find your page rather than your competitors and increase over all SEO.

Is it right for me?

Sounds pretty peachy so far doesn’t it? Well the truth is, pay per click advertising is phenomenal; it is an incredible tool for your webpage. There aren’t many drawbacks for pay per click advertising unless the keywords and target audience don’t match. As mentioned before, this is a crucial step and needs some serious brainstorming. It can also be expressive and competitive to land your page in the top results section. If you’re considering using pay per a click, give us a call at Cloud9 and we can weight out the pros and cons for your company specifically and decide on the right marketing combination for your business. Pay per click isn’t for everyone or every business, but when it is fully understood and used correctly it can take your SEO to a whole new level.

July 30, 2015/by cloud9wp

Blog, Content, Marketing, Tips, Video

Key Considerations For Video Marketing

It’s no secret that videos are trendier than ever. From hilarious cat videos, to live news on your smart phone, our society is in love with videos. Embracing film as part of your marketing strategy can drastically improve your reach. We are all for video content because we know how powerful it is, when it’s done right that is. Whether you are gearing up to incorporate video into your marketing strategy or already have it implemented, these considerations for a successful video are key.

Concept

Whatever your concept is, make it clear in the first 8 seconds. The first couple of seconds are when the viewer decides if it is appealing or not. This is your do or die window for their attention. Reflect on what audience you are trying to reach and what you are trying to say about your brand, this is your time to shine.

Overselling

Finding the balance between being clear about your product or idea and drowning people in it can be tricky. The goal with any video is to make a lasting impression and call the viewer to action. You want them to remember your brand, and dig a little deeper on their own free will. It’s about creating engagement from the viewer. Rather than spill all the beans, lead them on with excitement and have all the info they’ll be craving ready in another video, or written on your website and point them in that direction.

Feedback

Everyone needs more feedback. Ask strangers in your target audience what they think about your video. Outside sources are best for feedback as your team, family and friends will have a bias.

Call to Action

As mentioned in overselling, each video needs to call the viewer to some kind of action. The call can be just to create curiosity, generate a referral, get a free quote, how to use your product and so on. Maybe all you are trying to do is get them to like your Facebook page, whatever it is, make sure it is clear in your objectives before and after the video is created.

Boring

A few things can make a video boring. If it is too long, it’s boring. If the concept isn’t portrayed in an engaging way, it is boring. If the people in the video are, well boring, it is of course going to be a boring film. Spending a couple of extra bucks to hire someone to film and act in your video could make all the difference. This is something you’ll need to weigh out for yourself, but if you were planning on using Larry, the monotone receptionist as your lead star, maybe rethink that one.

Placement

Now that you’ve created your perfect video, don’t let it go to waste! Placement on your website should be front and center. On YouTube it should be on your own channel which will eventually have more videos to fill the auto play, this will keep your target audience much more excited about your company as there is even more material for them to view. Be sure to cross post on other outlets like Vimeo and Facebook. If you choose to do paid advertisement with your video choose the sites that will appeal to the right demographic, and again watch placement of where your video will be on each page that you are paying for.

We can’t say this will make video-making fool proof, but it is a step in the right direction. When creating or perfecting your video content keep these helpful hints in mind. If you are interested in video marketing but don’t know where to start, check out Cloud9’s video production & marketing services.

June 17, 2015/by cloud9wp

Blog, Tips

These 8 Facts About Using Video on Your Website Will Blow Your Mind!

You’ve probably heard that incorporating video into your website will do wonders for your business. More people will visit! They’ll buy your stuff! They’ll become devoted lifelong fans who will wax poetically about your fabulous company!

But we know how it is: taking the time to write, produce, and edit a video isn’t always easy. It requires time, money, and help from other people to incorporate video into your website.

It’s kind of like eating vegetables: you know that adding video content to your website is good for you, but it’s not always the easiest thing to do. We’re here to give you some motivation to eat those proverbial vegetables. Here are 8 facts about incorporating video into your website that you simply cannot afford to ignore.

Fact #1: YouTube is the #2 Search Engine in the World

Yes, you read that properly. It goes without saying that people aren’t searching YouTube for text-based posts. Posting video content will allow you to reach out to one billion people who search through YouTube every month.

Fact #2: The Value of One Minute of Video is the Equivalent to 1.8 Million Words

Okay, a stick-person stop-motion video might not convey that much information (though in the age of the viral video, you never know). But a properly produced video filled with valuable information can have a major impact on those who view it—and the viewers will actually remember it. Plus, creating a video takes much less time than typing out 1.8 million words!

Fact #3: Over Half the 25-54 Year Old Demographic Share Video Online

Business 101: word of mouth is your friend. Sharing content on social media is the new word of mouth. If you can convince your fans to share your content with their friends, then you’re getting a personal introduction through a trusted source to some very valuable potential clients. Not having video means that you’re missing out on these shares.

Fact #4: Shorter Videos Are Shared More Often Than Longer Videos

Bonus fact: 20% of people viewing a video will click away from the video after 10 seconds of watching. Don’t be thinking that you need to produce a multi-hour blockbuster to engage your target market. On the contrary: focus on well-executed short videos that pack a punch.

Fact #5: Online Video Accounts for 50% Of All Mobile Traffic

See those people scanning through their phones at the bus stop? Half of them are watching a video online. It’s simply impossible to ignore the fact that people are consuming their media in a whole new way, and that new way is through video. Ignore the importance of video, and you might be facing a future similar to the VHS player.

Fact #6: The Average Internet User Watches 32 Videos Per Month

Think about who uses the internet: that would be just about everyone. Now consider the fact that each person watches at least one video per day, on average. If you’re convinced that your target market isn’t into videos, think again.

Fact #7: On Retail Sites With Video Components, Site Visitors Stay 2 Minutes Longer—and Are 64% More Likely to Make a Purchase

The facts are starting to add up. We know that the time that people spend on our sites is incredibly valuable. We also spend a lot of time trying to convert site visitors into clients. Here it is in black and white: video does that.

Fact #8: Video Content Is 53 times More Likely to Show up on the First Page of a Search Engine Results than the Same Content in Text Form

Our final fact is a bit of a mouthful, but wow—talk about impactful. In the world of SEO, any leg up you can get on your competition is huge. That’s not 53%– it’s 53 times.

Convinced that video is the way to go for your website? We just so happen to offer video production services– click here for more details on how to get all the benefits offered by incorporating video onto your website.

Don’t believe us? Check out these websites for sources and more details:

July 16, 2014/by cloud9wp

Tag Archive for: Website