??How To Master Holiday Marketing

Hi everyone! Welcome to Flag This, where October is the new November, November is the new December, and so on. Sound confusing? Don’t worry, we get it. For this issue, we’re zeroing in on the Four Ds you should know when it comes to seasonal shopping and how to add value to your brand during the holiday season. Ready to get started? Let’s jump in!?

On Our Radar?

In light of the holiday season, we’ve got some juicy insights to help you get your content marketing game on point. Let's dive into the Four Ds of Holiday Shopping (Google Consumer Insights) and discover why now is the perfect time to start planning!? 1. Deliberate (October): ?? As the leaves start to change, shoppers become deliberate. They're not just after the best price; they're comparing features and benefits, looking for brands they and their families adore. So, start crafting content that showcases your brand's unique value, and don't forget to throw in a sprinkle of autumn vibes!?

2. Deal-Seekers (earlier than you think!): ?? Black Friday and Cyber Monday used to be the holy grail of sales, but times are changing. Deal-seekers are on the prowl earlier than ever! Discounts are great, but remember, it's not just about price cuts. How about offering a "Buy One, Get One Reindeer Onesie" deal? Or free delivery, because skipping holiday traffic sounds like pure joy.?

3. Determined (December): ?? Ah, December—the month of determination! Shoppers are scrambling to meet shipping deadlines and making those last-minute in-store purchases. Be their savior by offering gift solutions and highlighting the conveniences your product offers.?

4. Devoted (Post-Holiday): ?? Even after the holidays, the shopping spirit lives on. Think self-gifting and gift card users. Keep your content fresh and engaging to cater to those who can't stop shopping!?

Beyond the D squad, don’t forget other ways to add value during the holidays:?

• Loyalty Programs: ?? People love loyalty programs! According to Ebbo , last year 61% of consumers joined them for holiday discounts. Consider offering exclusive perks to your loyal customers during this festive season.?
• Content Creator Partnerships: ?? As the holiday frenzy ramps up, collaborate with content creators to boost your brand’s visibility. It’s a win-win! Check out this article for some inspiration (AdAge: Gillian Follett).?

• AI-Powered Personalization: ?? AI is like Santa's little helper for your website. It offers personalized shopping experiences that make customers feel like they're on the nice list. Plus, chatbots are the elves of online shopping—always ready to assist! Feel free to get creative with those Chatbots ! (Wordstream Blog)?
• Voice Commerce Growth: ??? With voice assistants becoming a part of daily life, voice-activated shopping is on the rise. It's time to make sure your website can understand "I want a fluffy unicorn sweater" when someone shouts it into their smart speaker. Here’s how to optimize your website and platforms for voice search to stay ahead. (Neal Schaffer Blog)?
• Cryptocurrency Payments: ?? ‘Tis true. Tech-savvy consumers are embracing cryptocurrency (B2B in PAY) payments. Why not jump on the bandwagon and cater to this growing trend? And maybe start accepting it!????

Maybe you need more tactical advice? Right on time, Meta Business offers a quick take on A/B testing and calendaring tips. Whatever gets your jingle bells ready, marketers! Start planning now, and you'll sleigh (pun intended) the competition.?

Weekend Reads

• Snap Crackle Sayonara. Kellogg’s to ditch its cereal business due to declining sales, create a new parent company called Kellanova, and focus on their snacks divisions. The Wall Street Journal shares this analysis: It’s the Breakfast of Champions No More: Cereal Is in Long-Term Decline (Aaron Black: WSJ)?“On-the-go lifestyles have fueled demand for portable options like bars and shakes. Fast-food companies have expanded their portable breakfast offerings too. Each of those alternatives is better suited for a morning spent on the run: Just try eating a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats while driving to work.”??

• Meanwhile, fresh innovations in the CPG breakfast space lead with protein and plant-based: Banza Launches Protein Waffles, Expands Into the Breakfast Category. (Refrigerated & Frozen Foods)?
• First cereal, and now TV? Times, they are a-changing. Gen Z Favors Social Media Over TV For CPG Purchases and Accepts Personalized Ads More Than Other Groups (Jack Neff: AdAge)?
• These Yeti ads have been flying around social media and we love to see how the brand’s positioning evolved to a sustainability message: Yeti Campaign Shows How Its Products Stand the Test of Time . (Ellen Ormesher: The Drum)?
• Weekend Listen: If This Food Could Talk is a new 10-part series you’ll listen to for a history of the food we love and what it says about the way we live.?? ?
• On Instagram:Tiny fish tins have come to Times Square. Portuguese Sardine opens an opulent and memorable store outside of Lisbon for the first time. A Tinned Fish Wonderland Lands in Manhattan With $44 Gold Cans (Eater NY)?Sorry, did you hear who’s also opening up a pantry store in (upstate) NY? It’s Alison Roman . (Eater NY: Emma Orlow)??

You’re a tried-and-true neighborhood bodega in a sea of pop-ups, my friend.??

Until next time,? The Maxwell Crew

P.S. Forget the iPhone 15 — you'll want to unbox this premium juice drink with "Kid Noise-Canceling Technology." Instead of latching on to BTS savings like most brands, Capri Sun promised burnt-out parents some much-needed peace and quiet, saying “each packet…purportedly takes approximately 50 seconds to consume.” Gushing over premium package design from Capri Sun wasn’t on our 2023 bingo card, but we’ll take three boxes, please!? ??