Unwrapping the Benefits of Christmas Posting

As we dive into the holiday season full of Christmas spirit, movies and food, it's tempting to turn our backs on the business world. However, for savvy professionals, Christmas is not just a time for drinks and merriment; it's a strategic window of opportunity on LinkedIn.

Here's why taking the reins during this season can be a game-changer for your LinkedIn strategy:

1. Engagement Peaks: As professionals find themselves with a bit more leisure time, LinkedIn engagement experiences a noticeable upturn. Individuals use this period to catch up on industry happenings and lay the groundwork for the upcoming year. By remaining active on the platform, you position yourself to ride this wave of increased engagement, fostering deeper connections with your audience.

2. Reduced Competition: While others take a break from their LinkedIn activities, your chance to shine emerges. Reduced competition creates a space for your content to stand out prominently. Seize this opportunity to captivate your target audience, leaving a lasting impression when others are taking a back seat.

3. Maintaining Visibility: Consistency is the linchpin of an impactful LinkedIn presence. A lapse in content posting will lead to a drop in visibility. In the absence of competitors, your brand has the spotlight to itself. Utilise this time to fortify your presence and keep your audience engaged.

4. Strategic Planning: Decision-makers often use the year-end to plan for the coming year. By scheduling content over the Christmas period, you position yourself to reach key stakeholders making critical decisions about partnerships, investments, or purchases in the upcoming year. Be a part of their strategic considerations during this pivotal time.

5. Content Engagement Opportunities: Surprisingly, the Christmas season opens doors to increased content engagement. With more downtime, it's an ideal moment to promote long-form content and capture your audience's interest. Leverage this opportunity to share valuable insights and foster meaningful connections.

Additional Insights: LinkedIn research underscores the importance of maintaining an active presence during the holidays. A significant number of LinkedIn members conduct research during evenings (73%) and weekends (over 50%), creating a prime opportunity for your content to be discovered. (Source: LinkedIn ebook: What 'Always-On' Marketing Is and Why You Need It)

In essence, when you hit pause on publishing content, you create a void – one that your competitors might eagerly fill. The Christmas period, when many brands slow or stop posting content, represents a substantial whitespace opportunity. Competitors aiming to supplant your messaging find a perfect opening during this season.

Practical Tips for Maintaining LinkedIn Presence During the Holidays:

Create Content in Advance: Plan and create your content in advance to ensure a consistent flow without the need for real-time attention. Why not repurpose some of your greatest hits to save a lot of time?

Use Scheduling Tools: Use the scheduling option in LinkedIn to automate the posting of your content. This ensures your content reaches your audience without the demands of daily manual effort.

Curate Festive-Themed Content: Infuse a bit of holiday spirit into your content strategy. Share industry insights with a festive twist to capture attention. Engage people with some light-hearted LinkedIn polls about the best Christmas movies (it's Die Hard) or favourite Christmas chocolates.

Engage with Your Network: In those quiet moments and with a glass of your favourite tipple, fire off a few Christmas well-wishes, and respond to comments and messages. Keeping the conversation alive reinforces your presence even if you're not actively posting every day.

Set Realistic Goals: Recognise the holiday season's unique demands and set realistic goals for your LinkedIn activity. Quality over quantity ensures your content remains impactful.

The holiday season on LinkedIn is not a time to hit pause but an opportunity to hit the right notes. Schedule your content then spend just 10-15 minutes per day engaging on LinkedIn. By strategically maintaining your presence, you not only stay in the game but also position yourself for a prosperous start in the new year.

Wishing you a great Christmas season filled with successful networking and meaningful connections! ...and a few drinks and lots of chocolate!??????