You’re probably reading this week’s blog post title and thinking, “Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet?!” But in the marketing world, the holiday season has a way of creeping up earlier each year. While most people are just starting to think about holiday shopping and family get-togethers, brands are already planning their strategies to capture the seasonal magic. To help you get ahead of the game, we’re diving into five iconic holiday marketing campaigns, explaining why they worked so well, and sharing how you can apply these lessons to your own business.
1. Starbucks Holiday Cups: Create Collectible Items
Ah, the Starbucks holiday cups. They’ve become more than just a way to carry your coffee. They’re an event. For many, the countdown to the cup release is a holiday tradition. Starbucks has found a way to make something as simple as a coffee cup into a highly sought-after item. The colder months naturally bring increased foot traffic to coffee shops, but this strategy gives customers something extra to look forward to, making them feel like they’re part of something special.
For your business, think about ways to create limited-edition, holiday-themed items to keep customers returning. Whether it’s a festive gift bag with every purchase or a collectible sticker with a gift card, this strategy helps build excitement and makes people feel like they’re participating in a special event.
2. Spotify Wrapped: Recap Your Customer’s Loyalty and Highlight Popular Items
Spotify’s Wrapped feature has turned into a cultural moment. It’s the ultimate “look at me” report that users love to share, full of personalized insights about their listening habits. People love to reflect on their past year and share the results, and Spotify capitalized on that enthusiasm.
How can your business tap into this? Consider sharing a year-in-review newsletter or social media post that highlights your most popular products, services, or customer favorites. You can even create a fun, “Top 10” list of your most loyal customers, or share data on the most ordered items throughout the year. People love to see themselves featured, and creating shareable graphics encourages customers to repost your content, helping you spread the word even further and increase your reach.
3. Google’s Santa Tracker: Bring Families Together
Google’s Santa Tracker is a fantastic example of using technology to create a fun, interactive experience that brings people together. Each year, families eagerly check in on the tracker, following Santa’s journey around the world, which builds a sense of community and excitement. It’s a campaign that transcends simple marketing—Google has turned it into a festive tradition.
What can you do to bring this same sense of togetherness to your business? Consider creating an interactive holiday experience for families—maybe a virtual event or a scavenger hunt that encourages people to engage with your brand. This could even be something as simple as a family-friendly giveaway that invites customers to submit photos of their holiday traditions. Make it fun, and you’ll create a connection that goes beyond just a sale or brand awareness.
4. Hershey’s Holiday Bells: Create Something Visually Memorable
If you’ve ever tuned into TV during the holidays, chances are you’ve seen Hershey’s Holiday Bells commercial. By playing on the shape of the iconic Hershey’s Kiss, the campaign uses visuals to immediately evoke holiday memories and emotions. It’s a simple yet effective way to trigger a deep connection with the brand.
For your business, think about how you can use visuals to trigger that same holiday feeling. Whether it’s through graphics, packaging, or website design, creating something visually striking can draw customers in. Think of how the sight of a beautifully decorated storefront, a holiday-themed logo, or even a clever holiday promo graphic can evoke warm feelings. People are more likely to remember your brand if you can visually associate it with the season’s joy and excitement.
5. Coca-Cola’s Santa and Polar Bears: Align Your Brand with Holiday Symbols
When you think of Coca-Cola during the holidays, what comes to mind? Most people picture Santa Claus, or maybe the polar bears enjoying an ice-cold Coke. These campaigns have been so effective because they tie the essence of Coca-Cola, refreshing, crisp, and sweet.
Your brand doesn’t need to have polar bears or Santa, but there’s value in aligning your products or services with elements that people already associate with the holiday season. Whether it’s the comforting warmth of your hot cocoa or the refreshing chill of your ice cream, lean into how your products fit with holiday traditions, or even how they could create new traditions. By positioning your business in this way, you make your brand feel like part of the season’s celebrations.
What They Have in Common:
These iconic campaigns share several key elements:
- Nostalgia: They tap into memories and past holiday experiences, making customers feel like they’re participating in something familiar and comforting.
- Sensory Appeal: From visuals to sounds, these campaigns engage multiple senses, creating a stronger emotional connection.
- Excitement: Whether it’s through collectibles or interactive experiences, these brands know how to generate buzz and keep people coming back for more.
Why It Works:
The reason these campaigns are so effective comes down to emotion. By creating experiences or products that people can associate with the season, these brands are not just selling—they’re creating lasting memories. For your business, this means allowing customers to connect with your brand on a deeper level.
This year, think about how you can use these iconic campaigns as inspiration to make your holiday marketing stand out. Whether you’re creating something collectible, interactive, or just deeply nostalgic, the key is to make it memorable and meaningful. Your customers will thank you for it!
