Why You Should Plan Holiday Email Campaigns Now

If you haven't already begun researching and planning your email campaigns for the upcoming holiday season, you'd better begin. It seems that holiday ad campaigns begin showing up earlier every year and even though we are still a day away from August, it is the perfect time to plan because there is plenty of time to tweak between now and the end of October.

by Kristina Knight

Because so many email marketers focus on the holidays it is important to know who you are targeting, why and what products are best suited to that target demographic.

The first step, then, is to focus on the consumer. Take a look at your email list. Consider the age, gender and income bracket and each person on the list to determine what product areas would be the best focus.

With so many consumer hurt by high gas prices, the second step is to consider adding an idea station to your campaigns with tips on smart shopping - and saving - as well as bargains with gifts ideas under certain dollar amounts ($25, $50 or $100).

Third, give them something extra. Especially around the holidays, consumers want more than a simple product so give them something extra. That extra could be a freebie offer of gift tags or free gift wrapping and make sure every email sent includes this information.

Especially around the holidays, time can get away from the consumer so the fourth tip is to create a countdown that can be easily included once each month.

Finally, for your own sanity, invest in a scheduling tool so that time doesn't get away from you, too. Spreadsheets are fine but include both start and end dates as well as specific planning information for the various campaigns you'll conclude over the course of the holiday seasons.