August may seem early, but holiday planning is already in full swing on Pinterest! Recent data shows that searches for Christmas and other holiday-related content have surged by over 85% compared to this time last year. What does this mean for your holiday marketing? It means opportunity!
After several years of adjusting to new norms, people are eager to create memorable holiday experiences. This year, planning is starting earlier than ever, with many looking for unique gifts, recipes, and decor ideas months ahead of time.
According to Pinterest’s 2024 reports:
- Weekly Pinterest users say Pinterest is the most helpful platform for holiday planning.
- Searches for ‘Christmas gift ideas’ have skyrocketed, showing a 4x increase year-over-year.
- Interest in ‘holiday recipes’ and ‘Christmas decor’ is also up by over 90%.
This trend represents a golden opportunity for brands and eCommerce businesses to connect with their audience early and boost sales. Pinterest is the perfect platform to do it!
Pinterest users plan and shop earlier than those on any other platform. While Google searches for holiday content typically peak in December, Pinterest searches are already climbing. Start pinning holiday pins now to ensure they are at maximum exposure when the holidays hit.
10 ways to start your holiday marketing NOW:
1. Create an Early Bird Gift Guide
Start your holiday marketing with a well-curated Early Bird gift guide on your blog. This year, go beyond the traditional gift guide by offering a special summer-holiday discount for purchases made before September 1st. Highlight unique gift ideas available now that will make perfect holiday gifts. Create urgency with clear deadlines and exclusive early bird offers.
2. Invest in Holiday Imagery & Branding
Now is the time to start pinning your holiday-themed photos and branding. Showcase your products gift-wrapped, create gift guides, and utilize any holiday-themed assets you have. If you don’t have high-quality holiday imagery, this is the year to invest in it! Research and incorporate trending Christmas keywords into your captions and pin titles to start building traction. Consistently pin to your holiday boards from now until December.
3. Run a Christmas Promotion
Consider launching a “Christmas in August” promotion where you offer your product gift-wrapped for the holidays. Alternatively, create a special bundle of your products or services for early shoppers and offer a limited-time discount to create urgency. Use your social media channels, blog, and Pinterest to promote this until the end of the month.
4. Inspire Pinners with Holiday Recipes & Ideas
Pinterest is all about inspiration, so think about how your content can help pinners elevate their holiday celebrations this year. According to recent surveys, 55% of Pinterest users want brands to help them make their holidays “extra special.” You can meet this need by showcasing your product in DIY decor projects, holiday recipes, or round-ups of festive outfit ideas.
5. Create a Holiday Opt-In or Ebook
With several months until the holidays, now is the perfect time to build your email list. Create a special guidebook or checklist designed for the holiday season that you can promote throughout the year. Examples include: “10 Elegant & Easy Holiday Drink Recipes,” “20 Family Outfit Combinations for Christmas Cards,” or “How to Perfectly Roast a Turkey: A Beginner’s Guide.” Follow up with a sequence of emails that includes a special discount to encourage sales.
6. Create a “Window Shopping” Experience Online
With online shopping continuing to grow, it’s essential to make your website as inviting as a holiday store window. Design your site to showcase your products in creative and enticing ways. Tighten up your website to ensure it’s ready for the influx of holiday shoppers, offering an experience that’s both seamless and visually appealing. Always remember that Pinners are usually cold leads and haven’t visited your site before, so be sure it’s clear on every page the value you offer and the products you sell!
7. Simplify Shipping
Shipping remains a crucial factor for holiday shoppers. Offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount or provide a simple flat rate. Given ongoing concerns about shipping delays and delivery dates, ensure transparency and support throughout the customer journey.
8. Leverage Pinterest Ads for Maximum Reach
Given the early start to holiday planning on Pinterest, investing in Pinterest Ads can significantly boost your awareness, reach and engagement. Use Pinterest’s targeting options to reach users based on their search behaviors, interests, and demographics. Consider running a series of promoted pins that align with your holiday content, such as gift guides, special promotions, or holiday-themed tutorials. This can help ensure that your content is seen by a broader audience, particularly those actively searching for holiday inspiration.
9. Collaborate with Influencers and Content Creators
Partnering with influencers or content creators who align with your brand can amplify your holiday marketing efforts. These collaborations can take the form of sponsored pins, holiday-themed Idea Pins, or even joint promotions. Influencers can create authentic content that resonates with their followers while promoting your products in a holiday context. This approach not only increases brand visibility but also leverages the trust and engagement influencers have with their audience.
10. Create Engaging Holiday-Themed Video Content
Video content is increasingly popular on Pinterest, and creating holiday-themed videos can capture the attention of your audience in a dynamic way. Consider producing short videos that showcase your products in festive settings, provide holiday DIY tutorials, or highlight gift-wrapping techniques. Videos can be used in Idea Pins or promoted as video ads to maximize their reach. Engaging video content not only boosts visibility but also encourages users to save and share your pins, increasing your brand’s presence on the platform during the holiday season.
Want more help with your holiday marketing strategy? Get your Pinterest Holiday guide here!
