'Tis the season to sweeten up your social media strategy just in time for the holidays. With the holiday season being the hottest time of the year for eCommerce brands, having a stellar social media strategy in place is the secret ingredient to success. But why is social media so crucial to your holiday performance?
Think of it this way: just as a perfect pumpkin pie or jolly gingerbread house needs the right ingredients to make mouths water, a successful social media campaign demands careful planning and (of course) integrating the latest trends. The holiday season sees a significant surge in online shopping, with consumers actively scrolling through social media for gift ideas, festive inspiration, and the best deals on seasonal stock. Therefore, a super sweet social media marketing strategy is essential to share in a slice of the holiday sales success pie.
To help your brand get a handle on this season’s social media must-dos, here are some trends to watch for!
The TikTok Takeover
In 2022, TikTok became the fastest-growing social media platform, and it's shown no signs of slowing down any time soon. This meteoric rise makes TikTok an invaluable platform for eCommerce brands looking to amplify their holiday marketing efforts. It's all about whipping up content that resonates with TikTok's dynamic user base and stands out as a memorable and shareable slice of holiday content.
Instagram Shopping Takes the Cake
Instagram has become more than just a photo-sharing platform; it's transformed into a shopping hub. Instagram Shopping is a game-changer for eCommerce businesses. This holiday season, make sure your Instagram feed is decked out in your brand’s holiday best. Use Instagram Shopping tags to highlight your seasonal products, making it easy for users to discover and purchase from their feeds. Don't forget to sprinkle in some festive hashtags to increase discoverability!
Whipping Up Engaging Video Content
Video content is the secret ingredient to a successful social media strategy. Video content is engaging and memorable, whether it’s reels, stories, or live streams. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your holiday preparations, showcase your products in action, or even host a live demonstration. The key is to whisk up content that captures your audience's attention and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Influencers – Your Brand’s Holiday Helpers
Collaborating with influencers is like having a personal helper to vouch for your brand. Influencer marketing remains a powerful strategy, especially during the holidays. Partner with influencers who align with your brand and product offerings. They can create authentic content that resonates with their followers and drives traffic to your eCommerce store.
User-Generated Content: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Encourage your customers to be your brand’s sous-chefs by sharing user-generated content. Ask them to submit photos of their holiday purchases in action and feature them on your social media channels. User-generated content is a super sweet way to build community and showcase your products through the eyes of satisfied customers.
Stories – Because Sharing Is Caring
Instagram and Facebook Stories are the icing on top of your social media cake. These posts are perfect for sharing limited-time promotions, countdowns to special events, and sneak peeks of holiday releases. Use interactive features like polls, questions, and quizzes to engage your audience and keep them coming back for more.
Short and Sweet (Like Santa’s Elves!)
Ephemeral content, like Snapchat Snaps, Instagram Stories, and Facebook Stories, is all about quick and casual updates that disappear after a short time. This trend is perfect for creating a sense of urgency around your holiday promotions and product releases. Just like the aroma of a freshly baked cake hot out of the oven, these posts are meant to captivate and entice.
The Icing on the CAKE: Going Live
Live streaming continues to be a hit on various platforms. Hosting live events, Q&A sessions, or even a holiday-themed contest can engage your audience in real time. It's like inviting them into your eCommerce storefront to witness the magic happening behind the scenes!
