The holiday season is upon us, and brands are getting ready to deck the digital halls with festive deals, promotions, and irresistible offers.
But let’s be honest—shoppers are already overwhelmed. The inbox clutter. The never-ending scroll of ads. The holiday shopping fatigue. So, how can your brand stand out and capture that coveted attention this year?
Here’s the secret: It’s not just about pushing promotions—it’s about meaningful engagement.
This holiday season, instead of shouting louder than the competition, have smarter conversations that matter.
How to Crush Holiday Sales
1. Meet Your Customers Where They Are: The Power of DMs
You know what’s easier than getting customers to click through to your landing page? Having a conversation with them right where they already are—Instagram and Facebook DMs. The stats don’t lie: more and more shoppers are spending time on social platforms, researching products, and asking questions in their favorite apps.
But here’s the catch: traditional ads often lead to friction. The more steps you put between your customer and the checkout, the more likely they are to bounce. This is where ZEALS’ CTX ads (click-to-experience ads) come in—transforming static ads into one-on-one, personalized interactions right in the DMs. Imagine turning every ad into a conversation that feels like chatting with a trusted friend. That’s how you truly stand out.
Pro Tip: Use CTX ads to offer limited-time holiday deals, exclusive product recommendations, or even personalized gift suggestions based on quiz responses. Not only does this capture shoppers’ attention, but it also keeps them engaged.
2. Nail the Timing: Push Notifications for the Win
The holidays are a time of impulse buys and last-minute shopping sprees. But if you’re still relying on emails to reach your audience, you might be missing out. The truth? People’s inboxes are jam-packed this season. By the time they scroll through the clutter, your message is already buried.
Instead, why not give your customers a little nudge at just the right moment with push notifications? Whether it’s a friendly reminder about that item left in the cart, a quick heads-up on a flash sale, or a nudge to check out your holiday quiz, push notifications can help you cut through the noise and reach your customers when they’re ready to shop.
Pro Tip: Use push notifications to re-engage shoppers who were chatting with you. A well-timed reminder can be the difference between an abandoned cart and a happy customer.
3. Personalize Like a Pro: Zero-Party Data is Your Best Friend
Let’s face it: Generic marketing is sooo last season. Today’s shoppers crave experiences that are tailored just for them. That’s why zero-party data—information that customers willingly share with you—is your holiday MVP.
How can you collect it? Simple: quizzes, interactive chats, and fun holiday polls. Instead of bombarding your audience with cookie-cutter offers, ask them about their preferences. Which type of gift are they shopping for? What’s their holiday wish list? And voila—you’ve just unlocked a goldmine of insights that can help you recommend products they actually want.
Pro Tip: Use AI-powered conversations to guide shoppers through personalized recommendations. It’s like having a virtual concierge who knows exactly what they’re looking for. Plus, you’re building trust by engaging them with content that feels tailored and relevant.
4. Don’t Forget About Post-Purchase: It’s All About the Follow-Up
The holiday rush doesn’t stop when the gifts are wrapped and shipped. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to re-engage those customers and keep them coming back. How? By focusing on the experience after they hit that “buy” button.
Send a quick thank-you email and offer a sneak peek of upcoming products. You can send them back to the conversation sharing exclusive post-holiday deals. The goal is to turn first-time shoppers into long-term fans.
Pro Tip: Use personalized messages post-purchase. Think of it as giving your customers a little gift of their own—a tailored suggestion that’s too good to pass up.
5. Create Urgency (But Make It Fun!)
There’s nothing like a little FOMO to get customers clicking. But here’s the trick: urgency doesn’t have to feel pushy. Instead, make it playful. “Only 3 days left to snag this deal!” or “Get your hands on this before Santa does!” can create excitement without the stress.
Consider running countdown timers to bring them into the chat and send them a limited-time push notification. It’s a gentle nudge that keeps your brand top of mind while making customers feel like they’re getting something exclusive.
The Holiday Game Plan
This holiday season, let’s move beyond the old-school tactics of shouting discounts and instead focus on having meaningful conversations with your customers. Whether it’s through personalized DMs, timely push notifications, or interactive quizzes, remember: it’s not always about making a sale—it’s about creating an engaging experience that keeps them coming back long after the holidays are over.
