How to Create a Holiday Social Media Strategy

How to Create a Holiday Social Media Strategy

By now, you’re probably aware of the importance of using social media to promote your business during the holidays and throughout the year. Having a strong holiday social media strategy can help you attract new customers and drive traffic to your store.

Even if you’re not an avid social media user, the right holiday social media approach can lead to significant results for your business during this festive season.

Creating a Holiday Social Media Strategy

For the holidays, it’s important to focus on a select group of social media platforms that offer the best features for connecting with your audience. Here’s a breakdown of how each network can work for your business:

Facebook: As a small business owner, you’re probably familiar with how Facebook can engage fans and promote your business year-round. You can share various content types, including text, images, videos, Reels, and links, to engage your audience. Facebook’s advertising tools are also useful for targeting local customers, helping you reach nearby consumers. With 98.5% of Facebook users accessing the platform via mobile devices, it’s an ideal channel for connecting with local customers on the go.

X (formerly Twitter): X is great for engaging your audience and sharing content, but it’s also a powerful tool for customer service. People use X to get direct access to brands, so responding to questions and feedback can help turn social interactions into business opportunities.

Pinterest: Pinterest users tend to have a shopping mindset. Unlike other platforms focused on engagement, Pinterest allows you to connect with customers during the browsing and decision-making phase. It’s perfect for highlighting gift ideas and showcasing your products during the holiday season.

Instagram: Instagram is excellent for creating engaging holiday content. Its easy-to-use tools allow you to create visually appealing images and video clips that resonate with your customers. You can use photos of your staff preparing for the holidays, showcase gift ideas through creative Reels, or even go Live to share the season’s top products.

Threads: Threads is a great way to casually engage with your customers during the holidays. Similar to X, it follows a conversational format. Share updates, behind-the-scenes preparations, or expertise related to your business and the holiday season.

YouTube: The holiday season is perfect for creating and sharing videos on YouTube. These don’t have to be high-budget productions. Simple videos like holiday greetings or behind-the-scenes footage of your business can build a personal connection with your audience. You can also repurpose these videos across other platforms or in holiday email campaigns.

Next: Plan Your Schedule

To get started, here are some creative post ideas for each platform. Choose the ones that align with your audience and add your unique business personality to make them stand out.

Facebook

• Share photos or graphics of customers shopping small or attending recent holiday events.
• Create Reels showing staff unpacking holiday items or tutorials on gift-wrapping purchases.
• Post links to your latest email campaigns or remind followers about upcoming sales.

X (formerly Twitter)

• Share photos of holiday hours or customers shopping small.
• Create videos of your favorite gift ideas or ways to participate in #SmallBusinessSaturday.
• Post links to local nonprofit holiday fundraisers or reminders about sales.

Instagram

• Share customer reviews or a carousel of past holiday photos.
• Create Reels of your holiday decorations or your team celebrating the holidays.
• Show a recap of holiday events or wish customers a happy holiday.

Threads

• Share photos of customer testimonials or graphics featuring holiday gift ideas.
• Create videos showcasing the most popular items of the season or how to join #SmallBusinessSaturday.

YouTube

• Share thank-you videos for customers or testimonials from loyal patrons.
• Create Reels of holiday events or offer tips for holiday shopping using your products.
• Showcase your team’s holiday spirit or plans for the next year.

Pinterest

• Create boards for gift ideas or holiday-themed activities like:
  • 20 gifts under $20
  • Last-minute gift ideas
  • Fun holiday recipes
  • Local businesses to shop from during the holidays

Decide on Your Posting Frequency

Posting regularly is essential for platforms like Facebook, X, Pinterest, and Instagram. However, on YouTube, you may only need to post a series of videos rather than daily content. Use the following guidelines to help plan your social media activity.

Plan Your Holiday Calendar

Consider these important dates when scheduling your posts:

• Thanksgiving — November 28
• Black Friday — November 29
• Small Business Saturday — November 30
• Cyber Monday — December 2
• #GivingTuesday — December 3
• Christmas — December 25

Coordinate your social media efforts with other marketing activities, such as email campaigns. You can share your holiday emails on social media or encourage followers to join your email list through your posts.

Save Time with Scheduling Tools

To keep things running smoothly during the busy holiday season, consider scheduling your posts in advance. Tools like Facebook’s post scheduler can help you plan ahead. Don’t forget to download the mobile apps for your key platforms so you can manage everything on the go.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful holiday social media strategy.