We’re just a few weeks away from BFCM, and there’s one important question to ask: Are you BFCM-ready?
If not, take a look at this nifty BFCM marketing calendar. This goes as early as July, but you can just focus on what you need to do from today to maximize your reach.
When you’re done, shift your eyes to our holiday talks for today to maximize your sales.
- Holiday 2024 🔍
- Our next success story 📖
- Early holiday marketing tactics 💡
HOT TOPIC
The holidays are no longer just about shopping sprees and endless wishlists. This 2024, shoppers are smarter and more intentional about how they spend their money. Beyond the price tags, they want quality, convenience, and a seamless shopping experience.
For sellers like you, this shift you need to be more vigilant and adaptive to evolving shopping habits. GumGum listed the top 5 holiday trends that are going to make (or break) this year’s shopping season. 🎄
Spoiler alert: it’s all about staying connected, offering value, and embracing cool tech.
1. Go omnichannel or go home
In 2024, 76% of U.S. consumers are using three or more media channels to do their holiday shopping. They’re browsing on mobile, checking reviews on desktops, and even heading in-store for a closer look.
Pro tip: Make sure your messaging, promotions, and branding are aligned across all channels. 🔂
2. Deals are the new holiday magic
With rising prices, holiday shoppers are more budget-focused than ever. 66% of U.S. consumers prioritize better prices and promotions, with 79% planning to trade down to more affordable options.
Pro Tip: Start promoting sales in October to capture that first wave of deal-hunters.
3. Mobile commerce is rising fast
During Cyber 5 (Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday), over half of online purchases were made on phones last year. 30% of all holiday ecommerce spending is expected to happen on mobile devices. 📱
Pro Tip: Make sure your website is optimized for mobile. A slow, clunky mobile experience will send shoppers running!
4. Shoppers want personalization
Did you know 50% of holiday shoppers also buy for themselves?
And they don’t just want to buy cookie-cutter gifts—they want tailored experiences! Customized ads, product recommendations, and relevant promotions help make the shopping experience feel more personal.
Pro Tip: The more relevant the promotion, the more likely they’ll click ‘Buy Now.’
5. AI is your best holiday shopping assistant
AI is making a big splash in holiday shopping this year. 74% of shoppers believe AI helps them find the best deals, and 69% say it simplifies discovering new products.
Pro Tip: Implement AI-driven tools like personalized product recommendations or chatbots.
🎁 A holiday season like no other
The days of relying on a single sales tactic are long gone. With shoppers more connected, price-conscious, and tech-savvy than ever, it’s a whole new ballgame.
And FYI, only brands that adapt to the trends will stand out in this whirlwind season.
TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE
Be our next seller success story!
When your business is backed by one of the most trusted names in retail, great things can happen.
The woman-founded party supply company found grand success on Walmart.com. According to Jill Schultz, Dir. Merchandising and Inventory, “Walmart has connected us with millions of customers that we would not have been able to reach otherwise.” and bringing joy to millions of customers during their times of celebration. 
Are you our next seller success story?
Join today and tap into:
- a network of millions of customers
- powerful, easy-to-use solutions designed for growth
- Walmart’s omnichannel advantage
BITES OF THE WEEK
- Black Friday Stats: Understanding how shoppers behave during Black Friday is the key to maximizing your sales.
- Cyber Monday Snaps: As for the ‘CM’ in BFCM, here are the facts to guide you in crafting captivating sales tactics.
- Social Inspi: Here are some great examples of holiday social media marketing campaigns.
- Your Holiday Partner: Brave through the holidays with other members of this dedicated seller community.
ACTIONABLE ADVICE
6 early holiday marketing strategies for 2024
With twinkling lights and the smell of holiday treats in the air, shoppers are more than ready to spend on gifts. But are you ready to make your brand stand out amidst the holiday hustle? 🫵
WebFX shared 6 marketing strategies perfect for the holiday season.
- Start campaigning early. 50% of people plan to start their holiday shopping before Halloween. So, it's best to launch your holiday ads and seasonal offers before November rolls around.
- Share gift suggestions. Creating bundles, writing blog posts, and offering complimentary products can make it easier for customers to find the perfect gift while also introducing them to your brand. 🛍️
- Look into influencer marketing. You don’t need to go for the big names with millions of followers. Sometimes, niche influencers with a loyal audience can do wonders for your brand.
- Launch a video marketing campaign. ICYDK, 90% of users say videos help them make purchase decisions. 📹
- Use augmented reality (AR) for product showcasing. This technology enables shoppers to visualize products in their own homes. Use it to showcase your products from multiple angles and offer extra context that enhances the shopping experience.
- Take advantage of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday allows you to sell without competing against major retailers. Use this day to showcase your brand’s story. And don’t forget that Cyber Monday is perfect for online promotions, too!
🤝 Bonus trick: Know the holiday shoppers
As you prepare your holiday marketing campaign, take a step back and think like a shopper. What challenges do they face? What products are they looking for?
Understanding their mindset can make it easier to craft marketing materials that resonate with them.
