The second quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) demands businesses leverage the opportunity to boost their sales and brand visibility through social media in order to meet their annual goals.
On average, Australians spend $1,300 each on Christmas gifts and discretionary spending over the Christmas period. Almost 50% of this amount is through online sales including social media conversions (Finder 2022).
If you’ve worked hard this year to establish your brand presence on your social media, we think you deserve a piece of this pie so let’s explore some effective strategies for leveraging social media during the Christmas season in Australia.
Start Early to Build Anticipation
In Australia, the Christmas season kicks off officially in early December (but lets be honest, really it’s earlier, supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths have been selling Christmas stock since September). Don't wait until the last minute to launch your Christmas centred social media campaigns. Start building anticipation early by sharing teasers, countdowns, and behind-the-scenes content. Create a content calendar that includes posts showcasing holiday preparations, product sneak peeks, and customer testimonials.
Embrace the Aussie Christmas Spirit
While traditional Christmas imagery works well globally, Australians appreciate a unique touch. Incorporate elements that resonate with the local culture, such as Santa wearing board shorts, kangaroos pulling a sleigh, or beach-themed Christmas decorations. Use Australian slang and humour to engage your audience authentically. However, whatever you do, ensure that your content remains true to your brand and is consistent across all your social media channels. Don’t let Santa get ALL the glory for your content. Consistency in branding across all channels helps reinforce your holiday message and creates a cohesive online presence.
Encourage your customers to engage
Encourage your customers to share their holiday experiences with your products or services. Run holiday-themed giveaways asking users to share photos or stories related to your brand. Repost user-generated content on your channels to build relationship and showcase your brand further.
Tell your story
Christmas is all about storytelling (we all love a good hallmark Christmas rom-com)! Share heart-warming stories that connect with your brand's values and mission. Whether it's about giving back to the community, helping those in need, or celebrating your team's hard work, stories resonate with the holiday spirit and create a deeper connection with your audience. Remember that the people behind your brand are at the centre of your brand identity and sharing them goes a long way in building rapport with your customer base and growing the support of your brand.
Help your customers find the perfect gifts
Highlight your best-selling products, create bundles or special holiday packages, and provide helpful recommendations. Use engaging visuals and clear calls to action to drive conversions.
Offer Exclusive Deals and Discounts
Christmas is synonymous with shopping, and Australians love a good deal.
Create exclusive offers and promotions for your social media followers, such as limited-time discounts, buy-one-get-one-free deals, or free shipping.
Engage with your Audience
Engagement is key to a successful social media strategy. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Host live Q&A sessions, polls, and interactive contests to keep your audience engaged and connected with your brand throughout the holiday season.
Plan a Content Calendar
Organise your social media posts and promotions using a content calendar. This ensures a steady stream of holiday-themed content and prevents last-minute rushes. Plan your posts in advance to cover all aspects of the season, from pre-Christmas excitement to post-holiday sales.
The Christmas season in Australia is an excellent opportunity for businesses to shine on social media. By embracing the unique Aussie spirit, planning ahead, and engaging your audience effectively, you can sleigh your social media marketing efforts and make the most of the festive season. So, get creative, spread the holiday cheer, and watch your brand's presence flourish during this magical time of the year.