11 Social Marketing Tips for the Holidays
What's Naughty
6. Don't be a Scrooge and dismiss the holidays altogether. A huge social snafu this season is to continue on robot mode — i.e., changing nothing about your streams and avoiding Christmas, Hanukkah and so on. When prospects visit your pages, they should see that you're staying fresh. This is also a great example of why a real, live conversation manager at the helm is essential to a functioning community.
7. Don't separate social and traditional marketing. 'Tis the season for togetherness, after all. On direct mailings, TV ads and other traditional marketing assets, mention where consumers can find you online.
8. Don't ignore the rules. It's tempting to run a simple contest right on your Facebook wall. But did you know that's actually against Facebook policy? Guideline No. 1 states: "Promotions on Facebook must be administered within Apps on Facebook.com, either on a Canvas Page or an app on a Page Tab." Don't risk your page's dignity by trying to fly under the radar.
9. Don't forget to give back. To spread brand good will, team up with a charitable effort or good cause to show your fans why your company is worth their money. For example, donate a certain amount of money for every 500 "Likes" you get on Facebook or send messages that spread awareness of a cause that's important to you.
10. Don't forget the trumpet players. These are the mommy bloggers, the gift guide editors, the voices heard round the world that deliver information on where to find deals, specials, discounts and great ideas. Seed your messaging to them all by posting on their Facebook pages, tweeting to them, writing to them, sending smoke signals — whatever works!
11. Don't skip the conversation. As a retailer and a shopper, you know how overbearing ads and marketing speak can get throughout the holidays. Don't flood your customers’ inboxes and news feeds with only sale information; remember to interact. Engage your fans by asking questions, responding to their questions, retweeting, polling and more. In other words, have fun!
