In 2024, with a shorter gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas—just 26 days—businesses are under more pressure than ever to optimize their marketing strategies. But here’s the kicker: consumers are shopping earlier than ever, so the real holiday race kicks off before my personal favorite holiday; Halloween! 🎃
At Matchstick Social, we specialize in driving results with strategic digital marketing, from Google Ads and Meta advertising to social media campaigns. Whether you’re looking to boost sales, staying ahead of the curve with the latest holiday marketing trends is essential. Let’s dive into five key trends that will drive revenue growth this holiday season.
1. Early Birds Win: Don’t Wait for Black Friday
Forget waiting around for Black Friday—2024 shoppers are getting a head start, with October now the go-to month for holiday deals. Just look at last year: Amazon’s early October event brought in a staggering $6.79 billion, up 10.3% year-over-year. If you’re not jumping in early, you’re already behind the curve.
So, what does this mean for your business? It’s simple: start early and don’t stop. Go beyond Cyber Week—think pre-Black Friday deals or exclusive early-access email campaigns. By staying in front of your audience throughout the entire season, you’ll keep your brand top of mind and be ready when they’re primed to spend.
2. Mobile-First Shopping: Optimized Experiences for On-the-Go Consumers
Mobile shopping is the star of 2024, with more than half of all holiday purchases coming from smartphones. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a wake-up call. If your campaigns aren’t optimized for mobile, you’re leaving money on the table. From scroll-stopping ad creative to a seamless mobile checkout, be sure your holiday marketing is built for the on-the-go shopper, ensuring seamless conversions and maximum ROI when it counts the most.
3. Personalization at Scale: The AI Advantage
For the 2024 holiday season, personalization will become even more crucial. Consumers now expect brands to understand their needs and preferences, especially during the busiest shopping season of the year. By using AI to tailor your holiday offers—whether through dynamic product recommendations or targeted ads—you can cut through the noise and connect with customers in ways that feel personal and timely, driving higher engagement and conversions when it matters most.
4. Turning Social Engagement into Revenue
We know by now that social media isn’t just for scrolling —it’s where consumers are spending big bucks year-round. This holiday season, social commerce on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok is only getting bigger. From shoppable posts to influencer collaborations and live shopping events, these tools are turning casual likes into real sales. If your brand isn’t tapping into these channels, you’re missing out on some serious holiday conversions.
5. Sustainability & Ethical Shopping: Aligning with Consumer Values
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-do—it’s a do. More shoppers than ever are looking for brands that align with their environmental and ethical values, especially during the holidays when thoughtful, meaningful gifts take center stage. By showcasing your commitment to eco-friendly products and ethical sourcing, you can build deeper customer loyalty. In a season focused on giving, holiday campaigns that highlight social responsibility will resonate with today’s mindful consumers.
Setting Yourself Up for Holiday Success
2024’s holiday season may be shorter, but with the right strategy in place, your business can make everyday count. From early promotions to mobile optimization, personalized campaigns, and socially-conscious marketing initiatives, there are plenty of opportunities to stand out and grow your revenue.
