13 Jul Christmas In July- It’s Never Too Early To Start Planning
It’s July, and our feeds are full of tips on how to beat the summer heat, recipes for smoky BBQ and corn on the cob, and photos of white, sandy beaches far away from work. Gone are the days of waking up to a fresh blanket of snow upon the ground, carolers on our doorstep and donning thick hats and mittens to venture outside.
While our minds are still on summertime, our social calendar is already working well into fall; the holidays will be here before you know it. Though it may feel too early to begin planning holiday content when the temperature hovers around 85 (or higher), starting early is the key to planning successful holiday content guaranteed to catch eyes and stop thumbs. Read on for how to stress less and do more with your content this holiday season.
Get Organized
Planning effective social content takes one thing: time. Although creativity and strategy undoubtedly come into play, the fact of the matter is that if you haven’t put a good amount of blood, sweat and tears into your work, your carefully crafted content will never live up to its full potential.
Though it may feel too early to be thinking of chestnuts roasting on the open fire and merry sleigh rides, organizing a content strategy this far ahead in the game gives your brand a distinct advantage. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to post and optimize quality content that ties back to your brands messaging while also leaving room for any spur-of-the-moment opportunities that may arise. With your content calendar already in place, you’re free to churn out beautiful, thumb stopping content while the competition scrambles like last minute shoppers to get quality posts up on time.
Photo credit: Unplash
Set Goals
Another benefit of early content planning is that it enables you to set measurable (and attainable) goals. With your main messaging track and post concepts out of the way, you’re free to crunch the numbers. Are you looking to gain followers, increase engagement, track conversions or drive traffic to a section of your website? Once you narrow down your objective, you’re ready to start working on crafting your brands unique story.
Photo Credit: Unplash
Tell a Story
Social media mangers are the modern-day version of the raconteur. We take images, ideas, and things and wrap them into a compelling narrative that inspires people to click. Engaging your followers and making them feel part of a bigger story is the key to creating authentic, engaging content.
Instead of posting a generic “Happy Holidays!” to your followers, think of ways to connect with them through memories and imagery. Imagine the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls winding up the staircase come Christmas morning, the crunch of freshly fallen leaves underneath newly polished boots, or the glow of sparklers as they write our names (or favorite swear words) in the air. Think of the sizzle of the first BBQ of summer or the warm, fuzzy feeling of having family and friends gathered round the table for a Thanksgiving feast. When you combine beautiful visuals with emotive storytelling, you’ve got yourself a recipe for success.
Having trouble coming up with an aesthetic or generating post ideas? Try creating a mood board! This collection of ideas, quotes, or images can be anything you like, long as it ties back to your central theme. It’s a great reference tool if you feel stuck, or just need some creative inspiration.
Make That Content Shine
The holidays are no time to skimp on quality content. When creating visuals, think of them like a present: they should be neatly wrapped with no loose ends, visually appealing, and full of good stuff!
To do this, think of what story your brand is trying to tell, then choose the platform or channel that would best convey that message. Have an up and coming clothing line? An Instagram story featuring a well-known influencer wearing your holiday collection will inspire fans. Is your audience more the home and family type? A Carousel of how to make the perfect frosted sugar cookies or interactive gift guide would be right up their alley. Wondering when to use GIFs instead of videos or link posts instead of engagement? This guide has got you covered.
Creating content that aligns with your story (rather than the other way around) ensures that your content will not only be optimized for each channel, but relevant to your target audience. Your fans are looking to you as the expert, so give the people what they want! Fill their feeds with styling tips, scrumptious recipes, home décor, helpful hacks or quick fixes for the home, or any other unique content your brand can provide.
Need help with planning content the rest of the year? Check out this helpful guide for making your social content shine.
