10 Smart Marketing Tips for December: Make the Most of the Competition's Downtime

December, the final month of the year, brings a unique opportunity for IT companies and agencies. Most businesses, especially those dependent on outsourcing, see reduced activity as their clients from the USA, UK, Australia, and Europe go on holidays, plan team outings, or engage in year-end festivities. During this time, the marketing teams of your clients and competitors are typically on leave or less active.

For proactive marketing teams, this quiet period is a golden opportunity to stand out, prepare for the new year, and capture attention before anyone else. Here are 10 effective marketing tips to leverage December to your advantage:

1. Create a “Year in Review” Industry Report

• Why it’s unique: Instead of a company-only year in review, compile a detailed, data-driven report on industry trends, challenges, and insights. Share it as gated content to position your brand as an industry thought leader.
• Bonus: Use this to build your email list for Q1.

2. Launch a December-Exclusive “Beta Program”

• Idea: Offer select clients access to a new product, service, or tool in its beta version. This early access makes clients feel valued and gives you valuable feedback.
• Example: “Be the first to try our AI Content Optimization Tool. Exclusive access for December only!”

3. Turn Employees into Brand Ambassadors

• Encourage your team members to share:Personal “reflections” or achievements from the year on LinkedIn.Short posts or videos on what makes the company special.
• Result: Increases brand visibility while keeping it authentic and personal during the festive season.

4. Run an “Unexpected Gift Campaign” for Prospects

• Send surprising, value-driven “gifts” to cold leads, such as:Free audit reports for their websites or campaigns.A limited-time free trial of your services.Personalized tips or insights specific to their business.

This gesture shows initiative and increases the likelihood of reconnecting with prospects.

5. Host a Micro Virtual Event for Thought Leaders

• Organize a short virtual panel or fireside chat to discuss:Trends for the upcoming year.Predictions and opportunities for your industry.
• Keep it informal yet insightful—December downtime allows people to engage in non-work-heavy discussions.

6. Create an AI-Powered “Idea Generator” for Clients

• Develop an AI-powered tool or worksheet (simple and practical) that helps clients brainstorm new ideas:Campaign themes for the new year.Lead generation strategies.Content calendar inspiration for Q1.

Offer it for free as part of a “Holiday Prep Kit.”

7. Focus on Viral, Festive, “Fun” Marketing Content

• Go beyond business-heavy content:Create humorous videos or memes related to industry struggles in December downtime.“Marketing Survival Tips During Holidays” in a fun, relatable tone.Share light-hearted posts like “How Santa Would Run a Marketing Campaign.”
• Why it works: Humor and creativity boost brand recall when others are quiet.

8. Crowdsource Content From Your Audience

• Run a small challenge asking your audience to share:Business highlights of their year
• Fun holiday photos related to your industry (like festive office setups).
• Feature their stories on your social media or blogs.
• Benefit: Builds engagement and showcases your audience.

9. Gamify Your Marketing With a Holiday Spin

• Design a simple gamified experience to engage your audience, like:A “12 Days of Marketing Tips” calendar where each day unlocks a valuable tip or offer.A quiz or “spin the wheel” for discounts, free audits, or festive goodies.
• Gamification encourages participation when things are typically quiet.

10. Turn LinkedIn into Your “Secret Weapon”

• With competitors inactive, dominate LinkedIn:Share bold predictions for 2024. Host short LinkedIn Live sessions on niche topics.Publish a series of mini-case studies showing December wins for active clients.
• Consistent visibility can help you reach decision-makers who are casually scrolling during the holidays.

Don’t let December’s downtime go to waste. Use this period to stand out, re-engage leads, and strengthen your brand while competitors are less active. By thinking out of the box and staying visible, you’ll gain a competitive edge and be fully prepared to hit the ground running in January.

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