Amanda Clark — October 30, 2019 
Is it too soon to talk about the holiday shopping season?
Not if you work in advertising, marketing, or digital commerce. After all, Black Friday and Cyber Monday— two of the biggest shopping days of the year— will be here before you know it. The time to prepare is now.
In this post, we’re going to offer some email marketing tips. You’re certainly going to want to take advantage of these prime time shopping days, sending emails to your customers and clients and stimulating some interest in current products, specials, and holiday promotions.
But here’s the thing: You’re not going to be the only one to have this great idea. All your competitors are going to be sending Black Friday/Cyber Monday emails, as well, and your customers will be deluged. The question is, how can you make your emails stand out?
We’ve got a few simple suggestions.
How to Differentiate Your Holiday Emails
Send a Teaser
First, note that you don’t have to wait until the big day to hit SEND on your marketing email.
In fact, there’s plenty of evidence to show that sending a teaser or two, a few weeks before Black Friday, can actually be really helpful.
You can send your teaser email any time now, really, letting your readers know to watch their inboxes for BIG sales and promotions.
This can increase the odds that your actual email gets opened when the time comes. And, it can give your customers and clients a reason to stay subscribed!
Emphasize Urgency
Another suggestion? Underscore the urgency of your promotions and offers. Let your readers know that they need to act now to take full advantage of your offer. Some examples of this:
- 24-HOUR FLASH SALE!
- One day only to save 25 percent!
- LAST HOUR of our Cyber Monday sale!
- Order today to ensure Christmas delivery!
- FREE SHIPPING if you order by December 1.
Make it clear to your recipients that they can’t afford to set your email aside for later.
Extend Your Offer
Cyber Monday and Black Friday can be stressful days, even for the most seasoned shoppers. It’s not unusual for people to simply forget certain offers.
One thing you might consider is offering an extension. Send an email a day or two after Cyber Monday and tell readers you have a special surprise for them; by popular demand, you’ve decided to extend your sale or promotion for another week, etc.
Define Your Differences
Another strategy we recommend: Use your emails to outline the things that make your business different.
You’re probably not the only company to offer a particular product or service, but maybe you are the only company to offer free shipping, or moneyback-guaranteed satisfaction, or expert installation, or a 24/7 support line, or whatever else.
Make these differences clear! Give shoppers a reason to choose you over the competition.
Start Planning Your Holiday Marketing Efforts TODAY
The bottom line: Some of us are still trying to decide what we’re going to be for Halloween this year… but remember, the holiday shopping season always arrives sooner than you think. Don’t be caught off-guard. Start planning your email marketing strategy today.
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