This past Saturday, I received a holiday card offer in the mail from the American Humane Association. I had ordered holiday cards from them in the past, so they are reminding me that the holidays are coming and inviting me to order again.
But thinking about the holidays now in the blistering heat of summer? C’mon. I am barely prepared for “Back to School” let alone the holidays.
Then I realized maybe it’s not so crazy. July may be the perfect time to start planning your holiday stories and marketing campaigns. Think about it:
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Some magazines work three to six months in advance, so if you’re planning to pitch long-lead publications, now is the time to send out holiday-oriented press releases.
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Gift guides will be gearing up in the next few weeks — a great way to promote your holiday-oriented products.
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For clients who sell weight-loss products, the perennial how-to-keep-pounds-off-over-the-holiday stories will be around again this year, as well as New Year’s resolution articles.
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Think about what you can do for the “other” holidays such as Labor Day, first day of fall (Sun., Sept. 22), Daylight Savings Time (Sun., Nov. 3) and Veterans Day. They, too, can help you build brand awareness.
From a business standpoint:
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Evaluate the results of the first half of the year and make adjustments, if necessary, to your marketing plan for the second half of the year.
So thinking about the holidays in July may not be such a bad idea. And thinking about PR and marketing ideas for “baby, it’s cold outside” may help you get through the hot and muggy days of summer.
Oh, and don’t forget to order your holiday cards!
Wendy Alpine
wendy@alpinepr.com
www.alpinepr.com
Phone: 404-641-6170
Fax: 404-806-5316