How to Sleigh the Season With Your Social Media Strategy

November’s here, the pumpkins are packed away, and now it’s time to gear up for the busiest time of year. Whether you’re a social media newbie or a seasoned pro, the holiday season can feel like a whirlwind. But don't worry—at Pickle Comms, we’ve got the hacks you need to keep your brand shining through the holiday chaos. No need to lose your cool—let’s get your social strategy wrapped up before the holiday madness hits!

Tip 1: Plan Your Content Like a Holiday Feast

Just like planning the perfect holiday dinner, your social media content needs a solid strategy. November is the ideal time to map out your posts for the rest of the year. Step back and think about key dates like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, creating content that ties into these major shopping moments. Planning ahead will save you from those last-minute ‘oh no!’ scrambles. Be mindful of how you want your audience to perceive your brand, and make sure your message is crystal clear. And don't forget—a strong CTA (call to action) is a must this time of year! If you’re not sure what a CTA is, you need to get in touch with us ASAP—let’s get you sorted!

Tip 2: Automate, Don’t Hibernate

With the holiday rush coming in fast, posting in real-time isn’t always realistic. That’s where scheduling tools become your holiday lifesaver. Use November to get a month’s worth of content ready to go, so you can focus on other things (like not burning those holiday cookies). Automating your posts means you can stay present without being glued to your phone. But remember—scheduling doesn’t mean disappearing from your platforms. It simply ensures you have consistent, well-planned content going out, giving you more time to engage with your audience through stories and interaction.

Tip 3: Bring the Festive Vibes Without the Overwhelm

Yes, it’s the time for festive fun, but don’t go overboard with the twinkly lights and holiday hashtags. Keep your content balanced. Mix in holiday cheer with posts that still align with your core brand message. Remember, not every post needs to scream “holiday,” but a sprinkle of festive flair goes a long way. Authenticity is key here: stick to who you are as a brand just put a bow on it. 

Consider successful campaigns from major brands like Aldi's Kevin the Carrot, Spotify Wrapped, and the buzz around the John Lewis Christmas advert—all of them succeed because they tell a compelling story. The Girls in Marketing Christmas Case Study Blog highlights a fundamental point to remember “storytelling can make your brand and its marketing easier to digest and more memorable.” Click the link to read the full blog A Christmas case study: Aldi's Kevin the Carrot - Girls in Marketing

Tip 4: Engage Like You're at the Holiday Party

The holiday season is all about connection, and this should be reflected in your social media strategy. Instead of simply posting and moving on, engage with your audience as you would at a holiday gathering. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage user-generated content to foster genuine interaction. In the post-COVID era, there's been a significant shift toward the need for authentic connection.

 A study by Psychology Today highlights the resurgence of 'The Power of Appreciation,' showing how consumers’ values and behaviors have pivoted (see what we did there?) toward meaningful engagement. Tap into this trend to strengthen your brand’s relationship with your audience during the holidays.

Tip 5: Track and Adjust Like a Pro

November is the ideal time to keep a close eye on your analytics—yes, even amidst the holiday chaos. If your Black Friday posts didn’t perform as expected, don’t worry. Adjust your strategy for Cyber Monday and continue refining as the holiday season progresses. Remember, social media is a marathon, not a sprint. Just like you’d seek a coach or training partner for a marathon, we’re here to guide and support your social media journey. While we won’t be running any actual marathons, we’ll be cheering you on (with sparkly pom-poms!) and helping you fine-tune your messaging to ensure you cross the finish line with success.

Conclusion:

November is your golden opportunity to get ahead of the holiday rush without the chaos. By planning ahead, automating, and staying engaged, you’ll glide through the busiest time of year with a social strategy that shines. At Pickle Comms, we’re here to help your brand connect with the right audience and slay the season—without losing your mind in the process.