Year-end marketing starts in November. Between Black Friday, Christmas and New Year, customers spend more and compare more. On November 11, about six weeks remain before Christmas. That is enough time to build a simple plan, but not to improvise. Here is a calendar, the right channels and a reasonable budget for a small business in Cameroon.
Why plan your year-end marketing?
First, customers think about gifts, parties and trips. They therefore look for offers. Next, many families in the diaspora send gifts or come home at this time. They need reliable services. Moreover, competition rises on social media. As a result, a business that plans keeps an edge. Finally, a plan saves you from spending in a rush at the last minute.
Which calendar should you follow from November to January?
Split the period into four stages.
- November 11 to 20: prepare your site, your offers, your photos and your contact list.
- November 21 to 30: launch your Black Friday offer. Our article explains how to prepare your online store.
- In December: promote gifts, gift sets and holiday services. Set an order deadline so you can deliver before Christmas.
- December 26 to January: thank your customers, post a recap and offer a start-of-year deal.
Which channels should you use for your digital plan?
Start with the channels your customers already use. First, WhatsApp Business remains the most direct: statuses, catalog and messages to your list. Next, Facebook advertising lets you target a city or an age group for a small budget. Moreover, Instagram and TikTok work well with short videos of your products. Finally, email marketing reminds customers who already bought from you. To learn the basics of advertising on Meta, see the official Meta resources.
How do you set a reasonable budget?
Start from an amount you can lose without hurting your cash flow. Then, split it in three: one part to test, one part to boost what works and a small reserve. For example, test two ads for three days, then keep the better one. If you hesitate between two platforms, read our comparison Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Finally, write down your results every week to decide with numbers.
Which mistakes should you avoid during the holidays?
First, do not launch everything on the same day. Spread your posts over several weeks. Next, do not promise a delivery you cannot keep. Indeed, a late parcel on December 24 ruins the customer experience. Also, avoid generic messages sent to everyone. Finally, do not disappear after the holidays. A simple thank-you message builds loyalty with your buyers.
Frequently asked questions about year-end marketing
When should you start communicating?
From mid-November. A teaser two weeks before your offer prepares your customers.
Do you need an advertising budget?
Not necessarily. WhatsApp, your statuses and your email cost little. However, a small ad helps you reach new customers.
How do you reach the diaspora for the holidays?
Offer gifts that you can deliver to family back home, with simple payment and clear tracking.
In the end, good year-end marketing relies on a clear calendar and a few well-chosen channels. To build your plan with us, contact MboaGeek.
