As we move into the final weeks of the year, businesses are gearing up for the busiest and most important retail season: Christmas. While it might feel like there’s still plenty of time, when it comes to PR, getting ahead of the game is critical.
Here’s why you should start your Christmas planning early:
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Staying ahead of the competition
Christmas is the busiest time of the year for many industries, with brands all vying for attention. Starting your planning early gives you the edge over competitors who leave their preparations until the last minute. Whether you’re looking to collaborate with key influencers or trying to lock down prime media coverage, it’s important to put your brand in the spotlight ahead of the festive period.
Media outlets also plan well in advance. Gift guides and features are typically finalised months before December, so if you want your products or services features, your pitches need to land with journalists sooner rather than later.
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Create better, more thoughtful campaigns
It’s not enough to roll out generic promotions or ads during Christmas; consumers are looking for creative and engaging campaigns that can bring holiday magic to life. Rushed campaigns can feel forced or out of touch, but starting early allows you to plan thoughtful, innovative ideas that resonate with your audience.
Whether you’re developing a PR stunt, crafting a festive digital marketing campaign, or building an influencer collaboration, you’ll need time to refine your ideas. By brainstorming early and testing concepts, you can ensure your message strikes the right balance of festive spirit and brand identity.
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Maximise media opportunities
Journalists are working on their Christmas content long before the festive season hits. Print publications, in particular, often work with lead time of up to six months, so if you’re hoping to be featured in December issues, your PR outreach should be well underway.
Even though digital media operates on faster timelines, online outlets are still planning their Christmas content at least two to three months in advance. If you want your products to be included, now is the time to start reaching out to editors.
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Achieve consistency across channels
The most successful campaigns are the ones that deliver a consistent message across all platforms – from PR to social media, emails and advertisements. Early planning helps you coordinate your efforts across these channels, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand story at every consumer touchpoint.
With more time on your side, you can align your press releases, social posts, email marketing and advertising to work together seamlessly and help your brand stand out during the busy season.
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Capture early shoppers
More consumers are opting to buy their gifts in November, taking advantage of early discounts and avoiding last-minute stress. Launching your Christmas campaigns and content early ensures you capture the attention of these early birds before the festive rush begins.
Starting your Christmas planning early sets your business up for success during the busiest retail period of the year. You’ll beat the competition, secure valuable media coverage, and build campaigns that truly connect with your audience. So, now’s the time to get ahead and lay the groundwork for a successful festive season.
If you need some inspiration for your next PR campaign, get in touch at hello@hatch,group.
