Mastering Holiday Ads:Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Beyond #2

Ah, the holiday shopping season is upon us—where competition is fierce, scrolls are swift, and standing out requires more than just good intentions. From Black Friday bargains to Cyber Monday deals, making an impact with your holiday ads requires a well-planned strategy and a bit of boldness. Here’s your playbook to convert holiday viewers into loyal buyers (and maybe win a few hearts along the way).

1. Nailing Your Offer: Choose Wisely, Stand Out

First things first, understand how to set up online promotions and make them pop to be effective. But before you stray too far trying to grab attention, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Percentage-Off: Everyone loves a flat “XX% Off” discount. It’s versatile, and you can apply it sitewide or to a specific collection. Alternatively, narrow the focus to a single must-have product. If you’re promoting a smaller discount, say 10%, consider framing it as the “Biggest Sale of the Year” instead of focusing on the number—it’s all about perception!

Price Slash: Nothing says “big savings” like a crossed-out price. This simple but powerful visual reinforces the idea of immediate value, making viewers feel like they’re getting a bargain with your offer.

Bundles & BOGOs: Up those cart values with bundle deals and buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers. These deals can clear out inventory and acquaint customers with new products, increasing their chances of returning and extending customer lifetime value.

Tiered Discounts: These work particularly well for brands with more spending power. Something like “Spend $100, get 20% off; Spend $200, get 30% off” is simple but effective. If it gets too complicated, simplify it by leading with the highest percentage, such as “Up to XX% Off!”

Bonus Points: Small vouchers or branded freebies add extra appeal, especially if they create an opportunity for repeat business. Everyone loves a complimentary gift, especially when it’s a cool branded hat, keychain, or holiday treat.

2. Design That Shines: Keep It Clean, Bold, and Relevant

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel if you’ve got a design style that’s been getting some love through your social media services. Take your high-performers and give them a holiday twist. However, here are a few things to keep in mind while you design:

Safe Zone Awareness: Keep essential info in the center of your ad, where it’ll survive the inevitable cropping as your ad appears in different formats.

Minimalist Magic: Complex visuals can lose viewers. Instead, go for clean designs with bold typography, vibrant colors, and a clear call to action. Showcasing your product front and center doesn’t hurt either!

Urgency Cues: Phrases like “Don’t miss out!” or “Limited time offer” can trigger a psychological reaction that gives potential buyers that extra nudge to take action.

Inclusive Festivity: To reach a wider audience, consider various cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities. If your brand allows, try balancing traditional holiday colors with unconventional palettes and use inclusive language wherever possible. “Happy Holidays” covers more ground than “Merry Christmas.”

Mixed Formats: Meta loves creative diversity. Video ads might be top performers, but static images have lower CPMs, which can make all the difference when competition drives up ad costs.

Don’t Bury the Lead: Hook attention instantly! Showcase the best part of your offer up front in your text overlay, and use compelling design choices to make those first three seconds count.

3. Witty Ad Copy for Fast Scrollers

Social media users scroll faster than ever, so let’s keep it punchy:

Tailored Messaging: Speak directly to the shopper’s mindset. Think “Gifts for the Coffee Lover” or “Winter Must-Haves for Cozy Homes.”

Short and Sweet: Lead with the biggest benefit, whether it’s a bargain or the perfect gift. Viewers should get the gist in a second or two—no extra reading required.

4. Trending Concepts: What’s Hot for 2024

Here are a few ad concept examples, courtesy of MagicBrief, that industry leaders predict will dominate this season:

Unboxing ReactionsA UGC classic, unboxing videos capture curiosity and hold attention while subtly detailing the product’s value. This works well for hero products or product bundles, especially when tied to real-world stories.

Gifting ReactionsEmotion is captivating. Capturing authentic reactions of surprise or joy makes for engaging, relatable content. For service industries, a fun twist could be creating a gift box around your service (think an e-gift card nestled in themed packaging).

Split Screen StyleThis format lends versatility by splitting the ad in half—one side for the product or service and the other for the offer. It’s visually organized, and the constant display of the offer keeps the viewer’s eye on the prize.

Hopefully, with these tips in your toolkit, you can cut through the holiday noise and grab attention when it matters most. So, bring on the holiday cheer, bundle up those discounts, and reach out to our team if you need help making a mark this holiday season.