Takeaways – 2025 Christmas Marketing Insights

• Discover 35 proven strategies that increase Christmas sales, leads, and profits.
• See how Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is replacing SEO as consumers turn to ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot for answers.
• Learn how to integrate AI, direct mail, CTV, and retargeting for record-breaking ROI.
• Explore multi-channel tactics that make customers see your message everywhere they turn.
• Use social media, podcasts, TikTok, and video to reach new audiences authentically.
• Find out why “Merry Christmas” messaging still outperforms generic greetings.
• Discover checklist strategies that reduce abandoned carts and boost conversions.
• Learn how AEO landing pages and FAQs can make your business the top AI-recommended source this holiday season.
• Understand how data-driven offers and urgency triggers generate measurable, accountable sales.

 

Christmas… are you going to use the best strategies and tactics possible for Christmas 2025?

The December–January season is traditionally the most profitable time of year to advertise your products and services — to generate more leads, convert more prospects, and drive up ROI. The question is: are you using the right strategies to maximize your results this season?

Here are 35 Need-to-Know tips to help you successfully market this Christmas season helping to get the attention of prospective customers, gain new leads, and drive up sales:

These are the strategies and tactics that helped us make companies more successful and profitable… and for my ad agency CDMG to win 118 advertising awards.

1. Encourage Last-Minute Christmas Shopping

Use email, texting, and digital ads to promote last-minute deals. Customers love fast, reliable options. Follow up with non-openers within 24–48 hours, timing messages for evenings and weekends when shopping peaks.

2. Show “Most Popular” Gift Selections

Everyone needs ideas or reassurance they’re choosing the right gift. Create a “Gift Center” highlighting top sellers or themed collections like “For Dad” or “Under $25.” Promote it through multiple emails and texts throughout December.

3. Refocus Your Ads, Emails, and Landing Pages

Update creative to reflect the Christmas season. Add festive colors, emotional imagery, and language centered on family, giving, and joy. Matching the season’s spirit raises engagement and sales.

4. Build Urgency with Cutoff Dates

Tell customers exactly how many days remain for Christmas delivery. Add countdown clocks to emails and product pages. Urgency and clarity increase conversions dramatically.

5. Use Integrated Multi-Channel Marketing

Combine direct mail, social, CTV, pre-roll, banner ads, and email — all coordinated to the same audience. Consistency builds familiarity and multiplies response. A prospect might receive your postcard, then see your ad on Facebook and YouTube — and respond because your brand feels everywhere.

6. Say “Merry Christmas”

Over 46% of customers prefer “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays.” Authenticity connects; political correctness pushes away. Celebrate the season boldly.

7. Add Value and Incentives

Offer bonuses or free gifts with purchase. Example: “Free Ornament Set on Orders Over $75.” Such value-adds lift early sales and average order value.

8. Create Multiple Christmas Email Series

Use three types of Christmas emails: urgency (“Ends Midnight”), how-to (“How to Choose the Perfect Gift”), and command (“Order Now and Save”). Rotate subjects weekly for freshness and track which formats convert best.

9. Write Benefit-Driven Subject Lines

Blend curiosity and value: “7 Stocking Stuffers Everyone Will Use.” “Order by Friday—Guaranteed Christmas Delivery.” Specific, time-bound lines outperform generic ones.

10. Use Social Media Aggressively

Leverage Facebook, Instagram, X, Truth Social, TikTok, and YouTube. Post short videos, run contests, and use hashtags like #ChristmasDeals and #GiftIdeas. Refresh visuals weekly and pin your top offer post.

11. Target with Custom Lists

Upload your email or customer list into Facebook, Google, or programmatic platforms. Custom audiences let you speak directly to warm prospects who already know you — producing higher conversion rates.

12. Build Look-Alike Audiences

Once you have a solid customer base, create look-alike audiences that mirror your best buyers by age, interests, and spending habits. Exclude recent customers to find new ones while maintaining efficiency.

13. Run Christmas-Themed Video Ads

Video is emotional and persuasive. Use pre-roll ads before YouTube or Rumble videos, or CTV placements during streaming shows. Keep them brief, family-focused, and warm-hearted.

14. Create Gift Groupings

Group gifts by recipient (“For Kids,” “For Him,” “For Teachers”) or price. Include photos and quick-shop buttons. It helps shoppers decide quickly and increases average order size.

15. Review Offer Details and Guarantees

Make sure customers easily see:
• Free shipping thresholds
• Return policy
• Guarantee terms
• Ratings/testimonials

Clarity eliminates hesitation and improves trust.

16. Use Geofencing

Target audiences who’ve been in specific locations — shopping centers, competitor stores, or events — and follow up with local digital ads.

17. Target Generation Z

Born between 1993–1999, Gen Z influences more than $700 billion in spending. They expect transparency, speed, and mobile convenience. Offer Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Buy-Now-Pay-Later options.

18. Display Ratings and Reviews

Social proof drives confidence. Place your top 3–5 reviews above the fold, include photos, and feature star averages on product pages and ads.

19. Make Shopping Simple

Let customers filter by price, age, and interest. Add quick links like Bestsellers, Top Picks, or Gifts Under $50. Simplified navigation reduces drop-offs.

20. Use Comparison Charts

Show why your product outperforms others. Create side-by-side comparisons emphasizing benefits such as longevity, warranty, and satisfaction guarantee.

21. Promote Gift Cards

Gift cards rank among the top five holiday gifts. Feature them heavily December 20–25 and again after Christmas for self-gifting. Add “Send a Hint” buttons for shoppers to request one.

22. Reinforce Why They Should Buy From You

Repetition of benefits sells: quality, service, reliability. Use testimonials, awards, and case studies to prove credibility.

23. Add Countdown Timers Everywhere

Use countdowns on your home page, checkout, and ads. People respond to ticking clocks. Pair with free-shipping cutoffs for maximum effect.

24. Optimize Mobile Landing Pages

Over half of Christmas purchases are made on smartphones. Ensure quick load times (<2.5 seconds), intuitive design, and large “Add to Cart” buttons. Test every page manually.

25. Text Customers With Value

SMS marketing is immediate but must deliver genuine value. Send alerts about sales, last-minute deals, and shipping deadlines. Respect quiet hours and always include opt-outs.

26. Add Store Locators

Make it easy for shoppers to find your nearest store. Include hours, phone number, curbside pickup options, and real-time inventory.

27. Expand Paid Search Keywords

Update your keyword lists for the season: “Christmas gift ideas,” “Stocking stuffers under $25,” “Christian gifts.” Add long-tail phrases for niche targeting.

28. Simplify Shopping Cart & Checkout

Reduce steps. Show total costs early. Enable guest checkout. Follow up on abandoned carts with retargeting emails and display ads that remind shoppers what they left behind.

29. Retarget With Christmas-Themed Ads

Reinforce urgency with festive creative: “Still Time to Order!” “Not Too Late for Christmas Delivery!” Trigger ads based on product viewed or cart size.

30. Offer Coupons and Special Deals

Coupons — digital and print — drive action. Use exclusive promo codes in emails or catalog covers. Try bounce-back coupons for January repeat sales.

31. Use Direct Mail Retargeting

Send a postcard or mini-catalog to anyone who visited your site but didn’t purchase. Include a personalized QR code linking to their saved cart.

32. Optimize for Answer Engines (AEO)

AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are replacing traditional search. Create Christmas landing pages that answer shopper questions such as “What’s the best Christmas gift for under $50?” Add FAQs, testimonials, and schema markup so AI selects your business as the answer.

33. Use Podcast Advertising

Podcast audiences are loyal and attentive. Run 60–120 second spots on shows aligned with your demographic — business, family, or faith-based programs. Mention a simple URL or offer code to track results.

34. Leverage TikTok & Short-Form Video

Short-form video drives discovery. Create authentic clips featuring product demos, gift inspiration, and emotional stories. Use trending Christmas sounds and hashtags for reach.

35. Apply Emerging AI & Media Innovations

Combine programmatic display, CTV, and AI-based audience modeling to identify new customers. Use dynamic creative that updates automatically with current offers or countdowns. Integrate chatbots to answer questions instantly and increase conversions.

Take Action Now

Need help implementing these strategies for your 2025 Christmas campaign?

Call Michael at CDMG at 615-933-4647 or email him at [email protected].

Ask about our free consultation and discover how CDMG can help you build an integrated, test-driven Christmas marketing plan that multiplies your ROI.

FAQs:

Q1: What’s the difference between SEO and AEO?
SEO gets your site ranked in search results; AEO positions your content as the single answer AI platforms display. You need both — but AEO dominates voice and AI search.

Q2: Should I still use direct mail?
Yes. Integrated campaigns using both digital and direct mail outperform digital-only campaigns by more than 40%.

Q3: When should I start my Christmas campaign?
Begin pre-promotion in early November, peak between Black Friday and December 22, and continue through New Year’s for self-gift buyers.

Q4: How many emails should I send?
At least two per week during December — more for engaged segments. Each should have urgency, benefit, and a clear call to action.

Q5: Which new channels work best for 2025?
Short-form video and podcasts deliver the highest ROI for awareness and conversion this year.

About Craig Huey:
Craig Huey is President of Creative Direct Marketing Group (CDMG) — an award-winning direct-response advertising agency that helps businesses generate measurable results through multi-channel marketing.

With over 35 years of experience and 118 industry awards, Craig has helped companies of every size increase leads, sales, and profits using accountable advertising, AEO, and scientific marketing principles.