November Right Now Report
The Right Now Report gives you the high-level updates you need without the unnecessary clutter. In the November Right Now Report, we explore the importance of developing a holiday marketing plan, share some recent social media updates and take a look at how nostalgia marketing can help you resonate with your audience.
It’s not too late to craft your holiday marketing plan
Counting on strong sales this season but not sure where to start? It’s not too late to create a marketing plan. It can seem overwhelming to take the time to put your ideas on paper, but it’s much better to act now than to scramble at the end of November.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Constant Contact’s recent Small Business Now report highlights the challenges small businesses (SMBs) are facing this holiday season, from inflation to shifting habits of customers.
Sarah Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer at Constant Contact, noted, “Small businesses are incredibly resilient, but as they head into a holiday season filled with uncertainty, they must get proactive in their marketing to ensure success. Our study shows that despite inflation, shoppers still want to support small businesses, so the SMBs who thrive will be the ones who start their holiday marketing early, streamline their work with automations, and engage customers consistently throughout the season.”
The report also shows that holiday season urgency often leads small businesses to feel stretched thin, with 65% struggling to manage time and budgets. Even if you need to make minor adjustments, such as special promotions or more frequent communications throughout the holiday season, having a plan in place helps avoid last-minute mistakes. This preparation sets you up for a smoother, more profitable season.
The latest social media updates
Here’s a quick look at what’s new on Instagram, Threads and X.
- Watermarking Reels on Instagram
- Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri confirmed that adding your own brand logo to Reels does not impact reach. It is important to remove any logos from other apps, like TikTok.
- Mobile analytics and profile switching on Threads
- Threads now offers analytics for mobile users on both iOS and Android, making it easier to track performance. Users can also now switch between accounts directly when they’re composing a Thread.
- X’s (formerly Twitter) block feature update
- X is updating how its block feature works, allowing accounts to continue to view posts from users who blocked them. Unlike other social media platforms where blocking fully restricts an account from viewing or interacting with the user’s content, X’s update allows blocked accounts to still view public posts. This change raises privacy concerns and could be especially troubling for people who rely on blocking for personal safety reasons.
How a ‘blast from the past’ could make your marketing more memorable
In October, we saw a surge of ads leaning into nostalgia around Halloween and that’ll only increase as the holiday season continues. Nostalgia allows us to tap into our positive emotions and memories and when used effectively in marketing, it encourages customers to associate those feelings with brands and products. In a season filled with digital noise, nostalgia-driven marketing messages can stand out.
Now you may be reading this and thinking, “Why is this relevant to my small business or nonprofit?” Nostalgia marketing isn’t just for major corporations. Small businesses and even nonprofits can make it work too. The key is to find themes that resonate with your audience’s experiences and memories. Think about incorporating nostalgic imagery, colors or language into your marketing to stir up feelings that remind customers of the community’s past. Blending classic elements with a modern twist can help you connect with both longtime fans and younger shoppers, making your brand feel relatable and fresh.
Here are some nostalgia marketing ideas you could try:
- Post “blast from the past” content, like old business photos, vintage items or fun facts from your early days. Even if your business is fairly new you can tap into the history of the industry you’re a part of. This old-school approach can stand out in a digital world.
- Send handwritten notes, thank-yous or mailed pieces for a memorable, old-school touch.
- Feature testimonials from long-time customers to show loyalty and evoke nostalgic connections.
Whether through social media or your storefront, letting nostalgia shine in your messaging can create a strong emotional connection without needing a huge budget. By grounding your marketing in what your audience holds dear, you can leverage the power of nostalgia and create a positive brand image that will last well beyond the holiday season.
If you have any questions about these topics or would like support in implementing these trends in your own marketing strategy, we’re here to help. We’re committed to helping you navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing with ease.
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us today to explore how working with Right Relations can help you stay ahead of the curve and bring joy back to your marketing efforts.