14 Holiday Marketing Ideas to Elevate Your Direct Mail Campaign

The holidays are a busy time of year for consumers and businesses alike. Customers focus on finding the perfect gift and organizing family gatherings, whereas businesses launch holiday marketing campaigns. There is more need for your products and services and more competition.

It can be challenging to stand out. 

Direct mail campaigns are a highly effective way to differentiate yourself from the competition and connect with customers. In this post, we describe 14 marketing ideas that you can use to elevate your holiday campaign with direct mail. 

1. Holiday gift guides

Gift guides are an invaluable resource for your customers over the holiday season. These guides showcase your products and services, making it easy for customers to find the perfect presents for their loved ones. Be sure to include high-quality images, compelling descriptions, and special offers. 

2. 12 days of goodies

This tip is a twist on the famous “12 Days of Christmas.” Shower your customers with festive goodies and freebies in the days leading up to the holiday. These include exclusive access to unique content, product samples, free merchandise, gift cards, and discount codes.

3. Letters from Santa

Instead of sending your wishlist to Santa, have Santa contact your customers with recommendations. 

It is a fun, whimsical idea that will make your customers smile. You can design the letter, so the typeface looks handwritten. We also suggest using a slightly thicker paper that feels important and befitting Kris Kringle!

4. Personalized greeting cards

Send your customers personalized greeting cards this holiday season to make them feel special. Cards are a touching, timeless way to connect with your customers personally. At Troi Mailing Services, we can customize your direct mailers for your upcoming holiday direct mail campaign.

5. Oversized direct mail

Using unique shapes and sizes is one way to capture consumers’ attention. After all, your holiday mailer is more likely to stand out in the mail. 

Oversized direct mail, in particular, is an incredibly effective way to divert the recipient’s attention away from your competitor’s standard-sized mailers. 

Given the extra competition during the holiday season, you need to work smarter to stand out.

6. Special & limited-time offers 

Special and limited-time offers create a sense of urgency and exclusivity during the holiday season. 

They can also drive excitement and generate buzz. Plus, consumers search for bargains when purchasing gifts for family members, friends, and co-workers. It means they will be extra appreciative of any specials or discounts.

7. Countdown calendar

A countdown calendar is another fantastic way to create excitement and interest among your customer base. The calendar marks the days leading up to Christmas or a special holiday sale. 

A surprise promotion, exclusive offer, or engaging activity is revealed daily. These calendars are fun and interactive- perfect for incentivizing customers to engage with your direct mail.

8. Storytelling mailers

The holidays are the perfect time to deepen your relationship with customers. You can share touching stories about your brand, employees, or long-term customers. 

You can also share about the behind-the-scenes of your business, such as a peek at “Santa’s workshop. 

These personal tales foster an emotional connection with your audience and showcase the human side of your business. ”

9. Thank you notes

Throughout the holidays, we are reminded to give thanks for all the good things in our lives. And where would your business be without its amazing customers? By sending a thank you note to your audience, you let them know you appreciate their continued support and patronage. 

A simple acknowledgement, like a postcard, will make your customers feel valued and important.

10. Gift cards

Gift cards give existing and potential customers an extra incentive to shop with your business. They might even re-gift your gift card to loved ones as a stocking stuffer or part of a Secret Santa at the office. 

Be sure to include an expiry date on the gift card, so they’re reminded to shop before the holiday deals vanish until next year!

11. Festive contests

Try running a festive contest as your next direct mail campaign. Contests add an element of excitement, and the possibility of winning a prize encourages participation. 

It’s an effective way to generate engagement. Plus, infusing contests with the holiday spirit with festive themes and seasonal prizes is easy and fun.

12. Charitable initiatives

The holidays aren’t just about receiving presents and celebrating with loved ones. They’re also about giving back. As a business, demonstrating that you also care about giving back is immensely valuable. Doing so builds customer loyalty, strengthens your brand’s image, and deepens your connection to your community. 

During your next direct mail campaign, share information about your chosen charity or cause and encourage your customers to get involved.

13. Holiday Tips

Consumers are always looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate (or get through) the holiday season. Your direct mail pieces could provide practical, helpful, or inspiring ideas about your services or products. It is a great way to provide valuable information while promoting your business.

14. Interactive mailers

Interactive direct mailers are a highly effective way to generate engagement, no matter the time of year. Scratch-off discounts, pop-up surprises, and hidden messages can help your mailers stand out during the holidays. These creative touches make your direct mail piece memorable.

Holiday Mail Advertising with Trail Mailing Services

A direct mail campaign generates interest and sales during the holiday season. The direct mail experts at Troi Mailing Services are ready to fulfill your holiday campaign. 

We can handle every campaign element, from design to mail fulfilment. Contact us today to learn more.

To develop your holiday direct mail campaign in Toronto, call Troi Mailing Services at 1-866-486-0423 or contact us here.