How to Engage Fans After the Holidays

The clock doesn’t stop on December 26 – that’s easy to forget in the midst of holiday planning. Don’t make the mistake of going radio silent on social.

Create content and offers that engage consumers during that post-Christmas lull, and keep them loyal all year. Here’s how you keep your social marketing going strong after the holidays.

Ask fans to share their favorite gifts

Even when the holidays end, the holiday hype doesn’t. Fans still buzz about the gifts they received days after the celebrations wind down, giving you a great opportunity to showcase your products. Run a Photo Contest asking fans to share their favorite gifts with captions telling you why they loved them. Their friends are sure to read the positive reviews and check out the products for themselves.

Get ahead of the “return and exchange” rush

Not everyone will love with their presents this year. Let fans know they can trade in the duds. Create a Look Book of your bestselling items, and encourage your fans to purchase the must-haves they didn’t receive as gifts. It’s also the perfect way to promote your post-holiday discounts.

Play upon New Year’s resolutions

Your fans have cast aside the holiday treats and pledged to do better in 2014. Play into the spirit of self-improvement with campaigns that help them stick to their goals.

24 Hour Fitness asked fans to write about their New Years resolutions in 500 words or less for a chance to win a product that could help them stick to their goals.

Encourage them to share goals, progress and inspirations. Highlight fans making positive changes. And run giveaways for health-and wellness-related products – either from your brand or a partner.

Get the sale – and then foster a relationship

Once your customers fill their shopping carts and click “buy” on your website, they’re entering into a long-term relationship with your brand. Cultivate it with conversations on Facebook and Twitter. Ask them about their purchases and encourage online reviews. Run refer-a-friend programs that reward them for advocating your brand.

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