It looks like retailers will have some extra holiday cheer this selling season. According to the National Retail Federation, sales are expected to increase to $447.1 billion. To make sure you get your share of the holiday dollars, try spicing up your email campaigns with eye-catching multi-media. Here are a few holiday-inspired ideas and tips to help you transport readers into the holiday season:
· Dust off the decor. Spruce up your email template with snowflakes, red-capped reindeer, or candy canes. If you’re new to email marketing, look for an email marketing service that includes integrated editing capabilities. This cuts out the need for additional graphics programs that can be expensive and hard to use.
· Keep the merrymaking effortless. Be careful not to overdo the images to the point where your email appears cluttered or disjointed. Add a festive graphic and a few photos of popular gift items or a discount coupon that are hyperlinked to your site.
· Wrap it and tie the bow. People are watching 2 billion videos a day on YouTube. Take advantage of this medium by recording a short vignette of top sellers on your smartphone or Flip Video camera. Or include demos spotlighting new appliances for chefs, equipment for sports enthusiasts, and tools for DIYers.
· Don’t forget the gift tag. If you want recipients to check out a video or audio clip, provide a link to it in your email. Embed the video on your Website, your Facebook page, and other Websites. This way you don’t have to worry about slow Internet-enabled phone connections and emails that don't automatically display graphics.
· Sign the card. Finally, remember to put your logo, brand image, and tagline at the top of every email and at the beginning and end of your video. It reinforces your brand with subscribers and provides another level of assurance that this is valid and coming from you—someone your customers trust.
Mélanie Attia is the product marketing manager for email marketing solutions provider Campaigner.
