With billions of emails flooding inboxes daily, standing out requires more than festive cheer. Yet, the rewards are substantial: holiday retail sales in the US reached nearly $957 billion in 2023, and 79% of consumers plan to spend more or maintain their spending this year.
Brands must craft strategic, captivating holiday campaigns to capture the hearts and wallets of eager shoppers. This guide offers 20+ proven holiday email marketing strategies, backed by real-world holiday email marketing examples to inspire your next campaign!
10+ Proven Holiday Email Marketing Strategies in 2024
This holiday eCommerce season, generic holiday greetings won't cut it. With 90% of shoppers more likely to engage with brands that deliver tailored messages, consumers crave personalized experiences that resonate with their unique needs.
These 10+ proven strategies will help you break through the noise and connect with your customers on a deeper level!
1. Tailor Holiday Emails with Segments
Don't miss out on the power of personalization. According to Sales Manago, nearly 80% of holiday marketing ROI stems from segmented, targeted, and triggered campaigns.
Instead of sending generic holiday newsletters to your entire list, segment your audience based on demographics, purchase history, and engagement levels. By tailoring your holiday email marketing, you'll see a significant boost in open rates, click-through rates, and ultimately, conversions.
How to Tailor Holiday Emails
Begin by segmenting your audience into groups, such as new customers, loyal shoppers, cart abandoners, or those who haven't engaged in a while. For instance, offer exclusive discounts to repeat buyers while sending new customers a special "welcome" holiday offer.
Shopify's built-in customer segmentation feature automates the process of categorizing customers based on data points such as past purchases or browsing behavior.
Case in Point
J.Crew's targeted holiday email marketing campaign in 2022 yielded impressive results. By offering loyal customers early access to sales and new subscribers a 20% discount, the retailer saw click-through rates double and overall conversions soar.
2. Automate Holiday Email Marketing
Automation is a game-changer during the hectic holiday eCommerce season. By streamlining processes and ensuring consistent communication, automated holiday newsletters generate 320% more revenue than manual ones.
Merchants can create personalized workflows that run independently, delivering timely and relevant messages to customers without overwhelming their teams.
How to Automate Holiday Emails
- Select an email marketing platform that offers robust automation features. Popular options include Mailchimp, AiTrillion, or Omnisend.
- Design workflows that trigger emails based on specific customer actions, such as abandoned carts, purchases, or sign-ups.
💡 Recommended tools:
- AiTrillion: Boost engagement with their holiday email marketing modules. Enjoy 20% OFF for one year!
- Omnisend: Leverage powerful automation to grow your business on autopilot. Get 10% OFF the first 3 months of a paid plan.
Case in Point
Everlane, the apparel brand, automated its holiday email marketing by sending personalized abandoned cart emails. This simple strategy boosted their recovery rate by 67%.
3. Create Personalized Holiday Email Experiences
Personalization directly impacts customer engagement and loyalty. According to Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that tailor their interactions.
While generic holiday newsletters often get lost in the noise, personalized content can boost open rates and conversions by making customers feel valued and understood.
How to Create Personalized Email
- Use customer data such as purchase history, browsing behavior, and location to craft emails that resonate with them.
- Always address customers by name in the subject line or email body. A simple "Hi [Name]" can make all the difference.
- Show you know them. Send gift recommendations or exclusive holiday offers based on their past purchases or browsing patterns.
Case in Point
Amazon's holiday email marketing is a masterclass in personalization. They curate product recommendations based on your browsing history, making holiday newsletters feel uniquely yours.
This attention to detail drives sky-high open rates and conversions, contributing to Amazon's dominant position in the online retail market. As of 2024, they have over 300 million active customers worldwide, and in the U.S., Amazon holds a remarkable 37.6% share.
4. Compelling Holiday Email Subject Lines
Your holiday email's subject line is its digital first impression. A strong subject line can make or break your campaign. HubSpot data shows that 64% of recipients open or delete emails based on this single element. So, craft a compelling one to stand out.
How to Craft Irresistible Subject Lines
- Aim for subject lines between 6-10 words to grab attention quickly.
- Include time-sensitive words, such as "limited-time offer" or "today only".
- Add a personal touch by including the customer's name or a detail from their past interaction.
- Use festive emojis to add personality, but ensure they fit your brand tone.
Holiday email marketing examples:
- Hi Sophia, Your exclusive offer awaits! 🎁 Limited-time only.
- Hey James, Don't miss out! 🎉 Your personalized gift inside.
- Last chance, Jess! ⏰ Grab your favorite before they're gone.
💥 Save time on subject lines - get BFCM high open-rate templates now!
Case in Point
EyeBuyDirect's subject line, "Welcome Gift! Offer Inside 👀," is a captivating example. The intriguing use of "gift" and the playful emoji instantly grab attention. By promising an exclusive offer, they create a sense of anticipation and encourage recipients to open the email.
5. Curate Holiday Gift Guides
Holiday gift guides offer a streamlined shopping experience during the hectic holiday eCommerce season. Curating thoughtful selections, these guides comfort the overwhelming feeling of endless options. For shoppers, they provide personalized recommendations. For merchants, they establish your brand as a trusted authority and boost sales across various product categories.
How to Craft Gift Guides
- Craft personalized gift guides tailored to your customer's demographics, interests, or past purchases (e.g., "Gifts for Her," "Gifts Under $50," or "Luxury Gifts").
- Highlight top-selling and trending products to capture the holiday spirit.
- Offer a diverse selection to accommodate various budgets, ensuring something for everyone.
- Enliven your gift guide with high-quality images and captivating descriptions that bring each gift to life.
For more expert advice, explore our free holiday gifts guide on Shopify.
Case in Point
Sephora's targeted holiday email marketing, such as "Best Gifts Under $25" and "Luxury Beauty Gifts," helped customers discover perfect presents within their budget. This approach boosted conversions by offering shoppers clear and relevant recommendations for everyone on their list.
6. Capitalize on Forgotten Holiday Opportunities
While BFCM steals the show, lesser-known holidays offer hidden gems. Green Monday, Free Shipping Day, and Singles' Day have gained significant traction. Green Monday, for instance, generated over $1.5 billion in online sales in the U.S.
Merchants can gain a competitive edge by capitalizing on these overlooked holidays and extending their best holiday sales season.
How to Tap Into Forgotten Holidays
- Research less prominent shopping days, such as Green Monday (December 9) or Free Shipping Day (December 14). Analyze industry trends, competitor tactics, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities.
- Tailor holiday email marketing campaigns and promotions around these holidays to stand out when competition is less intense.
- Provide free shipping, early-bird discounts, or limited-time bundles that resonate with the holiday spirit.
- Amplify your reach with social media, holiday newsletter, and website banners to raise awareness about these less popular shopping days.
Case in Point
BlendJet's strategic use of tiered discounts on Green Monday incentivizes bulk purchases and appeals to last-minute shoppers seeking timely Christmas delivery. This unique approach positions BlendJet as a compelling alternative to the traditional BFCM rush.
7. Launch Early-Bird Holiday Sales
Early-bird shoppers, 49% of whom research extensively, benefit from early holiday sales. Merchants can capture these pre-planned shoppers, avoiding the last-minute rush. Early sales secure the best holiday sales before competitors intensify while optimizing inventory and shipping for a smoother holiday season.
How to Launch Early-Bird Sales
- Announce the sale early and emphasize the limited-time nature of the offer.
- Offer exclusive deals and discounts to reward those who shop early.
- Maximize reach by promoting the sale across all channels, including holiday email marketing, social media, and website banners.
- Highlight that these discounts may not return closer to the holidays, encouraging shoppers to act quickly.
Case in Point
Ralph Lauren's Black Friday email offers tiered discounts (20% up to £350, 30% for higher spending) to encourage early purchases. This creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, streamlining the buying process with a clear call-to-action and personalized discount code.
8. Maximize Revenue with Post-Holiday Campaigns
The holiday shopping season doesn’t end on December 25th. As consumers redeem gift cards, return items, and seek deals, businesses can extend sales and clear inventory. With 45% of consumers enjoying post-Christmas shopping, post-holiday email marketing campaigns offer a strategic way to maintain engagement and boost sales.
How to Maximize Post-Holiday Sales
- Drive gift card redemption by offering discounts or limited-time offers to cardholders.
- Clear out holiday inventory with clearance or flash sales, creating space for new arrivals.
- Nurture customers who returned items by sending personalized follow-up emails with enticing offers or product recommendations.
- Re-engage past holiday shoppers by sending targeted holiday email marketing campaigns with tailored offers or recommendations based on their purchase history.
Case in Point
Shutterfly's "Merry Everything Sale" extends the shopping season with a 50% discount and "Ends Soon" urgency. Free shipping on orders over $49 motivates purchases, capturing customers seeking last-minute deals or using holiday gift cards.
9. Optimize Holiday Emails for Mobile Devices
Given that 53% of emails are opened on mobile devices, optimizing your holiday email marketing for mobile is imperative.
With busy schedules during the holiday eCommerce season, consumers increasingly check their emails on the go. If your email isn't mobile-friendly, you risk losing engagement and sales due to poor readability or navigation. This can lead to higher bounce rates and missed opportunities.
How to Optimize for Mobile
- Ensure your holiday email marketing is responsive to fit different screen sizes seamlessly.
- Keep subject lines concise, ideally between 30 -40 characters, for optimal visibility on mobile screens.
- Place a prominent, easy-to-click CTA button that’s large enough for mobile users.
- Optimize images for swift loading by compressing them to prevent users from abandoning slow-loading emails.
- Before sending, always preview your holiday newsletter on mobile devices to verify that everything displays and functions correctly.
🌟 Learn more:
- 5 Best Solutions to Build Ecommerce Mobile Websites
- How to Boost Mobile Optimization for Your Shopify Store
- Mobile Marketing: Tailoring Web Design for Today's Digital Consumers
Case in Point
Lancôme's holiday email marketing is mobile-optimized perfection. Featuring large, legible fonts and a clear 'Redeem Now' call-to-action, the design caters perfectly to mobile users. The email's concise layout, complete with visually appealing product images and a streamlined cart summary, simplifies the shopping process on mobile devices.
10. Speed Up Holiday Email Creation with Templates
Holiday seasons demand swift action. Building holiday email marketing campaigns from scratch can be a major time drain.
Email templates offer a streamlined solution. They let merchants save time on design and formatting, and maintain a consistent brand identity across all holiday marketing materials.
With templates in place, you can concentrate on crafting compelling content and delivering time-sensitive holiday campaigns with speed and efficiency.
How to Win with Email Templates
- Streamline your holiday marketing by using pre-built templates from leading email marketing tools.
- Adjust colors, images, and copy to match your brand's holiday theme while maintaining flexibility for various messages.
- Build a collection of reusable templates for different email types, such as promotions, product recommendations, and reminders.
- Regularly test your templates across devices and email clients to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
💡 Recommended tools:
- AiTrillion: Boost engagement with their holiday email marketing modules. Enjoy 20% OFF for one year!
- Omnisend: Leverage powerful automation to grow your business on autopilot. Get 10% OFF the first 3 months of a paid plan.
Case in Point
Beauty brand Glossier uses a variety of festive email templates during the holiday eCommerce season, including product showcases, gift guides, and exclusive offers. These templates maintain a consistent brand image while expediting campaign deployment. By relying on templates, Glossier delivers high-quality, visually appealing emails without sacrificing efficiency.
How to Combat Post-Holiday Churn
Post-holiday churn is a common retail challenge. Many customers, especially one-time buyers (often over 50%), tend to disengage after the holiday rush.
To combat churn and encourage repeat purchases, retailers must focus on re-engaging customers. This involves personalized follow-ups, loyalty incentives, and exceptional post-purchase experiences.
🔥 FoxKit AIO Sales Boost is a powerful tool designed to reduce churn and increase the best holiday sales. Trusted by over 12,000 stores, FoxKit offers a suite of advanced features, including:
- Product Bundles, Volume Discounts, and Pre-purchase Offers - all proven to increase average order value (AOV).
- In-cart Upsell drives impulse purchases with targeted suggestions.
- Pop-up, Back-in-stock Alerts, and Lucky Wheel enhance the shopping experience and encourage repeat purchases.
- Advanced Analytics to track upsell and cross-sell performance and optimize your holiday marketing efforts.
Success Story: Flaska, a leader in sustainable hydration, doubled their AOV and increased conversion rates by 10% with FoxKit.
🎁 Limited-time offer: Get 20% OFF for 3 months with the code BFCM2024WIN. Offer ends December 24, 2024.
Prepping for Holiday Email Marketing
Picture your inbox flooded with orders as customers eagerly await your holiday specials. With a well-crafted holiday email marketing strategy, this dream can become a reality.
By applying the strategies we've discussed - personalization, segmentation, early-bird promotions, and automation - you'll craft a truly exceptional customer experience. Your brand will stand out, and your sales will soar.
Don't let this opportunity slip away. Take action now and position your brand as the go-to destination for holiday shopping!
