Why You Should Start Planning Your Christmas Marketing in August
It might still be summer, but if you run a business, now is the perfect time to start thinking about Christmas. Many small businesses wait until November to plan their festive marketing, but by then, it’s a rush to compete with larger businesses who’ve had their campaigns in place for months. Starting in August gives you time to plan carefully, be creative, and make the most of the biggest retail opportunity of the year.
Here’s why early planning pays off:
You’ll have a clear timeline
Mapping out your festive promotions now means you can build up slowly through September, October, and November, rather than panic-launching a campaign at the last minute. Early planning helps you keep control of stock levels, delivery times, and lead generation.
You can secure the best advertising spots
Magazines, online platforms, and even local events book up quickly for Christmas placements. By planning now, you can grab those premium spots before they go – and often at a better price.
Your audience will hear you clearly
Shoppers start looking for gifts earlier every year. If you’ve already started your campaign by October, you’re more likely to catch them when they’re still undecided, and before they’re overwhelmed by offers and ads.
You can create thoughtful, festive offers
Bundles, gift guides, festive packaging, limited editions, all take time to create. Planning ahead means your Christmas offering will feel considered and valuable, not rushed or last-minute.
You’ll avoid supply issues
If you need printed materials, product packaging, or new stock, ordering early helps avoid delays, and ensures you’re ready for Black Friday, Christmas shopping and last-minute panic buyers.
A simple Christmas prep checklist for August:
• Review last year’s festive performance
• Set goals and decide on promotions
• Design gift bundles or offers
• Plan your social media and email campaign schedule
• Book print or digital adverts early
Don’t let Christmas sneak up on you. Planning now means less stress, more impact, and better sales.
