The holidays are fast approaching, and social media is already buzzing with anticipation. As we get closer to the festive season, people are increasingly turning to online platforms for inspiration, connection, and early holiday preparations.
This pre-holiday period presents a valuable opportunity for brands to engage with their audience in meaningful ways.
In this post, we’ll explore four key holiday social media trends and how tapping into them can help your brand stand out and connect with your audience as excitement builds for the holiday season.
Short-Form Videos
TikTok and Reels are making waves this holiday season. These quick videos are perfect for catching people’s attention as they scroll through social media.
You can highlight your products in short, fun videos like ‘5 Stocking Stuffers Under $20’ or ‘Last-Minute Gifts for Dad’. People also love seeing what goes on behind the scenes.
Sharing how you prepare for the holidays or make your products helps people feel more connected to your brand.
Add some holiday-themed music to make your videos more enjoyable. Pick tunes that match the festive mood. Holiday challenges are a fun way to engage as well. They’re easy to share and can help more people discover your brand.
People often prefer authentic, unpolished videos over super polished ones. Just use your phone, get creative, and start filming.
This can help you connect with more people and potentially boost your sales during the holidays.
Read more: Which is Better: Short-Form vs. Long-Form Video Content?
User-Generated Content
The holiday season is all about sharing, and that includes on social media. People trust what other people say about products and experiences, which is why user-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful tool in your marketing strategy.
UGC feels genuine. It’s real people enjoying your products or services during the holidays. This authenticity resonates with potential customers who are looking for honest recommendations.
Holiday photo contests are a great way to kick things off. Ask customers to share photos of how they’re using your products in their holiday celebrations.
It could be anything from decorating with your items to giving them as gifts.
Creating a unique hashtag is another smart move to make it easy for people to share their holiday experiences with your brand.
Choose something catchy and specific to your business. For example, if you sell cozy blankets, you might use #SnuggleUpForTheHolidays.
The key is to make sharing simple and fun. Clearly explain how to participate, what kind of content you’re looking for, and any potential rewards. Maybe the best photos get featured on your main page or win a small prize.
Storytelling with Instagram and Facebook Stories
Instagram and Facebook Stories offer a unique way to cut through the noise and connect with your audience.
People love stories, especially during the holidays. Stories can spark emotions, create connections, and stick in people’s minds.
On social media, they’re a great way to showcase your brand’s personality and values.
Try running a story series with a holiday theme. A “12 Days of Giving” campaign could work well.
Each day, share a new story featuring a product, a special offer, or a behind-the-scenes look at your holiday prep. This keeps people coming back to see what’s next.
Make your stories interactive. Use polls to ask followers which product they prefer or what they want to see next.
Questions can spark conversations – ask about their holiday traditions or gift-giving plans. This engagement helps people feel part of your brand’s holiday journey.
Use bright, festive colors to catch the eye as people swipe through their feeds. Stickers and GIFs can add a fun, holiday touch without being over the top. Just make sure they fit your brand’s style.
Since stories disappear after 24 hours, they’re perfect for time-sensitive offers or updates.
Use them to create a sense of urgency around your holiday promotions or to share quick, in-the-moment content that feels fresh and current.
Community-Focused Content
Social media offers a great way to tap into this local spirit and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Your social media posts should reflect what’s happening around Acadiana. Share local holiday events or feature local products in your holiday gift guides.
Encourage your followers to share their own holiday experiences in Lafayette and the surrounding areas.
You could ask them to post photos of their favorite local holiday spots or share family recipes for traditional Cajun holiday dishes.
Use a local-themed hashtag to gather all these posts in one place.
Even if in-person events are limited, you can still bring the community together online. Host a virtual Cajun cook-along, organize an online holiday market showcasing local artisans, or run a holiday decoration contest where people share photos of their festive homes.
Another way to connect is by using your social media to support local causes during the holidays. Highlight local charities or organize a virtual fundraiser.
This shows your commitment to the community and gives your followers a chance to join in on doing good.
These ideas are here for you to try out. Start small, see what resonates with your audience, and build from there. Every brand is unique, so what works for others might need tweaking to fit your style.
Read more: Using Video Content to Stand Out in Holiday Social Media Campaigns
If you’re looking for some expert help, we’re here for you. As a leading social media marketing company in Acadiana, we know how to make these trends work for your business. We also offer free consultations to help you plan your social media strategy.
Get in touch, and let’s make your holiday social media something to celebrate.