Plan Now, Win Later: Why Smart Brands Start Their Holiday Advertising Early
As the temperature climbs and we settle into the rhythm of summer, the last thing on most people’s minds is the holiday season. But for savvy marketers and brand managers, July is exactly when the groundwork for successful holiday campaigns should begin.
Why Now? Because Everyone Shops Early
Consumer habits have shifted dramatically in recent years. Holiday shoppers aren’t waiting until Black Friday anymore — many start browsing for gifts as early as October. In fact, surveys show that nearly half of holiday shoppers begin ticking off their lists before Halloween. That means your brand needs to be top-of-mind well before the first snowfall.
Planning Ahead Gives You the Edge
Smart brands know that the holiday season is crowded and noisy. If you want your message to cut through, you need time to craft campaigns that are thoughtful, creative, and well-targeted. Early planning allows you to:
Secure the best placements: The best media inventory — whether it’s digital billboards, high-traffic out-of-home screens, social media slots, or premium TV spots — books up fast for Q4.
Align creative and messaging: Great campaigns require collaboration across teams and channels. Starting now means you’ll have time to test messages, fine-tune visuals, and ensure consistency.
Optimize budgets: Early booking can unlock better rates and prevent last-minute budget blowouts.
Don’t Overlook Outdoor Advertising
While digital ads and social media get much of the spotlight, outdoor advertising remains one of the most effective ways to reach holiday shoppers when they’re out and about — running errands, commuting, or visiting festive events.
Dynamic digital signs like Soofa Signs, for example, put your brand in front of people in walkable neighborhoods, shopping districts, and city centers — exactly where holiday shoppers are making lists and spending money. Early planning means you can target your placements to match foot traffic patterns, seasonal events, and local festivities.
Think Beyond One-Off Ads
A strong holiday campaign isn’t just a single splashy ad. It’s a multi-touch journey that builds excitement, trust, and action. Starting now means you can map out a strategy that carries your audience from early awareness through consideration to purchase — and maybe even repeat purchases in the new year.
How to Get Started
Ready to get ahead? Here’s where to focus this month:
✅ Review last year’s results — what worked, what didn’t?
✅ Pin down your goals and key messages.
✅ Secure your media placements, especially high-impact outdoor and digital spots.
✅ Plan creative production timelines.
✅ Coordinate with partners, vendors, and internal teams to keep everyone aligned.
The Bottom Line
Holiday advertising success isn’t about scrambling in November — it’s about planting seeds now. Brands that plan early will have the best placements, the strongest creative, and the highest share of voice when it matters most.
So while the sun’s still shining, pour yourself an iced coffee and get your holiday campaign rolling. Your future self — and your Q4 revenue — will thank you.