Get Ready to Own the 2024/25 Silly Season
As the year speeds to a close, businesses across the globe are preparing for some of the most lucrative marketing opportunities of the year: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and Boxing Day. While these may have started as traditionally American holidays, Australian brands are now seizing the massive potential they hold to boost sales, grow their audiences, and strengthen customer relationships.
Whether you’re a B2B powerhouse or a B2C brand, now’s the time to prepare, strategise, and position yourself to thrive during the next few months of holiday madness. Here’s how to make the most of what’s to come.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Australia’s Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no longer just American phenomena—they’re now international events, and Australia has jumped on board with both feet.
In 2023, Australia witnessed significant growth in Black Friday sales
“There were rises in all retail industries in November, but it was spending on discretionary goods boosted by Black Friday sales that drove most of the increase. Household goods retailing rose 7.5 per cent, followed by department stores (4.2 per cent); clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (2.7 per cent); and other retailing (1.1 per cent).” ABS
In 2024, that number is set to soar even higher as businesses and consumers alike lean into deals amidst the rising cost of living.
For B2C businesses, this is the time to roll out irresistible discounts, seamless online shopping experiences, and polished ad campaigns.
But for B2B businesses, the opportunity is just as critical. These sales events are an excellent time to lock in partnerships, upgrade your clients’ services, or offer early-bird pricing on 2025 offerings.
The key?
- Understand your audience’s pain points (consumers or businesses) and position your products or services as their perfect solution.
- Use clear, compelling calls to action with a focus on urgency—don’t let them miss out.
Christmas & Boxing Day: Capitalising on Holiday Spending
Christmas has earned its title as the Silly Season for good reason. In 2023, Australians spent $75 billion leading up to Christmas, and Boxing Day alone saw $1.2 billion in spending—a 15% increase from the previous year.
Total gift budgets for 2024 averaged $468 (up from $388 in 2023), with food and drink budgets sitting at $406 (up from $306 in 2023). Pureprofile
For both B2C and B2B brands, this is prime time to shine.
For B2C Brands:
- Cater to gift-givers. Create curated bundles or gift cards that make buying simple and stress-free.
- Embrace the festive spirit. Use storytelling and visuals that connect emotionally with your audience.
For B2B Brands:
- Use this time to connect with your business clients as they prepare for the year ahead. Offer discounts on long-term partnerships or tools that help them hit the ground running in 2025.
- Send “thank you” campaigns to existing clients to foster goodwill and position your business as their go-to solution provider.
The Key to Success: Checking Your List Twice
If you want to make the most of the silly season, preparation is everything. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to dominate:
Optimise Your Website
- Make sure your website is ready for a surge in visitors. This applies to both retail checkouts and client lead forms. Create dedicated landing pages to direct traffic straight to your seasonal offers.
Smooth Promo Codes
- Whether it’s a customer-facing coupon or a referral discount for businesses, make sure everything works perfectly. The last thing you want is abandoned carts or frustrated customers.
Compelling Visuals and Copy
- This is where B2B and B2C overlap. From holiday reels to social carousels, make your visuals and messaging festive and engaging. B2B brands can lean on professional storytelling and tailored messaging for corporate partners.
Amp Up Customer Service
- Prepare for an influx of queries by ensuring your teams—whether sales or service—have all the tools they need. Arm them with key product/service details and the ability to resolve issues quickly.
Engage Early and Often
- Plan email marketing campaigns, build buzz on social media, and engage with your audience ahead of time to create momentum that lasts through the season.
Don’t Forget the Power of Connection
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the race for sales, but remember: the relationships you build now can lead to long-term loyalty. B2C businesses can use the silly season to forge emotional connections, while B2B businesses can solidify trust and partnerships with strategic touchpoints.
Make 2024/25 Your Best Year Yet
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and Boxing Day present unparalleled opportunities for both B2C and B2B businesses. But they don’t just happen—you need a strategy, a plan, and the right tools to make the most of the holiday madness.
If you’re ready to own this silly season and set the tone for a strong start to 2025, we’re here to help. At Digital Marketing AOK, we thrive on taking businesses to the next level with powerful, tailored strategies that drive results.
Let’s grab a coffee and talk about how to make this holiday season your most successful yet.
