It is almost that time of year again—the time when the streets are decked with lights and joy is all around. The holiday season is around the corner, and with it comes the bittersweet joy and stress of gift buying. Indeed, research suggests that holiday shoppers these days start planning, curating, and buying gifts as early as October.

Consumer spending during the upcoming holiday season is forecasted to increase by 40% compared to the previous year, fueled by an impressive 2 billion shoppers. This presents a huge opportunity for brands to substantially increase their brand awareness and engagement while meeting their year-end goals.

However, the festive season shopping landscape can be fiercely competitive, with many brands vying for consumer attention. So, in such a saturated market ecosystem, how can a brand make sure it makes it to the top of the holiday shopping gift list?

The Digital Advantage

To answer this question, it is critical to understand the pivotal role digital advertising plays in the modern shopper’s purchase journey. According to research, more than half of the shoppers are influenced by digital ads, with a huge chunk motivated to buy a product or service after seeing relevant discounts or promotions. Not only that, 70% have purchased a gift on a website after viewing a digital ad.

Digital advertising can help you achieve your targeted success metrics multiple times over, delivering a strong return on investment and boosting your bottom line. Here are four digital advertising favorites you must not miss out on this holiday season:

1. Video Advertisement

In the arena of insatiable audiences constantly glued to digital screens, it has become increasingly tougher to capture the attention of the viewers, especially during the holiday season. While the global advertising market has faced a significant slowdown in growth in the last 5 years, the digital video advertising market is projected to grow at a monumental rate of 5.83% year-on-year rate.

With 80% of internet traffic being contributed by video streaming and 4 billion videos being watched every day, the power of video advertising cannot be overstated. It comes as a little surprise that video ads have emerged as an effective method to capture the elusive attention of the target audience.

In fact, recent research suggests that over ⅓ shoppers were included to purchase a product or service after watching a video ad. As shoppers turn their attention to digital platforms like YouTube, videos can be utilized to provide a captivating and memorable experience. Research by Personify suggests that 88% of marketers agree that video marketing has amplified their Return of Interest (ROI), leading to increased brand awareness, recall, and engagement.

2. Hyper-personalized Ads

In an age where consumers are constantly bombarded by advertisements, hyper-personalized ads are the way to go if your brand wants to stand out. By tailoring your advertising content according to the subjective preferences of the consumer and utilizing contextual cues, brands can deliver ads that foster deeper and more meaningful connections with the target holiday shoppers.

According to research, 91% of holiday shoppers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and discounts. While contextual advertising can be an effective method of delivering personalized digital ads, it is often limited to broad topics or keywords, making granular targeting complicated. This is where advertising leveraging the power of contextual AI comes in.

AI-driven contextual hyper-personalization analyzes user content to identify contextual cues like themes, sentiment patterns, and topics that resonate with holiday shoppers. It then aligns advertisements to relevant context, brand messaging, and goals. Therefore, by leveraging the power of hyper-personalized ads, you can add a personal touch to the brand campaign, creating a more meaningful and effective holiday marketing campaign.

3. Interactive Ads

Another advertising favorite that is primed to trend this holiday season amongst brands is interactive video advertising. As per a study conducted by the State of Video Marketing Report, 17% of marketers intend to incorporate an interactive video marketing strategy this festive season.

But what do we mean by interactive ads? Interactive video ads are the ones that turn the viewers from passive spectators into active participants by smoothly integrating touchpoints like quizzes, clickable features, etc. By removing the gap between the advertisement and the spectator, this innovative ad format effectively captures the attention of an easily distracted online audience. Let’s briefly look at a few statistics that showcase the advantages of using interactive video ad formats.

• Interactive Adverts lead to a 47% increase in time spent with the ad
• Click-through rates on interaction videos are 10X higher than on passive video
• 32% of consumers are more likely to remember an interactive even if they don’t engage with it, unlike a traditional ad.

4. QR-enabled CTV

A new form of advertising that has shaken the digital advertising world to the core is QR-enabled connected TV (CTV). While traditional CTV was being used by brands for quite a while for advertising, the platform lacked user interaction and creativity. Two obstacles QR-enabled CTV ads are here to resolve.

Bridging the gap between the audience and the ad, this ad format allows users to interact and take immediate action and is increasingly becoming the new Call-to-Action (CTA). As per Flowcode 2023, 48% of consumers are likely to scan a QR code to learn more about the product or service advertised. By combining the massive reach of the TV with the interactivity of digital ads, QR-enabled connected ads are primed to curate the most engaging ads, helping brands craft deeper connections.

Final Thoughts

As the holiday season draws nearer, it gives the ideal opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience in a deeper and more connected manner. While the technology in the digital landscape continues to evolve at Silverpush we endeavor to be at its forefront, guiding brands to new heights of success. By leveraging our holiday season digital ad favorites, you could have the key to a successful holiday advertising campaign in your hands.

Let’s be honest: the holiday season is a retailer’s Super Bowl. Shoppers are primed to spend, and with online sales projected to reach a colossal $957.3 billion in 2024 alone, the opportunity is bigger than ever. But in a sea of digital Santas and flashing “limited-time offers,” how do you make your brand stand out and capture those holiday dollars?

The answer lies in strategic, engaging, and downright irresistible video ads. We’re not talking about slapping a bow on a product image and calling it a day. This is about crafting a holiday campaign that resonates with shoppers, builds excitement, and drives those coveted conversions. Think about it: 87% of consumers say they make faster purchase decisions when shopping on YouTube. That’s where your audience is, and that’s where your ads need to be.

If you are one of those who want to turn their holiday campaigns into a profit-generating sleigh ride, then we have a few holiday advertising strategies that might work well for your brand. However, before we do that, let’s clarify a few things that you should know.

Why Video Ads Are Your Holiday Cheer Squad

Remember those heartwarming holiday commercials that would draw you to the TV? There’s a reason those brands invested in video, and it’s the same reason why video needs to be a cornerstone of your holiday advertising arsenal:

Emotions Sell

Video lets you tell stories, raise those nice fuzzy feelings, and thereby create a connection that goes way beyond static pictures. And what’s more at the core of holidays, if not emotions? The nostalgia, the joy, the generosity—video helps get into those sentiments and makes your brand memorable.

Think of a classic holiday ad with a family coming together to decorate their home: the kids precariously hanging ornaments, the glowing-eyed adults lighting up the Christmas tree, and in the background, the warmth of a fireplace. Now, imagine just a single image within that very scene; it doesn’t quite fulfill it. Video brings that emotion alive!

Product Show-and-Tell

Videos are like your window into your digital storefront. You can showcase how your product works, outline key features, and answer common customer questions in a much more engaging way. You might not know this, but according to a study by Eyeview, adding videos to a landing page increases conversion rates by as much as 80%. That is no small potatoes, especially during the holiday rush.

Holiday Ad Hall of Fame: Campaigns That Still Sparkle

Need some creative fuel? Let’s take a page from the holiday ad playbooks of these iconic brands:

Coca-Cola

Those iconic red trucks, the heartwarming music, and the simplified message of holiday cheer: Coca-Cola’s “Holidays Are Coming” campaign is pretty much synonymous with the season. What do you get? Consistent branding, a spoonful of happy nostalgia, and a jingle that burrows deep into everybody’s mind—yes, of course, in a good way!

The results? The Coca-Cola “Holidays Are Coming” campaign had captured global attention with its universal premise of joy and togetherness. For the UK, 44% of its people consider it the official start of the holiday season, and its catchy jingle stuck in the minds of 67% of viewers. Strong feelings evoked by this ad: 29% feel more nostalgic, 27% happy.

John Lewis

This British retailer has certainly got their act together when it comes to storytelling. Beautifully animated for the holidays with “The Bear and the Hare,” this ad is emotionally resonant and ridiculously share-worthy. In fact, it reminds us that holidays are all about more than just gifts; they’re about moments in time, shared.

The results? The John Lewis “Bear and the Hare” campaign was a major success, with over 12 million YouTube views. Additionally, themed merchandise, including soft toys and pajamas, sold out within 10 days, achieving a 97% sell-through rate.

Apple

Apple’s holiday ads are all about capturing the magic of creativity and self-expression. Their “Share Your Gifts” campaign wasn’t about pushing products; it was about celebrating the human spirit and the joy of sharing during the holidays.

The common thread? These campaigns tap into emotions, tell stories, and offer something relatable that goes beyond a sales pitch.

The results? Apple’s “Share Your Gifts” became the most-viewed Christmas ad of 2018, accumulating over 24 million YouTube views within a week of its release. As would be expected from such a highly appreciative and engaged audience, viewers loved the ad, with hardly any negative comments to be found.

Your Holiday Shopping Ad Battle Plan: Strategies That Deliver

If you’re ready to make this your most successful holiday season yet, here’s your checklist for developing holiday shopping ad campaigns that break through the holiday shopping crowd:

1. Don’t Be a Last-Minute Elf: Start Early!

This year, it’s more important than ever to be an early bird. With Thanksgiving falling later in November, you have five fewer shopping days between Cyber 5 and Christmas. Launching your holiday campaigns in September or October will allow you to capture those deliberate shoppers who start their holiday planning early (34% began in July 2024!). Silverpush’s Mirrors solution can help your brand reach these early planners by targeting the most relevant online content and maximizing your campaign’s impact right from the start.

2. Get Personal: It’s Not You, It’s Me (Your Ads)

Nobody wants to feel like just another name on a mailing list. As 24% of consumers rank personalization as the most important factor for holiday shopping, and 83% of consumers are interested in customized offers. Personalizing your ads based on people’s online behaviors is essential. As cookieless solutions gain traction, AI’s contextual targeting ensures your ads appear in relevant online environments. Innovative video ads can further enhance these personalized messages, making them more engaging.

3. Win Back Those Wandering Shopping Carts

We’ve all been there—loading up those online carts only to get distracted before checkout. Retargeting ads are your best avenue for reminding them about the treasures left behind. You can rekindle the shopping spark with holiday-themed offers, free shipping, and even a discount code. Using Crafters, you can create engaging, interactive retargeting ads that remind customers of what they’re missing, driving them back to complete their purchases.

4. Embrace the Warmth of Nostalgia

There are very few things that tug at the heartstrings, like holiday nostalgia. Some real imagery, music, messaging—just delivering up those warm, fuzzy memories: think crackling fireplaces and fresh pine needles with classic holiday tunes playing in your mind.

5. Create a Little (Harmless) Urgency

“Limited-time offer!” “Don’t miss out!” These phrases are music to a shopper’s ears, especially during the holidays. Use limited-time discounts, flash sales, or bundle deals to incentivize those purchases and create a sense of excitement. Remember, 85% of online shoppers keep tabs open, waiting for sales to begin. With Silverpush’s contextual targeting, you can place these urgent offers precisely where they’ll have the most impact, catching potential customers at the perfect moment.

Prepare for Holiday Advertising with Silverpush

AI-driven video ad solutions from Silverpush empower digital advertising campaigns, especially during peak holiday seasons in 2024.

Our flagship product, Mirrors AI allows for contextual relevance that deep dives in content across platforms like YouTube, thereby pinpointing the most impactful moments to place ads. This kind of targeting minimizes ad waste and maximizes engagement for more conversions.

The creative intelligence solution – Crafters, on the other hand, focuses on innovative video ads, significantly boosting viewer engagement and conversion rates, with completion rates as high as 90% and click-through rates up to 10 times higher. The personalized, interactive experience helps brands stand out in a crowded market.

Silverpush’s AI-driven personalization taps into consumer behavior, offering tailored recommendations, which 36% of 2024 holiday shoppers seek. This omnichannel approach ensures a consistent brand message across all touchpoints, maximizing reach and impact. Additionally, Silverpush crafts holiday-specific campaigns that resonate with diverse shoppers’ mindsets, driving stronger customer connections and increased sales.

To Sum Up

The holiday season is a prime opportunity for your business to shine. By crafting strategic, engaging, and emotionally resonant ads, you can attract holiday shoppers, build brand loyalty, and watch your sales soar. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating memorable experiences and spreading holiday cheer.

Seize the season with advanced tools and holiday advertising strategies to make your holiday campaigns stand out. Start early, personalize, retarget, and embrace the festive spirit. With the right approach, this holiday season can be your most successful yet.

Thrive during the business’s busiest season and succeed with advanced contextual advertising solutions. 

Why is this Holiday Season a “Prime” Opportunity for Advertisers?

As we approach the halfway mark of the year, it presents a prime opportunity to proactively plan for your upcoming 2023 holiday campaigns.

In 2022, holiday spending reached approximately $936.3 billion. Looking ahead to 2023, the trend continues; with retail spending expected to increase by 4.5% to $1.328 trillion during this time.

Research shows that by advertising during this holiday season, ad impressions rise by 50%, click-through rates surge 100%, direct traffic increases by 150%, average order value jumps 30%, and conversation rates soar by 60%.

Now you won’t underestimate the power of holiday season advertising!

Moreover, in the U.S., sales increase dramatically as early as October. As per data, almost 40% of consumers check off items from their holiday shopping lists by the end of October.

If you have not started your holiday advertising yet, the time is now! Leverage this opportunity and position your brand as the top choice in your target audience’s mind. Here are the must-know holiday advertising ideas to kickstart your holiday advertising.

Read More: Ace Back to School Advertising with the Power of Context

Success in Every Season: 4 Simple Holiday Advertising Ideas to Get Started

1. Discover Relevant Audiences in the Cookieless World

Reaching target audiences with ethical personalization and relevant ads has become increasingly difficult due to the demise of third-party cookies and limited first-party data.

Additionally, stereotypical assumptions made by advertisers during the holiday season have led to a decline in click-through rates and overall return on investment (ROI).

A clothing store ad shows women shopping for holiday outfits, reinforcing the stereotype that all women enjoy dressing up. It overlooks the fact that women have diverse interests like outdoor activities, reading, and hiking, beyond just shopping.

To overcome stereotypes, advertisers should create inclusive and personalized messages that respect individual preferences.

By understanding their customers’ unique characteristics, they can deliver engaging ads that appeal to a diverse audience.

Advanced contextual targeting solutions like Mirrors Generative AI have proved to be a co-pilot to human intelligence by eliminating traditional audience-based stereotypes and tapping into unexplored audiences with multiple alternative interests.

This has empowered advertisers to expand their reach without sacrificing engagement, while also enabling them to tap into previously untapped or overlooked audiences.

2. Invest in Omnichannel Advertising

A multi-channel strategy enables you to reach users across different platforms and channels. This is an essential strategy in today’s digital landscape because it can enable you to achieve greater reach by capturing users wherever they are online.

Silverpush’s omnichannel advertising capabilities help advertisers reach their targeted audiences on multiple platforms including YouTube, CTV, Meta, and OpenWeb.

To let advertisers take full control of their advertising campaigns, Silverpush has recently launched Mirrors Self-Serve Chrome Extension to auto-optimize their campaigns with privacy-friendly tags and gain access to real-time data sets.

3. High-Impact CTV ads

The dramatic rise in CTV advertising has brought a major change in advertising budgets and strategies. As audiences flock to streaming platforms, advertisers are following suit, viewing CTV as an ideal space to reach an engaged, targetable audience. Recognizing the potential of CTV as an ideal space for advertisers, Silverpush has integrated with IRIS TV to leverage its rich video inventory and enhance the effectiveness of CTV ad campaigns.

4. Engage Audiences With Interactive Video Advertising

It’s time for advertisers to display ads that allow users to interact with them rather than simply watch them. This can play a very important role in increasing ad engagement and people are more likely to remember your ad. This can lead to better brand awareness and recall, as well as increased click-through rates (CTRs). For this reason, Silverpush has launched cutting-edge dynamic video optimization technology to transform traditional ads into highly advanced interactive ads.

From Festivities to Profitability: Achieve Holiday Marketing Success with Mirrors

This holiday season presents a prime opportunity for advertisers to iron out a powerful advertising strategy. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your holiday campaigns with Mirrors. Contact us now to learn more about how Silverpush can transform your holiday advertising strategy and drive success during this festive season.​