Holiday sales growth is only +1% this year—the slowest since 2009. Winning brands won’t just discount; they’ll: - Add long-term value - Leverage loyalty - Go mobile-first It’s not about slashing prices. It’s about building relationships that last beyond December. Crisp but Detailed (for Newsletter/Post): Holiday shopping starts earlier and lasts longer—but sales growth is only 1% this year. The old playbook of heavy discounts won’t cut it. The new playbook: - Pair discounts with long-term value (rewards, gift cards, free shipping). - Leverage loyalty programs for exclusivity and urgency. - Optimize the entire journey for mobile. Big players like Coca-Cola and Costco succeed by creating emotional connections and perceived value. Smaller brands can do the same by leaning into authenticity, creators, loyalty perks, and seamless mobile checkout. The future of holiday marketing isn’t just about discounts—it’s about loyalty + value + connection.

Content marketing has faced challenges in recent years due to oversaturation, a focus on quantity over quality, reduced organic reach, misaligned metrics, savvier audiences, and the rise of alternative marketing tactics. Many brands failed by using generic, unstrategic approaches, leading to diminished trust and effectiveness.