The Countdown to Holiday Seasonality

Okay, I know it’s August and holiday seasonality seems so far away, but in all honesty, NOW is the time for you to be thinking about your planned activities under the marketing umbrella. 

• Holiday Cards: No photographer should be sending out a store-bought card for the holidays. Now is the time to build a small stash of potential images you might want to use on your own card. It’s also the time to make sure you’ve got holiday cards in whatever packages you offer to your clients. For example, it’s time to plant a few seeds of ideas with “Mom” for an updated family portrait – one that could also be used on a holiday card.
• Partnerships: I’ve probably written about this topic a few dozen times over the years on the Marathon blog. Stop thinking you have to do everything as a solo act. Partnerships allow you to expand your reach and decrease your promotional/production costs.
• Cross-promotions: Along with partners comes an opportunity for added value by cross-promoting discounts or gift ideas with each partner. Picture an oversized postcard featuring two businesses… you, as a photographer, and a florist. From weddings to homecoming events to holiday centerpieces – there’s plenty to cross-promote in the months ahead. Plus, working together is where you start to benefit with extended reach.
• Day in the Life Shoots: It’s a concept that works for EVERY member of the family, even the pets! It doesn’t have to be a full day, but it could easily work with a 2-4-hour on-location investment with that member or members of the family whose story you’re going to capture. It also opens the door for more album sales, especially with smaller albums/books.
• Seed-Planting: This is the time of year when you get to play Subliminal Man like the old SNL routine. You need to give your followers ideas for unique holiday gifts featuring imagery.
• Saying “Thank You:” This is the time to start thinking about people who have been especially supportive of your business. From vendors you rely on to a few special customers who have referred other clients to you – have a list of people, so that you don’t miss anybody when December rolls around.
• Thank You Notes: Again, I put this right up there with holiday cards. You’re a photographer – use your own images in the design of thank you notes. A pre-printed card with a hand-written note is the perfect way to help you maintain top-of-mind awareness with customers and influencers in the community,

The easiest part of most of what I’m suggesting is that you’ve already got a potential creative and operational partner…MARATHON! Besides helping you design and create the finished pieces – they’ve got a team who are loaded with ideas to help you make 2026 one of your very best years! All it takes is a phone call and asking the question, “So what’s new?”

Procrastination is not a business strategy. Stop waiting for the marketing fairy to wander in and sprinkle magic dust on your business while you’re sleeping. There are no unicorns, just hard work and your ability to create excitement with your target audience.

BUT THE TIME TO START BUILDING SALES MOMENTUM IS NOW!!!