How to Keep Your Holiday Marketing On-Brand

by Jessica Wentworth, Graphic Designer

Insights / Digital Marketing / How to Keep Your Holiday Marketing On-Brand

The holiday season is in full swing, and with that comes the pressure to add a bit of festive flair to your marketing initiatives. When doing so, it can be all too easy to stray away from your brand guidelines.

Before you fill your holiday graphics with candy canes and snowflakes, think about how you can stay true to your brand while also incorporating some seasonal touches. Even during the holiday season, it is essential to stick to your brand guidelines so you don’t confuse your audience or come across as inauthentic.

Here are our top tips to give your holiday marketing campaigns a festive touch without compromising your brand voice or visual identity.

Consider Your Brand Personality

When deciding on a direction for your holiday marketing campaign, first think about your brand’s personality. Are you playful and bold, or elegant and classy?

For example, a brand that is typically modern and professional might try to incorporate some subtle snowflake elements or a festive accent font, while a more playful brand might go all-in with ugly sweaters.

Whatever your vibe is, remember that you’ll want to add some elements that enhance your existing personality, not change it.

Stick to Your Brand Colors

Don’t ditch your brand’s color palette just because it’s the holiday season. Instead, start by looking at your existing palette and deciding which holiday colors will complement your branding.

Don’t limit yourself to the traditional red and green, either. Experiment with different shades of the holiday colors and choose whatever feels most authentic to you. For example, a brand with a primarily blue color palette might opt for adding shades of white and silver to achieve a winter vibe.

What’s important is that your brand identity is still recognizable with the holiday elements supporting it.

Don’t Overdo It

Your holiday visuals don’t have to scream “Santa.” Small touches go a long way to make your brand feel festive without straying from your identity.

For example, introducing a festive border on your graphics, creating holiday-themed packaging, or swapping a regular font for one with a wintery feel.

A great example of this is the iconic Starbucks red cups. They’re festive, instantly recognizable, and very on-brand. Taking this subtle, yet strategic approach will ensure your holiday touches feel intentional and aligned with your brand.

Keep Your Messaging Aligned

Your messaging during the holiday season should not sound like a Hallmark greeting card. Instead, it still needs to fit your typical brand voice and values.

For instance, if your brand is playful, use some holiday humor. If it’s heartfelt, take a warm, nostalgic approach. By staying consistent with your voice, your audience will recognize and connect with your messaging.

Adding holiday flair to your marketing doesn’t mean ditching your brand guidelines. By staying thoughtful and intentional, you can create a holiday campaign that feels festive and authentic. Need more tips? Reach out to us!