On this very merry episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are talking about holiday branding practices. There is a common theme of giving things away or offering deep discounts during Black Friday or Christmas, but we want to be careful about positioning our brands in a way that devalues what we offer.

Sara shares her strategies for holiday messaging, like fun holiday graphics or themed lead generation campaigns--emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out strategy to turn these initiatives into long-term revenue opportunities.

Larry reminds us of the importance of considering all the extra factors involved in holiday offers—time, effort, and execution—and the long-term ROI. It's not just about the price tag, but also the value delivered to potential clients.

Key takeaways:

1. Be Strategic: When planning holiday branding activities, make sure to have a strategic approach. Ensure that any giveaways or discounts are aligned with long-term revenue goals.

2. Consider Real Costs: It's important to factor in both the direct and indirect costs of holiday offers. This includes the time, effort, and resources invested, as well as the potential long-term impact on the business.

3. Introductory Offers: Offering introductory products or services during the holidays can serve as a lead generation tool and a way to establish new client relationships, potentially leading to increased value in the future.

4. Fulfilling Offers: When providing holiday giveaways or discounted services, make sure there's a plan in place to fulfill the offers and consider how this will impact the business operationally.

5. Deliver Genuine Value: Ensure that any holiday promotions provide genuine value to customers and avoid making offers seem like a bait-and-switch. It's important to maintain brand integrity and customer trust.