If you wait until November to start chasing holiday sales, you’re already too late.
By then, your competitors will already be in front of your customers, and your audience will be drowning in messages. The businesses that win the holiday rush are the ones that start capturing and nurturing leads now.
That’s where your CRM software and automation come in.
Instead of scrambling in December with manual follow-ups and last-minute campaigns, you can set up simple automations today that run in the background, warming up leads and keeping your brand top of mind.
In this post, we’ll share strategies and software tips you can implement right now to capture leads and turn them into paying customers by December.
With a little prep today, you’ll not only save time but also give yourself the best shot at your most profitable holiday season yet!
Create a “VIP Waitlist”
When it comes to this first strategy, exclusivity is the name of the game.
Instead of blasting holiday promotions to everyone at once, create a limited-time campaign that invites your audience to join an exclusive list — the only group that gets first access to your holiday deals.
Here’s how it works:
- Create a sign-up form on your website that captures a lead’s name, email, and any other contact information you need.
- Set a time the form will be open and clearly communicate it to your audience.
- Promote it everywhere — social posts, email, even ads — with messaging like “Spots are limited. Don’t miss out.”
This approach sets a tone of urgency that leads to more signups, builds anticipation about upcoming deals, and makes each person feel like they’re a part of something special and exclusive — because they are!
And of course, since they filled out your form, you can store this new lead info in your CRM system and funnel it into an automated campaign that nurtures them until the big deals are revealed.
Ramp Up the Referrals
Your happiest customers are your best salespeople, and now is the perfect time to put them to work by requesting referrals.
Referrals often come in the door with a positive impression of your business, which means they are more likely to stick around and convert fast.
Here’s how to make it happen: Use your CRM system and marketing automation software to launch a referral campaign that feels fresh and exciting. Build a simple submission form, send out an automated email sequence to spread the word, and sweeten the deal with a reward program.
Want to take it up a notch? Add a competitive edge. Instead of small rewards for each referral, offer one big prize to the customer who sends you the most leads by the end of the month.
Making this a competition ramps up the excitement and drives more participation. Plus, it’s a fun way to engage existing customers — all while filling your holiday pipeline with warm, qualified leads.
Exclusive Sneak Peek
Once you’ve captured leads and stored them in your CRM software, it’s time to give them an exclusive look at what’s coming for the holidays.
Offer a sneak peek that sparks curiosity, but don’t reveal everything at once. You want your leads to stay engaged and excited, anticipating your full holiday offerings.
Use marketing automation software to schedule a campaign that drops small, intriguing hints every few weeks.
Each message can include a teaser image, a countdown, or a preview of special offers, keeping your brand top of mind while gradually warming your leads. And don't forget to offer value throughout this nurture — free guides, webinar access, and discount codes are great options.
By the time your main holiday deals launch, these leads will be primed and ready to convert.
Your Sidekick to Holiday Success
Today is the perfect day to start implementing your new three-step game plan to more qualified leads and increased holiday revenue.
But there’s one more thing you should know: You can’t execute these campaigns without a CRM software with built-in automation tools. So, why not test out an industry-leading option like Keap?
The trial is easy, fast (it only takes 15 minutes), and it could be the best thing you do for your business.
What do you have to lose? Book your free demo today!
