Your holiday marketing email efforts can help your business in many different ways, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Increasing brand awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enhancing customer loyalty<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Boosting sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Driving traffic to your website<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improving conversions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Sending heartfelt holiday-themed messages shows your customers that you care about them. Designing new email campaigns for the holiday season might take a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anatomy of a great holiday email<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While most people focus on the meat of the email (the main body content), there are also several other elements that make up a great holiday email. Here are the main components to focus on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Subject line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your subject line<\/a> is one of the key factors your audience uses to decide whether your email is worth opening. The stronger your subject line is, the better your campaign open rates will be. So, how do you craft the perfect holiday subject line?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, as tempting as it is to cram a ton of enticing information into the subject line, you’re better off keeping it short and sweet. Long subject lines may get cut off in the recipients’ inboxes or simply make them look right over your message. Try to get straight to the point in as few words as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can try asking a question to intrigue the readers and make them want to read more. Customizing the subject line with each recipient’s name can also help your message stand out. When applicable, add numbers or even emojis for emphasis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just make sure your subject line isn’t misleading, or you could lose the audience’s trust and get the message caught in spam filters<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preheader text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Alongside the subject line and sender, the preheader text is the other thing that determines whether recipients open your email. Intriguing preheader text draws them in and makes them much more likely to open and engage with your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The email preheader<\/a> is the short text that shows up after the subject line to provide a preview of the message’s contents. If you don’t change it, your preheader will probably automatically default to the first sentence of your email. You can do much better than that, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, write preheader text that complements your subject line. Add a little more context or drop another enticing clue about your email’s content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Inbox](\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/AD_4nXekGOUCn-sWsGIRwYi69HvicpN-Nj4lTc0t0FjpRKDeQJCGu24Jkt9pdWxtqDfQ20I2EczruIG3QDC_HtZH9RJdRzKnZ0X9WXaAgMOhlr63O9nBn_3zpYZIbc5F_j1e33AJ5afHBic0dx6Z194vrt96lhUekeyD9oxneZxmKYxeeK661MYP3wG.png\")
All three of these promotional emails have subject lines and preheader text that go together. The preheader text expands on the subject line to draw the reader in further. Image source: Nicole Symon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Body content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The body content is the bulk of your message. This is where you get to say what you want to say and add visual elements like photos or GIFs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have a lot of flexibility in how you style the body of your email. You can use only text, but extra design elements may help keep readers interested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you’re drafting your holiday marketing email, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Stay on topic:<\/strong> Your body content should have a clear message with no extraneous information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Proofread: <\/strong>Take a second look to make sure there are no spelling or grammar issues and your tone is consistent throughout. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personalize: <\/strong>Whenever possible, personalize your messages. Even just using the reader’s name in the greeting can make a big difference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use bullet points: <\/strong>Bullet points will break up large blocks of text and highlight important details. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Include plenty of white space: <\/strong>Email messages are easier to read when there’s space between paragraphs instead of huge walls of text. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, the body of your email only needs to be a few sentences long. Focus on quality over quantity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call to action (CTA)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Arguably, the most important piece of any holiday marketing email is the call to action. Getting your email subscribers to read your message is great, but ideally, you want them to do even more than that. Your email should inspire them to engage further — the CTA tells them exactly how to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some emails have more than one CTA to really drive the message home. They might have a CTA button early on in the message so that it’s visible before scrolling and another toward the end. You can even use different forms of the same CTA, like a CTA button and hyperlinked text in the email body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your CTAs should be clear, compelling, and easy to find through the design of your email. Try A\/B testing your CTAs to find the most effective ones that go with your holiday email marketing ideas<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design elements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A great email typically contains more than just text. It also has interesting design elements like colors, graphics, and logos. If you give your readers something pretty to look at, they’re more likely to engage with your actual message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get creative. Try out different designs until you find one that fits your brand and message. Avoid adding too many design elements, as this can make the email visually cluttered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t have an eye for design, don’t worry. You can use pre-designed email templates<\/a> instead of starting from scratch. All you need to do is customize the templates with your text and selected images. Or, decorate your regular email template for the holidays<\/a>. Adding holiday colors or holiday-themed images will make your message feel special while retaining your brand style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Email](\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Black-Friday-Starts-Now-email-template.png\")
You can use this email template in the Constant Contact holiday pack to promote a Black Friday deal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Subject lines for effective holiday marketing emails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
During the holiday season, tailoring your subject line to a specific holiday can help your message stand out. Try the following holiday email marketing subject lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Example Thanksgiving email subject lines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For Thanksgiving emails, you might emphasize ideas like gratitude or community in your subject line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- We’re grateful for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Thanks for being you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Giving thanks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- From our family to yours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is it Thanksgiving already?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gobble up the savings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get stuffed with savings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Warm Thanksgiving wishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the subject line you use relates to the main email content. For example, only reference sales and deals if the email lets readers know about your Thanksgiving discounts. Try different Thanksgiving marketing ideas<\/a> with coordinating subject lines in your email campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas email subject line examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are a lot of ways to go with Christmas subject lines, from traditional greetings to holiday-themed puns. Here are some great examples to pull inspiration from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discover Santa’s favorite gift picks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Celebrate Christmas with these holiday savings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jingle all the way to these deals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 25 Days of Christmas savings start now<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Hanukkah email subject line examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For Hanukkah-themed marketing emails, try subject lines like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Wishing you a happy Hanukkah<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Happy Hanukkah from [your business]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Celebrate with 8 Days of Savings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Explore Hanukkah gift ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- We like you a latke: Exclusive Hanukkah deals for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discover gift ideas for all 8 nights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How we’re celebrating Hanukkah this year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Kwanzaa email subject line examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use subject lines like these examples for your Kwanzaa marketing emails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 7 days of Kwanzaa deals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Happy Kwanzaa from us to you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Celebrate Kwanzaa with [your business]<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wishing you a festive Kwanzaa celebration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A special Kwanzaa discount for you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Holiday marketing email designs & templates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Effective holiday marketing email examples can give you some good ideas for your campaigns. Take inspiration from these examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanksgiving email example: Turo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Car](\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Turo-Thanksgiving-Email.png?w=324\")
Car rental company Turo’s Thanksgiving Email providers subscribers with links to family-size vehicles to rent for the holiday. Image Source: Turo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Christmas email example: Good Pair Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/AD_4nXdJ3fOO6KkCltxKauzeE2TlU6E-mKq3ul2pLGJkSkv17iaQogwYcSWAOCTERmO4g3SC5gkUxPx8AizJpKxXSNBdZ0WQBZ7D0em9nT9LujHhLCd6jBieFIT-nC35OfPLl6pT5lsQIW2vBbL-CDyNyuLQL1SakeyD9oxneZxmKYxeeK661MYP3wG.png\")
Good Pair Days used a fun twist on a classic Christmas lyric to promote its wine subscription service in this holiday promotional email. Image source: Good Pair Days<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Hanukkah email example: Mixology Clothing Company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mixology](\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/AD_4nXePys5P_llWIWxb2MW9xVleVMHJKKEv2VVzc6Kp7EGCv-LTC2FvZhY5QYaqVkalVVGfb7mqBRAZ6EUt073DKMbJorV9Z_xLv1f6rRppGaF1led5-xKo0hQ7uR_MczPXfZ5vP5DJVQ-BdWJYaETHwmBXxDEikeyD9oxneZxmKYxeeK661MYP3wG.png\")
Mixology used a countdown to Hannukah to remind readers to buy their gifts before the holiday arrives. Image source: Mixology Clothing Company
<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nKwanzaa email example: Edible Arrangements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Edible](\"https:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/AD_4nXednmNV7Zu8OHQuDvFs3DRQd_JKwGpMD2yHmaY5wNkx5WE54mKl0AP-W4ZAir1DENaXta2xCsCCu3FNnISkl0L_5OptGIZ44goVC8H0T_CMMBGbVeimqfLcg28Q7d6GD6L2NItGkMzbJqV6F20FtztuTvkWkeyD9oxneZxmKYxeeK661MYP3wG.png\")
This Edible Arrangements email highlighted products that customers might enjoy for Kwanzaa and directed them to the catalog with a clear CTA. Image source: Edible Arrangements <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Make your campaigns valuable: What to send<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your email recipients will probably get lots of emails about other company’s holiday promotions<\/a>. Help your holiday email marketing campaigns stand out from the pack by offering your readers a meaningful benefit — something that’s actually useful to them. Try these ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Content downloads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Everybody loves free stuff, even when that stuff isn’t tangible. Consider sending free content downloads in your holiday emails as a gift to your readers. A free download like a white paper, ebook, or cheat sheet gives your readers their own takeaway from your message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you give them something they can keep, like downloadable content, your campaigns seem more valuable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discount codes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Offering discount codes in your holiday emails can also get readers’ attention. Who doesn’t like a discount?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Send readers an exclusive code for a certain percent or dollar value off their next qualifying purchase. Discount codes make engaging with your email campaigns worthwhile for your audience, boosting your results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some promotional emails clearly display the discount codes in the message body, but that’s not your only option. Alternatively, direct readers to a webpage to unlock their discount code. That way, interested customers will already be on your website and might buy something with that discount right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Giveaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The holiday season is all about giving, and you can get in on the action. One popular holiday email marketing idea is to run a winter giveaway and let customers know in some emails. Consider Christmas giveaway ideas<\/a> like free samples, branded swag, event tickets, or even gift cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re worried about the cost of these giveaways, limit the scope. Make it a sweepstakes that only one or a few of your email subscribers will win. People will still enjoy the opportunity to get free items during the holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any of these value-packed holiday email campaign examples, make sure your call to action emphasizes the benefit you’re offering. For example, “download your free copy” clearly directs readers to click the CTA button so they get the free content. A strong, relevant CTA will make your holiday emails much more effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Automate your holiday marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Setting up and running your holiday email campaigns can take up a lot of time. Incorporating automation is the answer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Proofread: <\/strong>Take a second look to make sure there are no spelling or grammar issues and your tone is consistent throughout. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay on topic:<\/strong> Your body content should have a clear message with no extraneous information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n