Read time: 2 mins
We made the trek to the shopping centre last week for our annual Santa photos.
Meeting him this year was not only great for the kids (at 6 and 8 they’re true believers); but also got us thinking about how remarkably successful Santa is as a brand.
This guy knows how to keep people engaged and excited.
And of course, we started thinking about the lessons we can learn from Santa for small businesses.
Think about it: he's probably one of the most successful brands ever.
So, in honour of Santa, we’re sharing 3 marketing lessons from him to help grow your business in 2025:
3 MARKETING LESSONS FROM SANTA CLAUS
1. He Makes Big Promises—and Delivers on Them
Santa’s marketing is all about big promises: a toy for every kid on Christmas morning.
The excitement he creates around his brand is fueled by these promises — and he delivers.
Santa wouldn’t be Santa if he talked a big game but didn’t deliver the goods.
He’s legendary because he fulfills the promises he makes.
What you can do:
If you make a promise in your marketing, ensure you deliver on it.
This is how trust is built.
If you say you provide exceptional customer service, be sure to back it up.
If you offer quick delivery, make sure it happens.
When your marketing matches what you deliver, you create loyalty and repeat business.
2. He’s Top of Mind - Year After Year
Even though Santa’s business is seasonal, he’s at the forefront of people’s minds every year.
He’s inescapable, and uses a bunch of clever strategies to stay visible:
- That iconic red suit, beard and 'bowl full of jelly' belly
- Showing up in countless holiday ads, products, and media
- Being the star feature of holiday parades, shopping centre photos and parties
What you can do:
Staying relevant as a small business means continually engaging with your audience.
Consistently share valuable content, shake up your messaging, and explore new marketing channels to get your business noticed.
You don’t need to overhaul your approach every year, but small adjustments can keep your brand fresh and meaningful.
3. People Truly Believe In and Love Him
Santa’s success lies in the fact that people love him.
They believe in him, they look forward to his arrival, and they feel a sense of magic when they think about him.
He doesn’t just bring presents; he brings joy, giving, and the spirit of the holidays.
People love him because they have a true emotional connection with him.
What you can do:
Build a brand people love by creating an emotional connection with them.
Figure out what they care most about when it comes to interacting with your and your company, and give them that authentically and consistently.
When clients trust and believe in your brand, they become loyal advocates who return year after year and recommend you to others.
Bottom Line:
Santa’s marketing strategy is a masterclass in delivering on promises, staying visible, and building a brand people love.
By applying these lessons to your business, you can start building a stronger brand and a more loyal client base.
Need help bringing this to life?
Reach out - we’re here to help you implement these marketing lessons and grow your business.
Speak soon,
Lynne & Steve
TLDR:
🎅 Our 3 Marketing Lessons from Santa Claus:
- Big Promises, Big Delivery: Santa makes bold promises and always follows through. Do the same in your marketing to build trust and loyalty.
- Stay Top of Mind: Santa remains visible and relevant, year after year. Stay consistent with your content and explore new channels to keep your business noticed.
- Build a Brand People Love: Santa’s magic lies in the emotional connection he creates. Build your brand with authenticity and deliver what your customers value most to foster loyalty.
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