Christmas in July: Planning Ahead for the Holidays

July rings in the second half of the year. For many businesses, this is the time to plan holiday activities. It may seem too early, but having extra time for planning is essential to executing great holiday events.



Quick Checklist to Prepare Your Holiday Game Plan

You can map out your holiday strategy to increase your membership and receive more funding. Here’s how:

1. Set an overall budget.
Setting your budget is crucial. Funds must be allocated for marketing and operational costs. With your team, discuss which marketing channels to use and how much to spend on them.

For example, if you’re running Facebook ads, estimate how much it will cost for the duration of the holidays. List all the expenses you expect to incur, including costs associated with your senior center programs, and put a figure on them.

2. Plan and schedule programs.
With ample time for planning, you can get creative and try some new activities for seniors. Quilting, knitting, baking, and decorative card-making workshops aren’t just fun. They also provide an opportunity for your members to craft handmade gifts for their loved ones.

If you’re not sure what programs to include, survey your members. Once you get some suggestions, decide which activities to add to your list.

3. Create PR plans.
A solid PR plan can foster a positive image of your organization as a community where older people belong.

When devising a PR plan, identify four key components:

• Target audience
• Message
• Marketing channels
• Content

For example, how would you showcase your organization’s many benefits to seniors not familiar with your center? A compelling Q&A video interview with your longtime members could engage viewers.

Other PR ideas you can try include:

• Inviting a local leader to speak at your senior center
• Recording and sharing a “day in the life” video
• Publishing organization milestones, achievements, and relevant anniversaries
• Running a competition among members (e.g., line dancing, art, cooking, etc.)

4. Plan your marketing.
While your PR plan will help manage your reputation, your marketing will increase your membership. Try new marketing techniques in addition to the tried-and-true methods you already use. Make it easy for people to find you online and off-line.

Word of mouth can also entice people to attend your senior programs. If you provide a positive experience to your current members, they will promote your organization to their friends for free.

5. Review your marketing, promotion, and communication materials.
Finally, check your marketing calendar one last time. Have you gathered everything you need for your holiday campaign? Have you planned when to send emails, post on social media, or publish blogs on your website?

Posting content regularly is one way to stay connected with your audience. Make sure you have your holiday-themed events and marketing content ready for the season.

Aim for a Less Stressful Holiday

Stretching from Halloween to the New Year, the holidays are busy for businesses and customers alike. With appropriate planning, your senior center can wade through the bustle with less stress and more success.

Updated on 03-21-2024