Remington Begg
Santa Claus isn't just the jolly gift giving man who lives in the North Pole and graces us with his presence once a year. He is also a master marketer. In fact, the way he lives his life is one big brilliant inbound marketing campaign. We can learn a lot from Santa, and not just whether coal or gifts are in our future. Practical marketing lessons that Santa Claus uses every day can also help us achieve our goals as inbound marketers.
1. Santa has a well known brand
Everyone knows who Santa is. People are excited at the sound of his name and they know exactly what he stands for. He is a beacon of hope, happiness, and love in communities worldwide. His name and face are plastered on wrapping paper, decorations, cards, gifts, and even sculptures! Santa's belly laugh and red suit are his trademarks. His brand is able to spread Christmas cheer all throughout the year, but especially in December. Here at Impulse Creative, we are well known for our orange color in all of our publications and our promotional products, what are you known for?
2. He inspires people
Santa Claus inspires people to be good and kind. He encourages them to do the right thing, to give, and to be the best version of themselves. He has a unique ability to motivate people to take action. His stories of giving and inspiring others to give, have made an impact in lives around the world. His culture is so well known that we when we feel inspired to give, we feel like there is a little Santa in all of us. This is a powerful message.
3. He attracts, converts, & delights his followers
As we know, Santa has a huge following. He isn't just for children and parents who want their kids to behave. Every person likes to feel a little Christmas magic. He has attracted and converted even the biggest Scrooge. He asks people what they want for Christmas and even uses technology to engage with them. You can email Santa here. Santa's mission is to delight, even followers who find themselves on the naughty list. He wants these people to realize the err of their ways and change for the better. Most of all, he is customer focused. He doesn't focus on his credentials or earnings. Santa makes an effort to learn what people want and how he can play a role in their lives.
4. He uses segmented lists
Santa claus is basically the king of segmented lists. He's makin' a list and he's checking it twice. With his range of buyer personas, Santa has to use an assortment of lists to get through gift giving each year. He not only has naughty and nice lists, he keeps a tally of where everyone is from, what they are in need of, and directions to their house. He also uses these segmented lists to organize his letters and emails. In order to attract qualified leads to your websites, segmented lists are a must-use tool.
5. He sells more than presents
In your marketing efforts, you should be selling more than your products. You should be selling your culture, feelings, and other qualities that represents who your organization is as a whole. Santa Claus sells more than just gifts. He sells hope, Christmas cheer, the natural desire to be and do good, as well as carefree happiness. Santa is aware he has this power to inspire and he uses it. Are you doing the same?
6. He has storytelling down to a science
Lastly, Santa has storytelling down to a science. Marketing is all about telling a story in a way that makes visitors feel included, getting in touch with their emotions, listening and inspiring them. Santa Claus not only has stories written about him, there are songs sung about him, and people even go to him when they need life advice. He is a master communicator who knows how to get his message across in an effective and encouraging way. He even travels to malls all over the world just to listen to the needs of children every year.
Even though you may have never thought of Santa Claus as a marketer before, lessons from his life can be applied to any business. Perhaps his greatest marketing scheme of all is that he is a mythical creature whose very real marketing tactics make an impact in the lives of millions every year. This holiday season we recommend you applaud Santa Claus and his huge impact on the world, and take a lesson or two for yourself and your business.