Last minute marketing tips - image of an alarm clock on an orange background

Last-minute marketing? How to maximise your impact with limited time


Do you feel like you’re running out of time to pull together a seasonal marketing campaign? Fear not! We have a host of last-minute marketing tips for your seasonal campaigns.

Small business owners are notoriously time poor. If this is you, perhaps you’re feeling guilty that you’re always a bit last-minute with your marketing.

While a lack of time may feel limiting, with the right strategies, you can still create an effective and engaging campaign. This guide provides straightforward, achievable last-minute marketing tips to make the most of the time you do have.

1. Start with a clear, concise goal

First up, avoid wasting valuable time by starting out with one core objective. This might be driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or boosting engagement. With this focus in mind, your content and tactics will have a clear purpose and can be executed more quickly.

  • Tip: For seasonal campaigns, aim for objectives that align with what your customers need at this time of year. Think: gift ideas, holiday savings, or helpful services (seasonal marketing support anyone?) during the festive season.

2. Make use of your existing content

Reuse, repurpose, recycle works just as well for content just as it does in the rest of your life!

If you’re pressed for time, look at your existing content library. Updating popular posts, re-sharing high-performing graphics, or refreshing older blog content with a seasonal twist can be an efficient way to keep up momentum without starting from scratch.

  • Tip: Pair these pieces with a holiday-themed caption or visual, which can instantly add relevance to your seasonal campaign.

3. Use email to reconnect quickly

When time is short, email marketing is one of the most efficient ways to connect with your audience. Send a quick email that highlights any festive offers, last-minute gift ideas, or holiday tips, helping you reach your audience where they’re already active: right in their inbox.

  • Tip: Always include a clear, single call-to-action (CTA in marketing speak) that directs customers to your website, shop, or a specific promotion, keeping it simple yet effective.

4. Focus on social media stories and reels

For quick content that engages without a long production time, turn to social media Stories or Reels. These formats require minimal text and lend themselves to short, punchy visuals, making them perfect for last-minute posts. Use them to showcase product highlights, create “gift idea” lists, or add a holiday message from your team.

  • Tip: Scheduling these posts for peak engagement times (such as evening or weekend hours) can maximise impact, especially with a time-limited campaign.

5. Prioritise paid ads for instant reach

If you need to expand your reach fast, allocate a small budget to paid ads on platforms where your customers are most active. Even a modest spend can increase visibility significantly, especially if you target with location or seasonal interest filters. Use simple, high-impact ad copy that aligns with your campaign focus.

  • Tip: Start with a single ad that directs to a specific page or promotion rather than spreading your budget across multiple channels for maximum impact.

6. Share limited-time offers or “last chance” deals

With a tight timeline, urgency can drive engagement. Highlight limited-time offers, discounts, or seasonal packages to encourage immediate action. A countdown timer on your website or social media posts can add urgency and remind customers that now is the time to act.

  • Tip: Make these time-sensitive offers easy to access by including clear links to your website or shop, and keep the checkout process straightforward.

Fast but focused campaign success

Even with limited time, a strategic approach can turn your last-minute marketing into a valuable seasonal campaign. By really focusing on what works best for your audience and making strategic use of the channels where you’re already active, you can end the season on a high note without the stress.

Feeling the last-minute crunch?

If you’re struggling with seasonal marketing and need a helping elf, we can work together to get your small business to the top of your customers’ Christmas list.

Book a free consultation with Davison & Brain Digital, and we’ll help you design an impactful seasonal marketing strategy, no matter the timeline.