At the Whisker Report, we are HUGE fans of Christmas, well, at least Alex is! And as big Chirstmas aficionados we deciced to jump on a trend this year: a social media Advent Calendar. While these events are loved by participants, they can be a hefty workload for the organizers. From managing entries to ensuring the giveaway runs smoothly, the process can feel overwhelming. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some tips to help you simplify the process and keep the holiday spirit alive!
Why should you organize a social media Advent Calendar?
Social media advent calendars are a fun way to give back to your community during the holiday season. Your followers have supported you for months or years, and this is a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation. It’s also amazing for brand exposure, especially if you team up with other brands to cross-promote and reach new audiences. Plus, in the spirit of Christmas, advent calendars bring excitement and joy for everyone involved. It’s a win-win for connection and celebration!
Social Media Advent Calendar 101: The Ultimate Guide for Pet Businesses and Non-Profits
What is a Social Media Advent Calendar?
Social media advent calendars have become a powerful marketing tool for pet businesses looking to boost engagement during the holiday season. Whether you’re running an Instagram advent calendar or spreading your event across multiple platforms, the key is strategic planning and authentic connections.
How to Plan Your Social Media Advent Calendar
Planning a social media advent calendar is like orchestrating a month-long holiday party – exciting, but definitely not for the faint of heart! While advent calendars typically run for 6, 12, or 24 days, we personally opted for a full 24-day experience for maximum impact. Pro tip for pet businesses: be realistic about your capacity. We learned that maintaining enthusiasm over 24 days can be challenging, and we’re considering a shorter format next year.
Choosing the Right Partners for Your Advent Calendar
Partner selection is an art form in itself. You’re not just collecting prizes; you’re curating an experience for your pet business community. Look for a diverse mix of brands that align with your values and audience. We recommend working with:
- Product brands
- Service providers
- Local businesses
- Rescue organizations
The key is to create a network that feels authentic and meaningful. If you’re a pet business promoting holistic and raw diet, we wouldn’t recommend partnering with a generic kibble brand. Pro tip for social media advent calendar success: find a philantropic side to your advent calendar, it will be a good selling point to pet businesses. In our case, we decided to ask participants to nominate a rescue in the comment to enter the giveaway. Also, don’t forget to ask partners if they’d like to be added as collaborators so the post can be seen on both of your feeds. This cross-promotion can significantly expand your reach during the advent calendar event.
Technical Considerations for Your Social Media Advent Calendar
Develop a consistent visual theme that ties all your posts together, creating a cohesive and professional look. Prepare templates that maintain your brand’s unique voice and style. Always have backup prizes and a flexible content plan… Because in the world of social media, anything can happen!
Engagement and Entry Methods
Your entry method should be simple yet engaging. For more sharing, think about adding a “share in your story to enter” option. We like to add this as an add-on for higher chances of winning, although it might deter some participants due to the extra effort.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Don’t forget the legal aspects of your social media advent calendar:
- Each social media platform has its own contest rules
- Be transparent about terms and conditions
- Ensure fair winner selection
- Have a solid plan for winner communication
We personally opted for DMing the winner so we don’t overwhelm our followers with public winner announcements. If your audience is international, make sure to:
- Clearly state who can participate
- Check shipping costs before opening international entries
After the event, take time to track your metrics, understand what worked, and celebrate your success. A social media advent calendar is more than just a giveaway – it’s an opportunity to build community and create memorable experiences.
Final Advice for Pet Businesses
Build in flexibility and grace. Not everything will go perfectly, and that’s okay. An advent calendar is about spreading joy, connecting with your community, and creating magical moments.