As we reach the halfway point in October, we’re officially in our fall era. From putting holiday marketing plans into motion to finding the coziest decor and shopping for pieces we’ll be wearing once the temperatures finally drop, here’s what the Carlisle & Co. team is planning, loving, and adding to our carts this month.
What We Prep: Holiday Marketing Starts Now
The countdown to the holidays is officially on! While we’ve been talking about holiday marketing for weeks, now is when those plans really need to start coming together. Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and the end-of-year rush, there’s a lot to think about, and the last thing any business wants is to be scrambling at the last minute.
Here’s what we’re encouraging our clients to prioritize right now:
Finalize Holiday Promotions and Offers
Whether you’re planning a Black Friday sale, seasonal packages, gift card promotions, or exclusive offers for loyal customers, it’s time to nail down the details. Think through what you’re offering, when the promotion will run, how customers can take advantage of it, and what needs to happen behind-the-scenes to make it successful. Don’t forget to consider inventory, fulfillment timelines, and any special terms or deadlines.
Map Out Your Email and Social Campaigns
Once your promotions are finalized, it’s time to plan the marketing around them. Think about how you’ll introduce your offers, build anticipation, and remind your audience before deadlines pass. Your email campaigns, social media content, and website messaging should all work together to tell a consistent story throughout the season.
Get Your Website Ready
Before holiday traffic picks up, take a look at your website through your customers’ eyes. Are your seasonal offerings easy to find? Are your calls to action clear? Do your forms, links, and checkout processes work properly? Now is also a great time to update holiday hours, highlight gift cards or special packages, and create dedicated landing pages for seasonal promotions. We love to incorporate a banner or pop-up for timely messages too!
Make Time for Client and Customer Appreciation
Not every holiday touchpoint needs to be promotional. In fact, some of the most meaningful opportunities this time of year are about strengthening existing relationships. Whether you’re planning personalized gifts, handwritten notes, a thoughtful email, or a special thank-you for loyal customers, start organizing those details now so your appreciation feels intentional rather than rushed.
Look Beyond December
As you’re mapping out the rest of the year, don’t forget to think about what comes next. January campaigns, new service announcements, and fresh content initiatives can easily get lost in the holiday shuffle. Having a plan in place now will help you transition into the new year without losing momentum.
The bottom line? Holiday marketing doesn’t have to mean doing everything. It’s about choosing the right opportunities for your business, giving yourself enough time to execute them well, and making sure your efforts support your larger goals. A little preparation now can go a long way toward a more organized and successful end to the year.
Need a little more guidance for your holiday marketing plan? Schedule a strategy call with our team, and we can dig into the specifics together!
What We Buy: Cozy Decor
Although most of our team is still facing temperatures in the high 80s (!), it doesn’t mean we’re not channeling fall vibes in our homes! Here are some recent purchases that make us feel cool and cozy:
Uncommon James Candles
Whitney repurchases the Pumpkin Latte candle year after year because it’s that good. With notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, smokey clove, and nutmeg, it has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If you want to prep for the rest of the holiday season, add the Tennessee Pine scent to your cart too. Trust us — you won’t regret it!
Outdoor Pedestal Planter & Faux Mum
If you’re looking for a pop of color to complement your pumpkin-filled steps, this pedestal planter and faux mum in a gorgeous burgundy shade are the perfect addition. We love how the rich color adds warmth and dimension to your porch, while the elevated planter brings a little height to your seasonal display. Plus, the faux mum gives you that classic fall look without having to worry about watering or keeping it alive all season long.
Porcelain Mug & Tea Kettle
There’s something about fall that makes a warm cup of tea feel extra special. Whether you’re easing into a slow morning or winding down after a busy day, now is the time to embrace this cozy little ritual. This whimsical Halloween-themed mug from Rifle Paper Co. and moody floral tea kettle from MacKenzie-Childs make the experience even more charming. They’re as beautiful as they are functional, and bring just the right amount of seasonal personality to your kitchen!
Click here for more of our favorite fall pieces!
What We Wear: Fall Edition
Consider this your excuse for a fall wardrobe refresh. From cozy knits and elevated pants to statement pieces and accessories we can’t resist, we’re sharing the styles we’re loving this season. Whether you’re looking to update your everyday staples or add a few fun finds to your closet, we’ve rounded up our favorites to make fall shopping a little easier.
- The most beautiful embroidered sweater from Boden
- The chicest chartreuse pants from Reformation (Whit can confirm that they pair so well with the sweater above!)
- Or grab them in silver for a more neutral option
- The most comfortable, relaxed boyfriend jeans
- Tortoise aviators? Yes, please!
- Buru’s mustard yellow pinstripe shorts look so cute with an oversized denim button-up shirt or neutral sweatshirt
- Cuyana’s Mini Systems Tote Bag in cherry — our go-to color this season
- We always love Hart’s earrings for a pop of sparkle
Don’t miss our full collection of fall must-haves.
In Our Fall Era
If there’s one thing about our fall era, it’s that we’re all about finding the balance between getting ahead and enjoying the moment. A little holiday planning, a few cozy upgrades, and some fresh fall finds? Sounds like our kind of season!
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If you’re looking to learn more about email marketing or develop a digital marketing strategy, please reach out to our team today.
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