Christmas songs are a difficult market to crack because there are so many classics replayed every year that people aren’t always open to newcomers. So, you need to make them listen.
Writing a great Christmas song is just the beginning. To make it a holiday hit, you need a solid marketing strategy to ensure it reaches as many ears as possible. With the festive season being a short window, timing, creativity, and promotion are crucial. Here’s how to market your Christmas song for maximum impact.
1. Release it early
Timing is everything. Aim to release your song in early November or even late October. This gives you plenty of time to build momentum before the holiday rush kicks in.
- Why early matters: Playlist curators and radio stations often finalise their Christmas playlists before December.
2. Create an eye-catching cover art
Holiday songs thrive on festive vibes. Invest in professional, cheerful artwork that reflects the season. Use imagery like snow, ornaments, or cosy holiday scenes to draw attention to your song.
3. Leverage social media
Social media is your biggest ally for promoting your song. Use it to create excitement and engagement.
- Post snippets of your song as reels or TikToks with festive visuals.
- Use holiday hashtags like #ChristmasMusic, #HolidayHit, and #FestiveSeason.
- Run countdowns to your release date to build anticipation.
- Share the story behind your song to connect with your audience emotionally.
4. Get on holiday playlists
Playlists are where listeners discover new music. Pitch your song to Christmas and holiday-themed playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
- Use platforms like Spotify for Artists to submit your song for playlist consideration.
- Research and contact independent playlist curators who feature holiday tracks.
5. Collaborate with other creators
Team up with other musicians, influencers, or content creators who align with your audience.
- Collaborate on social media challenges or covers of your song.
- Work with influencers to feature your track in festive-themed content.
- Partner with local businesses or events to have your song featured during the holidays.
6. Use festive video content
Video content grabs attention and makes your song more shareable.
- Create a music video or lyric video with festive visuals.
- Post short, engaging clips on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
- Encourage fans to create user-generated content, like holiday-themed dances or sing-along.
7. Engage your fans with fun challenges
Turn your song into an interactive experience for your fans.
- Launch a TikTok dance challenge featuring your song.
- Run a holiday karaoke contest where fans sing your track.
- Ask fans to share videos of their holiday traditions with your song as the background music.
8. Reach out to local media
Local media outlets are always looking for festive content during the holiday season.
- Pitch your song to local radio stations, newspapers, and blogs.
- Offer to perform your song at community events or on local TV.
- Write a press release highlighting the inspiration behind your song.
9. Use paid ads strategically
A small advertising budget can go a long way during the holidays.
- Run targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to reach holiday music fans.
- Promote your song directly to audiences interested in Christmas playlists and holiday events.
10. Offer merch and exclusive content
Extend the reach of your song by pairing it with festive merchandise.
- Sell branded holiday items like mugs, ornaments, or jumpers.
- Offer exclusive downloads or behind-the-scenes videos to fans who stream or share your song.
11. Don’t forget streaming platforms’ tools
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music offer tools to amplify your music.
- Update your artist profile with holiday-themed images and bios.
- Share direct links to your song on streaming platforms.
- Use Spotify’s Canvas feature to add short video loops to your song.
12. Perform it live
Holiday performances bring your song to life and connect you with new fans.
- Perform at local holiday markets, schools, or community events.
- Host a festive live stream on social media where you perform your song and other holiday favourites.
- Collaborate with other artists to organise a virtual Christmas concert.
13. Keep promoting after Christmas
Many people listen to holiday music well into January. Don’t stop marketing the moment Christmas Day ends!
- Continue to promote your song as part of “cosy winter vibes.”
- Thank your fans for their support and share any milestones your song achieved.
The key to marketing a Christmas song is tapping into the holiday spirit and creating a sense of joy and nostalgia for your audience. By planning your release early, using social media creatively, and building connections through collaborations and performances, you can turn your festive tune into a seasonal success.
