The holiday season is a prime time for brands to gain visibility through gift guides, which can drive awareness and sales. If you’re planning to pitch your product for inclusion in holiday gift guides, navigating this process effectively is important. Below is a guide on what to do (and what not to do) when crafting your pitch.
DOs
1. Start Early
Editors and influencers often begin planning their holiday gift guides months in advance. To increase your chances of being featured, start sending pitches as early as August or September. Many publications finalize their guides by October.
2. Provide High-Quality Images
Gift guides are visually driven, and editors want high-quality images they can use right away. Provide professional product photos that are clear, well-lit, and on-brand. Offering a variety of images (lifestyle shots, flat lays, etc.) gives editors options to choose from.
3. Highlight What Makes Your Product Unique
Your product needs to stand out with so many brands vying for attention. Clearly communicate its unique selling points. Is it eco-friendly, handmade, or budget-friendly? Whatever makes it special, make sure that’s front and center in your pitch.
4. Personalize Your Pitches
A generic, mass email won’t capture anyone’s attention. Tailor your pitch to the specific publication or influencer. Make sure you address them by name, reference their previous work, and explain why your product would fit their audience well.
DON’Ts
1. Don’t Be Vague
If your pitch doesn’t clearly explain why your product should be included in the gift guide, it’s unlikely to be successful. Avoid vague descriptions and be specific about why your product fits the guide’s target audience.
2. Don’t Ignore the Audience
Pitching to a gift guide without considering the publication’s audience is a major misstep. If your product doesn’t align with the target demographic, it’s unlikely to be included. Ensure you’re targeting publications or influencers whose readers or followers would be genuinely interested in your product.
3. Don’t Send Last-Minute Pitches
The closer it gets to the holidays, the more inundated editors become with pitches. Sending a pitch in November or December is often too late for most major publications. Respect the lead time required to create well-thought-out guides, and plan your pitch accordingly.
4. Don’t Forget to Include Essential Details
When pitching a product, make sure you include all the essential information: price, availability, shipping details, and where the product can be purchased. Editors and influencers need to know these specifics in order to properly feature your product.
Pitching holiday gift guides can be a golden opportunity for your product but requires a strategic and thoughtful approach. ChicExecs is seasoned in helping brands successfully navigate holiday gift guide pitching. Our team crafts tailored pitches that highlight your product’s unique appeal. Let us handle the details, so your products get the visibility they deserve in top-tier gift guides!
