Everyone loves the holiday season.
This season brings us the warmth and nostalgia and I believe there is even a little magic in the air.
It's a time for reflection, connection, and—let’s be honest—a chance to score some great deals.
In this spirit, I’ve dedicated edition #25 of Viks MIX (Marketing Insight Exchange) to holiday promotions because, just like the season itself, it’s all about creating memorable moments that stick with your customers long after.
We’ll dive into:
How B2B Companies Crush It on Black Friday (and Still Make Bank)
Rocking With Holiday-Themed Content
Why Origin Stories Matter, Especially During the Holidays
Let’s go.
How B2B Companies Crush It on Black Friday (and Still Make Bank)
Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just another sales event—they’re psychological dynamite.
These days tap into urgency, FOMO (fear of missing out), and fast decision-making like nothing else.
And when you offer smart discounts, you’re not just raking in short-term sales—you’re locking in long-term customers and loyalty.
Timing + opportunity = a winning combo for savvy businesses.
Source: BlackFriday.com
Let’s dive into how some companies have nailed their Black Friday game in the past:
1. BuzzSumo’s Bold Move - BuzzSumo went all in with a 40% off annual plans, but here’s the twist—they locked buyers in for 12 months. Smart, right? Add a countdown clock ticking away, and the urgency was real. No wonder it worked!
2. Panda Security’s Safety Net - These guys didn’t mess around, dropping a massive 60% discount across all plans. With a dedicated landing page and a ticking clock, they created that “you better grab this before it’s gone” vibe.
3. Anyword’s Double Delight - Anyword sweetened the pot with 30% off for new customers and threw in a bonus of 20,000 words for their AI copywriting tool. Think of it like getting free fries with your burger—who could resist?
4. Cuentas’ Score with Soccer Partnering with Major Arena Soccer League - Teaming up with Major Arena Soccer League, Cuentas served up free wireless service for 100,000 new subscribers. That sports buzz? It got people talking—and signing up.
5. LinkedIn LeadConnect’s Power Play - LeadConnect offered 25% off semi-annual plans and 40% off annual ones. But the kicker? Integration with HubSpot, making it a no-brainer for businesses already on that CRM.
How B2B Companies Offer Big Discounts and Still Make a Killing
Okay, so how do B2B companies pull off these massive discounts and still come out on top? They don’t just slash prices willy-nilly—they play smart.
Here’s the inside scoop on how they do it.
Smart Strategies for Offering Discounts
Volume-Based Discounts: Bigger = Better
The more you buy, the more you save. Sounds simple, but this tactic makes customers increase their order size. Sure, profit margins shrink a bit, but the bigger sale more than makes up for it.
Targeted Discounts: VIP Vibes
Think of it like a backstage pass at a concert. Targeted deals for VIP clients—those signing up for a full year—make customers feel like they’ve scored something special while locking in repeat business.
Strategic Discounting: Numbers Don’t Lie
Smart companies don’t just guess what discount works. They crunch the numbers. Maybe 15% off doesn’t seem huge, but if it leads to a 50% boost in sales? That’s a win.
Bundling Products: The Combo Meal Effect
Why sell one product when you can sell two or three as a bundle? It’s like getting a fast food combo—you feel like you’re getting more for less, and the company is racking up bigger sales.
Time-Limited Offers: FOMO in Action
Nothing sparks action like a ticking clock. Limited-time offers force customers to act quickly, making sure they don’t miss out on a great deal.
Playing the Long Game
The real magic happens after the sale. Here’s why those discounts pay off in the long run:
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Today’s discount could turn a one-time buyer into a lifetime customer. Once they’re in, they’re more likely to come back.
Market Share Expansion: Discounts can lure customers from competitors. As your market share grows, your ability to offer deals without slashing profits increase.
Brand Awareness & Loyalty: Big sales build visibility, and the more people see your deals, the more your brand sticks in their minds. That’s loyalty you can bank on.
Rocking With Holiday-Themed Content
The holiday season triggers a shift in human behavior—people are more open, nostalgic, and eager to connect.
For B2B companies, this emotional window is a goldmine.
Engaging clients with holiday-themed content taps into this heightened sense of warmth and belonging, making your brand feel more personal and relatable.
It’s not just about sales; it’s about building relationships that stick.
When businesses feel understood and valued, they’re far more likely to choose you in the long run.
1. Make It Interactive
Who doesn’t love a good quiz or game? Get your audience involved with something fun and interactive that ties into the holiday spirit.
Example: A quiz like "What Kind of Holiday Planner Are You?" lets users have a laugh while learning about themselves—and sharing it on LinkedIn! It’s engagement gold.
2. Share Your Holiday Story
Holiday storytelling is all about showing the heart behind your brand. People want to know who you really are, and now’s the time to show it.
Example: Dubsado’s heartwarming origin story gave customers the feels and made them fall in love with the brand even more. Authenticity for the win.
3. Go Festive with Videos
Lighten things up with fun holiday-themed videos. Poke fun at the year-end rush or throw in some holiday humor—everyone could use a laugh.
Example: Imagine a parody of “Home Alone” but with office chaos during the holiday rush. People relate to it, and they’ll share it.
4. Write Themed Blog Posts
Help your audience survive the holiday madness with useful, holiday-specific tips.
Example: An IT company might write, “How to Keep Your Data Safe During the Holiday Rush,” subtly promoting their services while offering real value.
5. Run Festive Social Campaigns
Get social! Launch a holiday-themed campaign that encourages user-generated content. People love to share, especially if it’s fun and festive.
Example: Run a “Show Us Your Holiday Workspace” contest where users share pics of their decorated offices. Throw in a branded hashtag to boost engagement.
6. Countdown to Deals
Nothing grabs attention like a countdown. Keep your audience hooked by offering a new deal every day for 12 days.
Example: A software company might offer 10% off one day, a free resource the next—building anticipation and repeat visits.
7. Holiday DIY Fun
Get crafty with some DIY content. It’s hands-on, it’s fun, and it subtly promotes your products.
Example: An office supply company could share easy DIY holiday décor ideas using their products—making your brand a go-to for festive inspiration.
8. Say Thank You
The holidays are all about gratitude. Go beyond the generic email and send something personal.
Example: Send handwritten notes or personalized thank-you videos to your top clients. A small gesture, but it makes a big impact.
So bring the energy, and watch your audience engage like never before!
Why Origin Stories Matter, Especially During the Holidays
Sharing a brand's origin story is like showing the soul behind the business, and there’s no better time to do it than during the holiday season.
This time of year, emotions run high, and people are more open to heartfelt stories that tug at the heartstrings.
It's not just about what you sell; it’s about why you do it.
Brands with powerful origin stories instantly become more relatable, especially when people are looking for meaning and connection.
Let’s dig into the psychology behind this and see why the holiday season is the perfect moment to let your brand’s story shine.
The Power of Storytelling in Business
People are wired for stories. From campfire tales to Netflix binges, stories help us make sense of the world.
And it’s no different in business.
When a brand opens up about its struggles, early days, and challenges, it creates an emotional bond.
Customers stop seeing them as some faceless corporation and start viewing them as a group of real people with dreams and grit.
An origin story does more than just entertain; it taps into deep psychological needs:
Emotional Connection: Stories about overcoming odds or taking risks resonate because everyone has faced challenges. When a brand shares its “rough start,” it feels human and relatable.
Trust Building: Being open about your journey builds trust. When customers see where you came from, they’re more likely to believe in where you’re going.
Belonging: People love being part of a community. Origin stories can bring in customers who share your values or vision, making them feel like they’re part of something bigger.
Why Now? The Magic of the Holidays
The holiday season is packed with feelings—gratitude, generosity, and reflection.
It’s a time when people are more receptive to stories of perseverance, community, and togetherness.
Brands that share their origin stories during this time can tap into that emotional wave and make a deeper impact.
Think about it: during the holidays, people are naturally drawn to messages of hope, resilience, and giving back.
An origin story that highlights these themes isn’t just a nice to have; it’s a way to connect with people when they’re most open to listening.
Some Killer B2B Origin Stories
While big names like Salesforce and HubSpot have well-known stories, here are a few B2B brands that nail it:
Zendesk started in a small Copenhagen apartment, where its founders wanted to humanize customer service. They were sick of clunky platforms and aimed to create something simple and approachable. Their story is all about making customer relationships easier and more authentic.
Shopify began as a snowboarding shop, believe it or not. Its founders struggled to find a good e-commerce solution, so they built one. Their story is about finding a gap and turning it into a game-changing business—perfect for startups and small businesses chasing their own dreams.
Dropbox was born out of frustration when co-founder Drew Houston forgot his USB drive. That everyday problem sparked the idea for a seamless cloud storage solution, showing that even simple annoyances can lead to big breakthroughs.
Drew Houston founded Dropbox because he would often forget to carry a USB to his college -
Sharing your origin story isn’t just a marketing move—it’s about giving your brand life and showing the heart behind the hustle.
That’s the stuff people remember.
So, what’s your origin story, and does your audience know it? Now’s the perfect time to let them in.
That’s the wrap for edition #25 of Vik’s MIX (Marketing. Insights. Exchange).
If you loved this edition share it in your community. Hit the like button and put it in the comments what hit you most in this special holiday edition.
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