Holiday Social Media Mistakes That Could Cost You

‘Tis the season where everyone is scrolling and shopping, and comparing your content with other brands. So if you’re phoning it in or forgetting the basics, you’re not just losing engagement. You’re losing sales. 

Let’s break down the holiday social media mistakes that could cost you big (and what you should do instead).

First, Not Planning Ahead

If your current plan includes throwing a Santa emoji on your next Instagram post and hoping for the best, we’ve got a problem. 

Last-minute posts look rushed. And trust me, your audience can tell. Random Canva graphics and chaotic captions scream “I made this in twenty minutes while eating leftover turkey.” aren't cutting it.

Fix it: Build a holiday content calendar NOW. Decide what and when you’re posting and how it ties back to your offers. Plus, batching content means you actually get to enjoy your holidays instead of panic-posting while waiting in line during Christmas shopping. 

Second, Only Posting Promotions 

If the only time you post is when you’re screaming “SALE! BUY! 40% OFF!”...you’re pretty much the digital version of a mall kiosk worker chasing people with samples. 

People expect promos during the holidays, but if that’s ALL you’re posting, your followers will scroll past you. 

Fix it: Mix in value driven, entertaining content, gift guides, behind-the-scenes, or customer stories. Keep people engaged with YOU, not just your discount code. That way, when you drop an offer, they’re already paying attention. 

Third, Neglecting Customer Engagement 

The holidays are DM central. People want to know about shipping times, stock levels, gift wrapping, and whether you can deliver before the 24th of December. If you’re ghosting comments and leaving DMs unopened…yikes.

Not responding makes customers feel ignored and they will move on to a brand that answers them. 

Fourth, Forgetting Mobile Optimization

Most people are scrolling for gifts on their phones, not their laptops. So if your graphics, videos, or website aren’t giving updated and aesthetic, you will lose customers. 

Fix it: Test everything on mobile. Do your videos fit the frame? Is your website checkout button big enough to actually click? Mobile-first design is a must. 

Fifth, Ignoring Paid Ads

I know. “But I don’t want to spend money on ads.” Listen. If you’re skipping ads during the biggest shopping season of the year, you’re basically waving goodbye to money. Period. 

Organic reach only goes so far. Paid ads let you retarget people who visited your site but didn’t check out. And holiday shoppers are ready to buy with just a little nudge. 

Sixth, No Post-Holiday Plan

The minute December 26th hits, a lot of businesses will go silent. Which is obvi a big mistake because people still have gift cards, they’re still scrolling and shopping. If you go ghost? You miss out on keeping the holiday momentum going.

Fix it: Plan for January. Tease new year products, run “treat yourself” campaigns, or highlight post-holiday sales. Position your brand as the one they stick with long after the Christmas tree comes down. 

🎄Finally: Don’t Be the Grinch of Social Media 🎄

Look, the holidays are crazy enough without you making your social media extra difficult. Some planning, a little variety, and engagement goes far. 

If you want sales, not tumbleweeds: 

• Plan your content ahead of time 

• Mix promos with fun, valuable content 

• Respond to your community like you care 

• Optimize for mobile 

• Don’t sleep on ads

• Keep the vibes going post-holiday

Do that, and you won’t just survive the holidays, you’ll thrive.