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With over 309,000 residents (and millions of tourists each year), Orlando is a powerhouse of economic activity in Central Florida. Famed for its world-class theme parks and year-round sunshine, the city takes on an extra layer of magic during the holiday season. At Emulent, we’ve helped numerous Orlando-based businesses craft marketing strategies that harness the festive energy. Whether you’re located on International Drive, nestled in Downtown Orlando, or near the tourist corridors around Walt Disney World, here’s how to create buzz for your business this holiday season.
Leverage Orlando’s Tourism Surge
Theme Park Festivities
Orlando’s theme parks—Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld—go all out during the holidays, attracting massive crowds. Tourists often explore beyond the parks for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Ideas to Capture Holiday Tourists:
- Collaborate with Nearby Hotels: Offer package deals or coupons that hotels can give to guests.
- Target Geo-Ads Around Parks: Use PPC platforms to target mobile users within a few miles of major parks, promoting unique holiday offers.
- Join Holiday Park Events: If you have the budget, consider sponsoring or having a presence at holiday-themed park festivities or after-hours events.
Airport and Transportation Hubs
Orlando International Airport (MCO) experiences a spike in holiday travel. Ride-sharing services, rental car companies, and local businesses should consider location-based ads around the airport area to catch visitors the moment they arrive.
Decorate with Orlando Flair
Tropical Holiday Aesthetics
In many parts of the country, Christmas means snow and pine trees. In Orlando, you can blend classic holiday elements with palm trees, warm weather, and a dash of Floridian style. Use bright, tropical colors or whimsical beach-themed Christmas decorations.
Emulent’s Tip:
- Social Media-Worthy Displays: Create an “Instagram wall” or holiday-themed photo booth. Encourage customers to tag your business, generating organic reach.
- Indoor Snowfall or Fog Machines: Offer a cool respite from Florida’s warmth by simulating gentle snowfall indoors—kids and families will love it.
Light Up Your Storefront
Festive lighting can draw the eye of passersby, especially in tourist-heavy areas like I-Drive or Lake Buena Vista. Whether you go for icicle lights, LED displays, or synchronized music-and-light shows, a dazzling exterior can act as its own advertisement.
Host Unique Holiday Experiences
Meet-and-Greets and Photo Ops
If you have the space, invite Santa or holiday-themed characters to your store or event venue. In a city famous for characters, offering a free photo op can bring families in droves—especially if theme parks are crowded or pricier.
Add-On Opportunities:
- Sell or cross-promote relevant products (like Christmas-themed treats, souvenirs, or gift certificates) to visitors waiting in line.
Seasonal Classes or Workshops
Orlando residents—locals and snowbirds—often look for fun, indoor-friendly activities during the busy tourist season:
- Cooking Classes: Teach how to make festive dishes with a Floridian twist (think key lime pie or spiced pineapple ham).
- Craft Workshops: Host ornament-painting or wreath-making sessions featuring local foliage like palmetto leaves.
- Mixology Events: If you run a bar or restaurant, offer a “Holiday Cocktails 101” evening with Florida-inspired flavors (e.g., coconut rum).
Engage in Community and Charitable Events
Local Parades and Festivals
From the Downtown Orlando Tree Lighting to the Winter Park Christmas Parade, the region overflows with holiday celebrations. Participating in these events—through floats, booths, or sponsorships—can put your business in front of thousands of residents.
Emulent’s Tip:
- Branded Giveaways: Hand out candy canes or small branded ornaments to parade-goers. This small gesture builds positive associations.
Charity Partnerships
Partnering with nonprofits resonates strongly during the season of giving. Run a toy drive or canned food collection in-store, or donate a portion of sales to a local charity:
- Second Harvest Food Bank: A significant presence in Central Florida, collecting food donations to help those in need.
- Toys for Tots: Collect new, unwrapped toys for kids throughout the area.
Customers appreciate socially responsible businesses; philanthropic partnerships often generate word-of-mouth and local media coverage.
Harness the Power of Local Influencers
Theme Park and Travel Bloggers
Orlando boasts a robust community of theme park vloggers, travel writers, and lifestyle influencers. If your business complements the tourism sector—like a restaurant near Disney Springs or a boutique near Universal—collaborate with these influencers for sponsored posts or event appearances.
Checklist for Influencer Collaborations:
- Identify influencers who align with your brand’s tone and audience.
- Offer a clear value proposition (free meals, event invites, behind-the-scenes tours).
- Encourage them to highlight your holiday promotions or unique decor.
Family and Mom Bloggers
Central Florida is home to many family-oriented bloggers who share tips on kid-friendly spots, deals, and local events. If you run a family-centric business (like a play center or café with a kids’ menu), these influencers can introduce you to large parent networks.
Offer Florida-Focused Holiday Deals
BOGO and Bundled Packages
Leverage Orlando’s strong holiday shopping culture by bundling products or services:
- Shop & Dine: Partner with a neighboring business for a “buy one item, get a free appetizer” cross-promo.
- Family Passes: If you’re an attraction (e.g., mini-golf, escape room), create discounted family bundles that make budgeting easier during the holiday splurge.
Florida Resident Discounts
Many theme parks in Orlando extend Florida resident deals. Join the trend by offering resident-exclusive discounts or freebies. You’ll not only draw in local families who might avoid tourist traps but also boost loyalty among year-round residents.
Leverage Digital Marketing
Holiday PPC Campaigns
Run localized pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns on Google or Bing with holiday-focused keywords:
- “Orlando Christmas shopping deals”
- “Best holiday events in Orlando”
- “Florida resident holiday discount”
Use ad extensions to highlight limited-time offers or in-store holiday events. Geotarget areas popular with tourists, such as around International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, or even zip codes near the airport.
Emulent’s Tip:
Schedule ads to appear during peak planning hours—often early mornings or late evenings when families research their holiday activities.
Social Media Countdown Sales
Create urgency with daily deals in the countdown to Christmas or New Year’s:
- “12 Days of Orlando Deals”—Each day features a new product or discount.
- Flash Sales: Offer steep discounts for a short 2-3 hour window; promote via Instagram Stories or Facebook posts.
Optimize for Tourists on the Go
Mobile-Friendly Website
Travelers often make last-minute decisions on their smartphones. Ensure your site is responsive, loads quickly, and features one-tap calling or directions.
Pro Tip:
Include a Google Maps embedding on your contact page. This makes it easy for potential customers to find your store or restaurant while in transit.
Up-to-Date Listings
Keep your Google Business Profile, Yelp, and TripAdvisor pages current:
- Update holiday hours (especially if you open earlier or close later).
- Add fresh photos of holiday decorations, special menu items, or product displays.
- Encourage satisfied holiday shoppers to leave reviews—these often sway tourists deciding where to spend their time and money.
Make the Most of Seasonal Storytelling
Video Marketing
Short, festive videos can showcase your Orlando location’s holiday spirit. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at decorating your storefront or a quick interview with the staff about their favorite holiday traditions, video content is shareable and resonates well on social media.
Email Newsletters and Storytelling
Tell a holiday tale in your newsletters—why your business loves celebrating in Orlando, the city’s unique traditions, or how your team participates in local events. This personal, narrative approach can transform readers into loyal fans.
Stat Spotlight:
- Email marketing yields an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent (across various industries), making it a powerful, cost-effective way to connect with customers.
Measure Your Success and Adapt
Track KPIs
Whether it’s foot traffic, online sales, or event attendance, keep tabs on what works—and what doesn’t:
- Redemption Rates: If you offered holiday coupons, how many were used?
- Social Engagement: Which posts got the most shares or comments?
- In-Store Purchases: Did a particular display or festive decoration lead to spikes in sales?
Analyze these metrics to refine your approach in real time. If your Santa meet-and-greet triggers less foot traffic than you hoped, try adding a free hot cocoa station or adjusting the schedule.
Gather Feedback
Ask customers for their thoughts: Was your store easy to find? Did they enjoy your holiday decor or events? A quick, friendly conversation or a short follow-up email can yield insights to fine-tune your future strategies.
Conclusion
Orlando’s holiday season offers a veritable treasure trove of promotional possibilities. From capitalizing on the city’s bustling theme-park-driven tourism to celebrating local cultural twists (like palm-tree Christmas lights or Florida-resident deals), there’s no shortage of ways to stand out. By combining strategic partnerships, unique in-store experiences, targeted digital marketing, and a healthy dose of festive cheer, your Orlando business can capture the hearts of both tourists and locals.
At Emulent, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-rounded holiday campaign can significantly boost brand visibility and revenue in Central Florida’s highly competitive market. Embrace the season’s spirit, craft memorable experiences, and tap into the magic that makes Orlando truly shine this time of year. The result? Happy customers, positive reviews, and a stronger brand presence that extends well beyond the holiday hustle.