Christmas & New Year Marketing: How to Combine Instagram, WhatsApp & Email to Maximize Holiday Revenue

TLDR:

• Holiday shoppers have high intent but low attention, switching constantly between Instagram, WhatsApp, and email.
• A single-channel strategy creates gaps in the journey; a connected multichannel strategy guides shoppers smoothly to checkout.
• Instagram builds awareness through festive reels, stories, carousels, UGC, and influencer content.
• Instagram automation tools like comment-to-DM and story-to-DM help move engaged users into WhatsApp.
• Use WhatsApp for gift recommendations, product catalogs, delivery updates, broadcasts, and cart-recovery nudges.
• Email nurtures interest with gift guides, shipping reminders, offer roundups, and post-purchase flows.

The final 45 days of the year are the most profitable for e-commerce brands worldwide. According to Deloitte's 2025 holiday forecast, online holiday sales are expected to see stronger growth of 7% to 9% and could exceed $305 billion globally.

Shoppers are busy buying gifts and searching for last-minute ideas. But here’s the tricky part: they’re doing all of this while juggling work, family dinners, travel plans, and end-of-year chaos. Their attention is scattered, and their decisions are quick during the holiday period.

If you want to win holiday revenue, you can’t wait for shoppers to come find you. You have to meet them wherever they already are.  

And today, that’s across multiple platforms, especially Instagram, WhatsApp, and email. Holiday shoppers hop between these channels nonstop. They may see a product on Instagram, ask a question on WhatsApp, and then get reminded of your offer through email later that day.

If you’re only active on one channel, you’re only visible for a fraction of their buying journey.

But if your presence spans all three, you stand out in the holiday noise and guide shoppers straight to checkout.

Let’s break down how you can nail multichannel Christmas and New Year marketing.

What Makes Christmas & New Year Marketing More Effective When You Use an Omnichannel Strategy?

Research indicates that over 80% of holiday consumers engage with deals on multiple platforms, increasing conversions significantly when brands coordinate messaging across these touchpoints 

During the Christmas and New Year shopping window, buyers are impulsive and far more motivated to find the “perfect” gift before time runs out. This makes Christmas marketing, holiday marketing, and New Year marketing fundamentally different from the rest of the year.  

In the days before the holidays, the customer journey is nonlinear. A shopper might see something while commuting, come back to it in the evening, and finally buy it the next day. An omnichannel strategy makes sure your brand stays visible throughout these moments, even when the shopper switches devices or platforms. 

Ad costs are also rising during the holiday season. With an omnichannel approach, you can use your budget more efficiently because each touchpoint supports the other.

How Instagram, WhatsApp, and Email Create a High-Converting Holiday Funnel

The holiday funnel has four stages: awareness, engagement, conversion, and retention. Each channel plays a specific role in moving shoppers through these stages. 

Instagram drives discovery: Shoppers come here for ideas, gift inspiration, and trends. Your goal here is to capture attention and create interest.

WhatsApp handles engagement and conversion: Once interest is generated on Instagram, WhatsApp gives shoppers fast answers and guided buying help that shortens the decision cycle.

Email supports conversions: Email keeps the conversation going after the first touch. It reminds shoppers of saved items, offers, and deal timelines. It also nurtures customers after their first purchase and brings them back in the New Year.

When these three channels work together, the customer sees one consistent narrative and not three disconnected messages. That consistency reduces friction and improves the likelihood of purchase.

Leveraging Instagram for Holiday Traffic and Engagement

Shoppers spend an average of 33 minutes per day on Instagram, which translates to about 12 hours per month. And about 61% of them turn to the platform to find their next purchase. This makes Instagram one of the strongest channels for increasing awareness and starting the conversation.

When scrolling through Instagram, people are in a relaxed mindset and more open to suggestions, making them more likely to save content that catches their eye. 

Here are some ideas on how you can use different Instagram content formats to draw customers’ attention.

Instagram Reels

• Share quick gift ideas featuring your products
• Create simple festive transformations or before-and-after clips
• Highlight your bestsellers with short demos
• Use trending audio that fits the holiday mood
• Add a clear CTA such as “Save this idea” or “Comment for the guide.”

Instagram Stories

• Use countdown stickers for delivery timelines or flash sales
• Share behind-the-scenes holiday prep and packaging
• Run polls to understand what customers are shopping for
• Group products into simple story-based gift guides
• Repost customer content to build trust and show real experiences
• Use story highlights to show different collections

Posts (Carousels & Static Images)

• Create themed carousels that compare options or show gift bundles
• Design gift guides grouped by budget or recipient
• Share customer reviews or festive UGC
• Post helpful holiday tips that make shopping easier
• Highlight limited-edition or seasonal products

UGC Content

 Holiday purchases are influenced strongly by social proof. Encourage customers or creators to share unboxing videos, before-and-after clips, and festive styling ideas. 

Influencer partnerships work particularly well in December. Focus on creators known in your niche. Encourage them to share real use cases instead of generic product placements. 

Using Instagram Automation to Drive Leads into WhatsApp

Once your Instagram content starts attracting holiday attention, automation can help you guide interested shoppers into WhatsApp without any extra effort. This keeps the momentum high and gives customers a smooth way to continue the conversation.

A simple way to do this is through comment-to-DM automation. When someone comments a keyword on your post, they automatically receive a DM that invites them to explore more on WhatsApp. For example:

• Comment “GIFT” on a holiday reel to receive your festive gift guide
• Comment “OFFER” to unlock a special December discount
• Comment “JOY” to confirm entry to a holiday giveaway and receive a WhatsApp link for updates

You can also use story-to-DM automation to reach people who interact with your Stories. If someone taps a countdown sticker or reacts to a product tag, they can receive a friendly message with a link to chat on WhatsApp. For example: A viewer sends a Story reaction and gets a DM saying, “Here are today’s festive picks. Chat with us on WhatsApp if you want suggestions.”

After moving your customers to Instagram DMs, you can nudge them to share their email IDs and WhatsApp numbers. 

A simple DM prompt such as “Would you like us to send you the full gift guide on WhatsApp or email?” works well during the holidays because shoppers already expect quick suggestions.

WhatsApp, the Highest-Converting Channel for Holiday Sales

WhatsApp is a critical channel for holiday marketing because it combines immediacy, personalization, and high engagement in a way that traditional channels struggle to match. During peak shopping seasons like Christmas and New Year, shoppers want quick, reliable answers and seamless buying experiences. WhatsApp’s conversational nature—with open rates exceeding 98%—makes it perfect to fulfill these demands. 

WhatsApp also creates a sense of reassurance during a busy season. People want clarity on delivery dates, stock availability, festive bundles, and last-minute purchases. A fast response gives them the confidence to complete the order without second-guessing.

Since shoppers check WhatsApp frequently throughout the day, your messages remain visible and easy to act on.

What You Can Send on WhatsApp and the Features to Use for Holiday Campaigns

• Broadcast Messages: Send segmented festive offers, flash sales, or exclusive early access promotions. Broadcasts have high open and click-through rates, so they are ideal for time-sensitive holiday deals.
• Product Catalogs and Carousels: Showcase gift guides, bundles, or new arrivals within chats using rich product cards that shoppers can browse without leaving WhatsApp. 
• Quick Replies: Automate FAQs, order status updates, shipping timelines, and returns processes to improve customer experience and free up human agents for personalized upselling.
• Personalized One-to-One Messaging: Use segmentation and unified customer data to send tailor-made product recommendations, discounts, and loyalty offers, boosting average order value and repeat purchases.
• Click-to-WhatsApp Ads: These ads on Instagram or Facebook open WhatsApp chats instantly. These convert ad clicks into real-time conversations where shoppers can get customized help and purchase guidance.
• Cart Recovery and Reminder Flows: Engage users who abandoned carts with timely nudges, combining urgency ("Only X items left!") and personalized messages to recover lost sales.
• Rich Media and Interactive Elements: Use emojis, stickers, images, and short videos in messages to create festive, engaging conversations that feel warm and match the holiday spirit.

How Email Marketing Supports Sales and Retention 

Email is often underestimated during the holidays, but it plays an important role in nurturing interest over time. Many shoppers will not buy when they first see your product. They need reminders, reassurance, or more information.

Holiday-themed emails with simple narratives help create an emotional connection. For example, a story about how your product helps families celebrate together can create warmth and relevance.

You can also build pre-holiday sequences that highlight your bestsellers, shipping deadlines, and any early-bird offers.

After the first purchase, email becomes even more valuable. Post-purchase sequences can help customers understand how to use the product, care instructions, or complementary recommendations. This increases retention and encourages repeat purchases in January.

Since inbox activity is higher in December, your emails should focus on adding value. A clean design, a straightforward message, and a clear call-to-action help your content stand out and guide the shopper forward.

What You Can Send in Your Holiday Email Campaigns

Here are some simple and effective email ideas that fit naturally into the Christmas and New Year season:

• Festive gift guides: Send curated lists like “Gifts under $50,” “Last-minute gifts,” or “Gifts for him/her.” These help shoppers make quick decisions.

• Shipping deadlines and delivery reminders: Share important dates to reassure customers that their orders will arrive on time.

• Offer roundups: Summarize ongoing promotions or limited-time deals so shoppers can see everything in one place.

• Abandoned cart reminders: Gently remind shoppers of what they left behind, along with any relevant add-on suggestions.

• Post-purchase tips: Send care instructions, styling ideas, or setup guides. These emails help customers get more value out of their purchase.

• New Year welcome messages: Invite customers to return in January with fresh product recommendations or exclusive loyalty offers.

• Customer stories or UGC highlights: Share real experiences to build trust and inspire shoppers who are still deciding.

Combining Instagram, WhatsApp, and Email for Maximum Impact

Maximizing holiday revenue needs sophisticated orchestration of Instagram, WhatsApp, and email through multi-channel flows and targeted segmentation. Each channel has a distinct role best suited to different customer states and messaging types. Aligning these channels makes sure the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.

Multi-Channel Workflows You Can Use

Workflow 1: First-Time Shopper Holiday Journey

1. Instagram reel attracts the user
2. Comment keyword → Instagram DM → WhatsApp welcome
3. WhatsApp shares a simple gift guide
4. Email follows up with a personalised list
5. Reminder on WhatsApp as delivery deadlines approach

Workflow 2: Gift Shopper Guided Flow

1. Instagram gift guide carousel
2. Comment triggers DM → leads to WhatsApp
3. WhatsApp gathers details: “Budget?” “Who are you buying for?”
4. Sends three options
5. Email shares more detailed recommendations and reviews

Workflow 3: Deal Hunter Flash Sale Flow

1. Instagram story countdown
2. Story-to-DM automation gives WhatsApp early-access link
3. WhatsApp pushes the deal announcement
4. Email summarises all current offers in one email
5. WhatsApp reminder before the deal ends

Workflow 4: Wishlist Saver Nudge Flow

1. Wishlist saver sees a targeted Instagram story about the product
2. DM automation invites them to WhatsApp for personalized help
3. WhatsApp sends variants or bundles
4. Email provides a comparison or review
5. WhatsApp final nudge when stock is running low

Workflow 5: Cart Abandoner Recovery

1. Email sends a gentle abandoned cart reminder
2. WhatsApp follows with a quick link to checkout
3. Instagram retargeting shows the product again
4. WhatsApp shares delivery timelines for reassurance
5. The customer completes the purchase

Ready-to-Use Holiday Campaign Ideas Combining Instagram, WhatsApp, and Email

Secret Santa Engagement Campaign: Launch a reel inviting viewers to comment “Santa” to receive a curated gift list. The DM flow takes them to WhatsApp, where they find personalized suggestions. Email then delivers a downloadable Secret Santa guide they can share with friends.

12 Days of Christmas Flash Sales: Each day features one product with a special offer. Instagram posts drive awareness. WhatsApp broadcasts reveal the daily deal. Email highlights the full calendar and reminds shoppers of upcoming items.

New Year Wishlist and Registry Builder: Encourage shoppers to create a wishlist by sending a DM keyword. WhatsApp helps them build the list. Email sends a clean, printable version. Shoppers can share the list with family, which increases organic reach.

Best Practices for High-Converting and Consistent Holiday Campaigns

Content and Messaging

• Keep your festive visuals consistent across all platforms
• Use simple, clear copy that highlights benefits and deadlines
• Create content that solves shopper problems, not just promotes products
• Use warm, friendly language that matches the holiday mood

Timing and Frequency

• Start holiday messaging early to build awareness
• Increase posting frequency during peak weeks without overwhelming people
• Use countdowns and delivery reminders closer to Christmas
• Send WhatsApp and email nudges during evenings when shoppers browse more

Personalization and Segmentation

• Segment users based on behaviour such as clicks, views, and chats
• Send personalized bundles or suggestions based on what they interacted with
• Offer different communication paths for gift shoppers, deal hunters, and last-minute buyers
• Use dynamic content in emails to show categories or products relevant to each user

Mobile-First Experience

• Keep visuals readable on small screens
• Use short videos, quick swipes, and easy tap actions
• Ensure all links open quickly and lead directly to relevant pages
• Simplify forms and checkout steps for mobile shoppers

Urgency and Clarity

• Highlight delivery cutoffs clearly on Stories, WhatsApp, and email
• Use stock alerts and “selling fast” updates when relevant
• Keep CTAs short and action-oriented
• Avoid overwhelming customers with too many offers at once

Support and Response Time

• Use automation for FAQs so shoppers get instant replies
• Keep your WhatsApp response tone friendly and warm
• Make it easy for customers to switch channels if needed
• Offer simple comparison lists to help them make decisions faster

Wrapping Up

During Christmas and New Year, shoppers’ decisions are shaped by convenience, clarity, and the ability to get answers the moment they need them. When your brand connects Instagram, WhatsApp, and email into one smooth experience, you meet customers exactly where they are and guide them forward with confidence.

Instagram helps you spark interest and draw shoppers in with festive inspiration. WhatsApp gives them personal, real-time support that helps them choose the right gift without hesitation. Email keeps the relationship going with helpful reminders, stories, and follow-ups that bring shoppers back even after the holidays.

When these channels work together, you create a buying journey that feels organized and easy to follow during one of the busiest times of the year. You reduce drop-offs, build stronger trust, and give customers a consistent brand experience no matter where they interact with you.

This season, focus on creating seamless flows, meaningful conversations, and timely reminders. The effort you put into integration and consistency now will translate into higher conversions, happier customers, and a stronger start to the new year.

If you’re ready to maximize your holiday revenue, now is the perfect time to bring your multichannel strategy to life. ZEPIC is here to help you create seamless campaigns. Book a demo today!