HalloThanksmas - Blending in the Pre-launch and Mid-promotion Brews
Think of your holiday promotion like brewing the perfect latte. Last week, we talked about the launch itself—the big pour, the moment everyone gets their cup. But what about the steps before the pour (pre-launch) and the sips in between (during-launch)? That’s where this week’s focus comes in.
Pre-Launch Phase (Grinding the Beans) 2-4 Weeks before the Launch:
Before you even pour, you need to grind the beans—collect your waiting list. Build a warm list of people who are eager for your holiday promotion. This could be done with a simple landing page, a Google Form, or even a DM campaign. Sweeten the cup by offering early access in exchange for video reviews, referrals, or email signups. Think of this as your “exclusive coffee club.”
During-Launch Phase (The Steady Pour):
Once the launch is live, don’t go quiet. You can’t just set a pot of coffee and walk away—you’ve got to keep stirring. Keep reminding, engaging, and nurturing. Share behind-the-scenes posts, testimonials from early-access customers, and FAQs. Social media posts here should mix urgency (“only 3 cups left!”) with curiosity (“did you know about this bonus blend?”).
Social Media Execution (Serving the Cups):
On social, the flow matters. Use Stories for daily reminders, Reels/TikToks for product/service features, and posts for social proof. Rotate through formats:
📹 Video reviews (user-generated content)
📊 Countdown graphics (urgency)
📝 FAQ carousels (education)
💡 Behind-the-scenes brewing (personal connection)
By keeping your audience caffeinated and engaged throughout, you’re not just pouring one strong cup—you’re keeping them coming back for refills all holiday season.
☕ Pre-launch Socials
Goals:
Build anticipation (tease, don’t spill the beans yet).
Collect a waiting list or “VIP club” of early access folks.
Start educating your audience about the problem your offer solves.
Position yourself as the trusted barista—they’ll want YOUR blend when it drops.
☕ Week -4 (The Aroma) (Teasing without telling )
Mysterious Reel/Story
“Something’s brewing…”
“I can’t spill the beans just yet, but you’ll want to stick around—this holiday blend is unlike anything else.”
Behind-the-Scenes Photo
“I’m working on something BIG for you…”
“Testing, planning, and brewing something just for you. Drop a ☕ if you’re curious!”
☕ Hooks
“Something’s brewing, and I can’t wait to spill it…”
“I’ve been keeping a little secret, and it’s almost time to share.”
“You ever feel like you’re on the edge of something big? That’s me right now.”
“Big news is simmering. Can you guess what it is?”
“The countdown is on, and you’ll want to stick around for this one.”
“If you’ve ever wished [pain point solved], you’re going to love what’s next.”
“I’m working on something special just for you.”
“Spoiler: this is going to make your [holidays/business/life] way easier.”
“All I can say is: stay tuned. Trust me.”
“This one has me buzzing… and not just from coffee.”
☕ Week -3 (The Taste Test) Educate & plant seeds
Value Post (educational)
“Here’s a problem I see every holiday season…”
“Every year I watch people [struggle with X]. This year, I’ve crafted something to help—but it’s only for those on my early list.”
Poll/Question
“What if your holidays felt easier this year?”
“Would you rather [Option A] or [Option B]? Your answers are fueling what’s coming.”
☕ Hooks
“Here’s the #1 struggle I see every holiday season…”
“If you’ve ever felt stressed about [pain point], I get it.”
“What if this year felt different?”
“This problem comes up every single year. Let’s change that.”
“Quick question: how do YOU handle [pain point] during the holidays?”
“Want my secret to making [pain point] easier this year?”
“This is what I wish more people knew before the holidays hit.”
“The truth? Most people get this wrong.”
“What if there was a simpler way?”
“Imagine if [holiday/business/life scenario] was stress-free this year.”
☕ Week -2 (The Invite) Collect waiting list/early access
Waiting List CTA Graphic
“Want the first sip before anyone else?”
“Join my VIP list and get early access to [product/service]. Limited spots, fresh perks!”
Email Signup/Survey Teaser
“Be my taste-testers…”
“I’m opening early access for those who want to help me test-drive this blend. Perks may include [bonus/reward]. Who’s in?”
☕ Hooks
Want the first sip before anyone else?”
“I’m opening up early access… want in?”
“If you like being first in line, this is for you.”
“I’m looking for VIPs who want the first taste.”
“Drop your name here to get on the exclusive list.”
“Want early access + a bonus? DM me ‘VIP.’”
“Here’s the deal: join the list now, thank me later.”
“Be my taste-testers—I need a few people for early access.”
“Spots are limited. Once the list is full, it’s full.”
“Who’s in? Early birds always get the freshest cup.”
☕ Week -1 (The Steam Rising) Build urgency before launch
Countdown Story/Graphic
“This is your last chance to get on the list.”
“Doors open in a few days. If you’re not on the list, you’ll miss the first pour.”
Sneak Peek Reel
“Here’s a peek behind the curtain…”
“Want to see what’s coming? Here’s your 3-second glimpse—don’t blink!”
☕ Hooks
“Last chance to get on the list before doors open.”
“This list closes in [X] hours. Don’t miss out.”
“Tomorrow, everything changes. Are you ready?”
“Consider this your final reminder—get on the list.”
“The wait is almost over. Can you feel the buzz?”
“This time tomorrow, you’ll wish you had signed up today.”
“I’m about to pour the first cup—are you on the list?”
“Once the doors open, the list is closed.”
“Last call for early access. Don’t be left out.”
“This is it—the steam is rising, and the reveal is almost here.”
☕ Tactics for Pre-Launch Success
Tease Without Telling: Drop hints (colors, packaging sneak peeks, blurred photos). Build curiosity.
Educate Softly: Share problems your audience has during the holidays that your offer solves.
Collect Emails/Contacts: Waiting list, Google Form, or DM-to-join list.
Reward Early Birds: Offer perks like early access, small bonuses, or entry into a giveaway.
Engagement Tools: Use polls, questions, or “drop a comment to join the list” tactics.
☕ Mid-promo Socials
This is the part of the holiday promo most people skip over—the “middle weeks,” between the hype of launch day and the urgency of the closing push. Think of it like a fresh pot of coffee: the aroma is strongest when it’s just brewed (launch day), and the last pour gets everyone scrambling for the final cup (closing day). But if you don’t keep the carafe warm in between, people will forget about it—or worse, think it’s gone stale.
Here’s how to keep those middle weeks brewing hot:
☕ The Mid-Promo Momentum
Week 1 (Right after launch – The Strong Pour)
Goal: Keep the hype alive after the first splash.
Content:
Showcase testimonials from early buyers.
Share behind-the-scenes of packaging/shipping/service delivery.
Highlight the most popular item/service so far (“Everyone’s ordering this blend!”).
Tone: Enthusiastic, validating, reassuring—“You’re not too late, the buzz is real.”
Testimonial Highlight
“Everyone’s ordering this blend—don’t miss out!”
“The buzz is real! Here’s what people are already saying about [product/service]. Grab yours while the pot’s still hot.”
Behind-the-Scenes Reel
“Curious what’s most popular so far?”
“Our [top seller] has been flying! Here’s a peek behind the barista counter while we prep orders.”
☕ Hooks
“The buzz is real, and I’ve got to share this with you…”
“You won’t believe what people are already saying about this…”
“Our most popular pick so far? Let me show you.”
“This one’s flying off the shelves—faster than a double espresso on a Monday.”
“Curious what everyone’s ordering first? Here’s the favorite so far.”
“We’ve just launched, and the response has been amazing—here’s why.”
“The early birds are in, and they’re raving about this…”
“Wondering if this is worth it? Let me share some fresh feedback.”
“The launch may have just started, but the orders are already pouring in.”
“Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at what’s happening since launch.”
Week 2 (Middle stretch – The Steady Sip)
Goal: Maintain interest, fight off buyer fatigue.
Content:
FAQ posts addressing hesitations.
Educational posts about the benefits or uses of your offer.
Comparison posts (“Here’s why this beats the standard holiday gift”).
Engagement prompts (polls, quizzes, “Which flavor/option would you pick?”).
Tone: Informative and connective—remind people why your offer matters.
FAQ Carousel
“Let’s clear up a question I keep hearing…”
“Ever wondered [FAQ]? Here’s the quick answer—and why it matters before you order.”
Comparison Post
“This gift beats socks and candles, here’s why…”
“Skip the usual. This is the gift they’ll actually use (and thank you for). Trust me, it’s better than another pair of fuzzy socks.”
☕ Hooks
“Let’s clear up the biggest question I keep hearing this week…”
“Not sure if this is right for you? Here’s how it works.”
“I want to tackle a misconception I’ve seen floating around…”
“This is why our promo beats the usual holiday gift ideas.”
“Ever wonder why this matters more than [common alternative]?”
“Here’s the truth about what makes this different.”
“Still on the fence? Let me break it down simply.”
“Think of this as your holiday shortcut—it’s that practical.”
“Let’s play a game—would you pick A or B? Comment below.”
“If you’re shopping smart this year, here’s what you need to know.”
Week 3 (Building anticipation for close – The Refill)
Goal: Re-energize your audience for the final push.
Content:
Tease any upcoming bonuses or “last chance” perks.
Create FOMO with low stock updates or limited spots.
Share more UGC or customer reviews (“Look who’s loving this already”).
Tell a story about why you created this promo—values and heart.
Tone: Warm, encouraging, and slightly urgent—like pouring a second cup before it’s gone.
Scarcity Graphic
“Only a few cups left in the pot…”
“We’ve only got [X] spots/items left! Once it’s gone, it’s gone—no refills until next season.”
Bonus Teaser Reel
“Want a bonus shot of espresso with that order?”
“Next week we’re adding a surprise perk for those who join in—stay tuned for the extra caffeine boost!”
☕ Hooks
“Here’s why waiting might mean missing out entirely…”
“We’ve only got a few spots left, and here’s the update…”
“Think of this like the last refill of the pot—you don’t want to miss it.”
“Here’s a story about why I created this promo…”
“Want an extra perk? Here’s a hint of what’s coming.”
“This is the part where procrastinators miss out—don’t be one of them.”
“You won’t want to wait until the last minute for this one.”
“Our shelves are thinning out—let me show you what’s left.”
“This blend is seasonal—it’s not sticking around.”
“Here’s how you’ll feel if you wait too long (spoiler: regret).”
Final Days (Closing week – The Last Cup)
Goal: Maximize urgency and close strong.
Content:
Countdown graphics (“Only 3 days left to grab your blend!”).
Re-share success stories.
Emphasize scarcity (“Only 5 spots left” / “This blend won’t be back until next year”).
Tone: Energetic, urgent, motivating—remind them not to miss out.
Countdown Graphic
“Last call—barista’s shutting down in [X] days!”
“It’s the final pour, friends. The promo ends in [X] days, and once the pot is empty, that’s it!”
Story/UGC Repost
“Don’t be the one who missed the last cup…”
“Don’t be the one who missed the last cup…”
☕ Hooks
“This is the last call—the barista’s closing in [X] days.”
“If you’ve been waiting, this is your final reminder.”
“Don’t let this be the one you regret missing.”
“You’ve got [X] hours left to grab your spot.”
“Countdown’s on—this offer won’t be back until next year.”
“This is your ‘last sip’ moment—don’t miss it.”
“Think of this as the final pour before the pot is empty.”
“Doors are closing, and here’s why you can’t wait.”
“The only thing worse than missing coffee? Missing this.”
“It’s almost over—are you in or out?”
☕ Social Media Formats for Mid-Promo Weeks
Stories: Daily reminders, polls, countdown stickers.
Reels/TikTok: Quick transformations, testimonials, product/service in action.
Graphics: Carousels with FAQs, comparisons, or benefits.
Lives: Mid-promo Q&A to re-engage and address hesitations.
☕ Key Takeaways for Social
Week 1 = Proof + Buzz (testimonials, BTS, excitement).
Week 2 = Education + Engagement (FAQs, comparisons, polls).
Week 3 = Scarcity + Storytelling (stock updates, origin story, bonus perks).
Final Days = Urgency + FOMO (countdowns, last-chance posts, UGC).
✅ The key: don’t go quiet. If you stop posting between launch and conclusion, your audience assumes the “coffee pot” is empty. Instead, keep refilling their cup with new reasons to stay interested—testimonials, education, engagement, and behind-the-scenes.
