Marketing Lessons From Christmas Lights
This weekend, I did what many of us do the moment Thanksgiving leftovers are packed away. I pulled out the Christmas decorations, poured a cup of something warm, and started stringing lights.
And like clockwork…
I plugged in one strand and only half lit up. The entire top section sparkled, glowing like a Hallmark movie. The bottom half? Completely dark. Not even a flicker.
Classic.
But in that moment—cocoa in hand, half-lit strand dangling—I had a thought:
So many businesses run their marketing the exact same way.
They’ve got one part shining bright:
✨ Their social media game is strong.
✨ Or their website is gorgeous and polished.
✨ Or they’ve built a killer product or service people truly need.
But then the rest of their “strand” is dim… disconnected… or completely burnt out.
Their email list is cold.
Their messaging doesn’t match their visuals.
Their customer experience is inconsistent.
Their brand story feels fuzzy or unfinished.
Their strategy is basically “post and pray.”
And here’s the truth Christmas lights remind us of every year:
A strand is only as strong as its weakest bulb.
When one section goes out, the whole display loses its sparkle.
You can have the brightest bulb in the world—if the rest of the strand isn’t connected, people won’t notice it the way you want them to.
Marketing works the same way.
You need cohesion.
You need consistency.
You need each touchpoint supporting the next.
You need strategy—not just tactics.
Because when everything connects?
People can’t help but stop and look.
Your brand shines brighter.
Your message carries further.
And your audience feels that “oh wow, they’ve got it together” moment that builds trust and loyalty.
So, as you’re untangling lights this season, ask yourself:
Where in your marketing strand do you need to replace a bulb?
What’s flickering?
What’s disconnected?
What’s overdue for a little attention?
This is the perfect time of year to step back and decide how you want your brand to shine in the year ahead.
And if you want someone to help you untangle the strand, test the bulbs, and make the whole thing sparkle?
That’s exactly what I do. We’ll have it all shining bright before the new year!
Here’s to bright lights, strong brands, and marketing that actually works—because it connects.