The truth is, everywhere you look, brands are trying to catch attention, and they ramp it up especially when it comes to the end and start of the year. If your brand doesn’t have a marketing plan to tap into that energy and high attention time, then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. However, the good news is that kicking off the New Year with a smart, simple, strategic and intentional marketing moves doesn’t have to be complicated!

Here’s a few ideas on how you can start strong, connect with your audience, and build momentum for 2026!

Idea 1: Year In Review Round Up

People love looking back almost as much as they love looking forward. Sending a “year in review” to your customers is like giving them a mini highlight reel of their relationship with your brand. Show them the products or services they interacted with the most and remind them why they love you. It feels personal and thoughtful and it taps into nostalgia in a way that generic promotional emails simply cannot. 

The key here is to make it human.

How? Use images, fun stats, or even a short video to show them a snapshot of their year. Don’t just smash something out on AI, give it thought and intentionality. This isn’t just a recap, it’s a gentle nudge to get them back engaged with what you offer. 

Idea 2: New Year Quiz

People love finding out what fits them best, they loveeee personalisation! A New Year quiz is a fun and interactive way to help customers discover what they want next. Whether it’s a personality quiz that points them to products or a quick survey that suggests services, it’s a chance to collect valuable insights while offering something genuinely helpful. 

Quizzes work because they feel personal. You’re not just shouting a promotion at them, you’re helping them navigate their choices and giving them a reason to engage with your brand. Every answer gives you data you can use to segment and improve your marketing throughout the year.

Idea 3: Giveaways For Growth

The start of the year is noisy. Everyone is trying to grab attention with big sales and flashy campaigns. A well-timed giveaway can cut through that noise. It’s a chance to grow your email list, attract new leads, and build your owned audience without relying solely on ads. The trick is to make it exciting and relevant.

Tie the prize to your products or services and make participation simple. Not only do people love free stuff, but when you make it shareable, your reach can grow exponentially.

Idea 4: Fresh Start Products

The New Year is all about fresh starts and new habits. Highlight products or services that help your customers achieve their goals. Pair them with authentic customer reviews to show real-life benefits. The magic here is that it’s not about discounting everything to death. It’s about showing value and creating a sense of purpose around your offerings. People are more likely to invest in something that feels like it will genuinely help them kick off the year on the right foot.

Idea 5: VIP Treatment

Your most loyal customers are your best friends in business. Start the year by giving them something special. Early access, exclusive deals, or limited edition products make them feel seen and appreciated. Reach them on the channels they prefer. Whether it’s email, SMS, or even WhatsApp, showing that you understand their habits and giving them first dibs builds loyalty that lasts long after the New Year hype fades.

My final thoughts, ideas & suggestions.

All of these strategies have one thing in common: they put your audience first.

They engage people where they are, give them something of value, and make them feel connected to your brand. You don’t need a massive budget or a complicated plan. You just need thoughtful, intentional, targeted, and personal marketing moves that resonate. When executed well, these small actions can lead to bigger wins in engagement, sales, and brand loyalty.

If you’re ready to start the year with marketing that actually works, it’s time to act. Your audience is online, your competitors are already planning, and the tools are at your fingertips. Make this next year the year your marketing moves smarter, not harder.

About the Author of this blog:

Adam McGhee

Adam is a detail oriented creative fresh from the UK. With almost 5 years' experience working within fashion & retail marketing over in London, Adam has previously collaborated with some of the biggest brands in Europe working on all things copywriting, campaign execution, organic social management, paid advertising, global launch activations, email flows, affiliate marketing, e-commerce merchandising & more.