The holiday season is a time of reflection, family gatherings, and storytelling. For historical and genealogical societies, it presents a golden opportunity to attract new members and re-engage existing ones. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a compelling holiday campaign:
Understand the Holiday Spirit
The holidays are about connections, memories, and traditions. Emphasize the importance of preserving family histories and the role your society plays in helping individuals discover their roots.
Offer Special Holiday Discounts
Consider offering a limited-time holiday discount for new members or for those renewing their membership. This can be a percentage off the regular price or a special bundle deal.
Host Holiday-Themed Events
Organize workshops on topics like "Tracing Your Ancestors During the Holidays" or "Historical Christmas Traditions." These events can be virtual or in-person, depending on current health guidelines.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
Partner with local businesses to offer special deals for your members. For instance, a local bookstore might give a discount on history books for society members during the holiday season.
Share Success Stories
Highlight stories of members who've made significant discoveries about their family history. This not only showcases the value of your society but also inspires others to embark on their own journey of discovery.
Engage on Social Media
Create holiday-themed content for your social media channels. Share historical facts related to the holidays, tips for genealogical research, and promote your holiday events and discounts.
Send Out Holiday Newsletters
Design a special holiday edition of your newsletter. Include updates, upcoming events, and perhaps a feature on a historically significant event or person related to the holiday season.
Create a Gift Membership Option
Allow existing members to purchase gift memberships for friends and family. This not only boosts membership but also spreads awareness of your society.
Offer Exclusive Resources
Provide members with exclusive resources, such as access to special databases, research tools, or expert consultations, as a holiday bonus.
Engage the Youth
The younger generation is the future of your society. Organize holiday-themed history quizzes, genealogy workshops for kids, or storytelling sessions to engage them.
The holiday season is a time of immense potential for historical and genealogical societies. By tapping into the spirit of the season and offering value to both existing and potential members, societies can significantly boost their membership and ensure their continued growth and relevance.