The Final Quarter Countdown: Top 5 Marketing Strategies to Crush Q4

Ah, Q4—the time of year when marketing plans either go down in history or, well, just go down. As the final stretch of the year approaches, every brand is hustling to finish strong, and let’s be real, who isn’t trying to hit those end-of-year revenue goals? But instead of scrambling at the last minute like you forgot it’s holiday season (again), it’s time to strategize like a pro.

Here are the top 5 marketing strategies to make sure your Q4 hits all the right notes—and yes, they’ll work for hospitality brands, hotels, and beyond. Think of this as your fourth-quarter cheat sheet with a side of I told you so.

Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC) Like Your Brand’s Life Depends on It

You know what’s better than perfectly polished ads? Actual people raving about your brand. Enter User-Generated Content (UGC), where your customers do your marketing for you. They’re snapping selfies, posting reviews, and sharing their vacation photos—all you need to do is leverage this goldmine of authentic content.

Why it’s clutch:

Trust factor: UGC builds trust faster than any ad campaign ever could. When potential guests see real people enjoying your hotel or restaurant, they’re more likely to book their next stay or dinner reservation.

It’s free content: Get your social media feeds filled without a heavy lift. Encourage guests to tag your property or brand, then repost their content (with credit, of course).

Pro tip:

Start a holiday-themed hashtag challenge. Something like #StayHolidayChic or #FeastInStyle, and offer a small incentive like a discount or chance to win a free stay or dinner. Your guests will be snapping pics faster than you can say “influencer.”

Social Media Ads: Target, Retarget, Repeat

Gone are the days when organic social media alone could work wonders. Now, if you want to show up on your audience’s feeds, you’re going to have to pay to play. Social media ads are one of the best ways to target your ideal customer at just the right moment—like when they’re doom-scrolling on the couch, wondering what to do for the holidays.

Why it’s a game-changer:

Targeting: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow for super-specific audience targeting. Think geo-targeting for local customers or retargeting people who’ve visited your site but didn’t book.

Bang for your buck: Social media ads don’t have to break the bank. With proper targeting, even a modest budget can yield big results—especially when promoting end-of-year offers or holiday packages.

Pro tip:

Start retargeting those website visitors who haven’t converted yet. You know the ones who added a room to their cart but chickened out at checkout? Hit them with a limited-time offer ad—“Book in the next 24 hours and get 20% off your stay!”—and watch those conversions roll in.

Email Marketing: The Unsung Hero of Q4

I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t email marketing so 2010?” Well, it turns out email is still the Beyoncé of digital marketing—always delivering, never going out of style. A well-executed email campaign can boost revenue like nothing else. From holiday promotions to exclusive offers, email is your direct line to your most loyal customers.

Why it’s still a hit:

Personalization: Personalized email campaigns aren’t just “Dear [First Name]” anymore. Segment your email lists to offer targeted promotions, like exclusive deals for past guests or locals who’ve yet to visit.

Automation: Set up automated holiday campaigns to remind customers about your special packages, gift cards, or even those festive dining experiences. And don’t forget those strategic follow-ups for last-minute bookings.

Pro tip:

Create a holiday countdown campaign, with daily or weekly emails leading up to big sales or special events. Make your offers feel urgent and exclusive—because who doesn’t love a little FOMO?

Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate to Elevate

Let’s face it: influencers are here to stay. But not just any influencer—no more shelling out for someone with a million followers who’s never stayed at your hotel or even heard of your restaurant. Instead, focus on micro-influencers and local creators who have smaller, more engaged audiences. Their followers trust their recommendations, which can lead to more authentic engagement.

Why it works:

Authenticity: Smaller influencers are often more relatable, and their followers are loyal. Partnering with someone who genuinely loves your brand will feel more organic than a big-name influencer posting for a paycheck.

Hyper-targeting: Local influencers are especially powerful for hospitality brands, as they can attract nearby guests who are looking for recommendations in their area.

Pro tip:

Host a holiday influencer event at your property, whether it’s a festive dinner or a weekend getaway. Invite local influencers to experience your offerings firsthand, then let them share their experience in real-time with their followers. Bonus points if you make it Instagrammable.

Google My Business: The Free Gift That Keeps on Giving

If your Google My Business profile isn’t optimized, you’re essentially handing potential customers over to your competitors on a silver platter. Google is often the first stop for guests researching hotels, restaurants, or experiences, so your listing needs to stand out—and, more importantly, convert.

Why it’s essential:

Local SEO: When people search for terms like “holiday dinner near me” or “best hotels for New Year’s Eve,” you want to be the first name they see. Google My Business helps you rank higher in local search results.

Free advertising: It’s basically free visibility, so why wouldn’t you optimize every part of your listing? Keep your information up-to-date, post pictures regularly, and encourage happy customers to leave reviews.

Pro tip:

Add holiday-specific offers or event details to your Google My Business listing. Offering a Christmas dinner special or a New Year’s Eve party? Include it right there on your profile to grab those last-minute planners.

Don’t Just Wrap Up Q4—Crush It

The fourth quarter is a critical time for any business, but with the right strategies, it can also be the most profitable. From leveraging UGC and influencers to running hyper-targeted social media ads, these top five marketing moves will have your brand finishing the year strong.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts (because let’s be honest, Q4 is a bit nuts), that's where Golden Hour Co. Digital Agency comes in. We specialize in making hospitality and hotel brands shine when it matters most. From crafting killer email campaigns to optimizing your Google My Business profile, we’ve got your back.

Ready to crush Q4? Get in touch by emailing danielle@goldenhourcodigital.com and we’ll help you end the year strong.