The kids have returned from their half-term break, and it’s 'no man's land' between Halloween and Christmas. But seasonal affective disorder (SAD) aside, there’s still plenty to look forward to this November!
Remember, remember the 5th of November... Bonfire night celebrations are back with a bang this year (pun absolutely intended). I can feel the texture of warm scarves, the excitement of local firework displays, and the smell of cedar embers on the bonfire.
Festival of Lights
Let’s start with Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights on Sunday 12th of November. Variations are also celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual 'victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.' Something all religions need to observe this year. Photo by Mercedes Bosquet on Unsplash
Cappuccino Alert!
If coffee is your thing, don’t forget Cappuccino Day on November 8th. I'm more of an Americano girl myself, but it is something many of us can get behind. Enjoy a cup of foamy deliciousness as we celebrate National Cappuccino Day! It is great for cafes (but also HR teams), so promote an offer or run a poll.
Photo by Di Bella Coffee on Unsplash
Hygge Home
With the drop in temperature and the darker nights, now is the perfect time to focus on homes - so if you’re an interior designer, tradesperson or home retailer, this month is the perfect time for cosy ‘home sweet home’ posts.
Photo by Stella Rose on Unsplash
Embracing my inner Scandinavian, let's talk hygge. Pronounced 'hooga' in Danish, it is actually a Norweigan concept of cosiness. Hygge at home is all about creating a peaceful, serene and inviting space that you will enjoy and feel calm in. Smell the scented candles, embrace the soft throws, warm socks, and a good read.
Men's Health
This month, there are lots of health days and campaigns; Men’s Movember, also known as Men’s Health Awareness Month is a big one. This month-long event focuses on promoting physical and mental wellbeing among men, addressing issues including male cancers, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Remembrance Day
This day honours the heroic achievements and sacrifices that were made in past wars. The main observance is on Sunday 12th November, but a two-minute silence is held on the 11th, Armistice Day. If your business is holding a two-minute silence and selling poppies for the Royal British Legion, mention it. Above photo by Laurentiu Iordache on Unsplash
Below photo by Adam Nemeroff on Unsplash
Be Kind
On 13th November, World Kindness Day takes place. It’s an opportunity for storytelling. People connect to stories and when a brand can build an emotional attachment with its audience, it’s powerful. Stories inspire ideas and encourage interaction, so what better time for storytelling than World Kindness Day? It could be a chance to launch a social media competition with entrants tagging the kindest person they know and, why. You could ask "What does kindness mean to you?" in under 100 words. Or tell us about the time you experienced a random act of kindness…Pass me some Kleenex! Benefits extend beyond marketing too, a University of British Columbia study found that kind people have 23% less cortisol, the stress hormone, and age slower than average!
Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) coordinates a national Anti-Bullying Week. The theme for this year is ‘Make A Noise About Bullying,’ and the initiative runs from the 13th to the 17th of November this year. Anti-Bullying Week is a chance for schools and those working in education to unite to address the issue of bullying.
Children in Need
It’s all about the children this month. BBC Children in Need is back this year on Friday 17th November 2023. If you’re fundraising, why not post what you’re doing? Remember to use the relevant hashtags for maximum coverage.
Stateside
If you have US clients, why not wish Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday 23rd November? The next day is the infamous Black Friday on the 24th and Cyber Monday on the 27th. Unless you are a retailer, avoid Black Friday posts as there's a lot of ‘noise’ around. People really are only interested in discounts on shopping not services! Sorry recruiters!
Don’t get too social
Finally, select the days that are relevant to your business and/or your clients. Don’t jump on every event or worry if you notice your competitors are shouting about it. Put the effort into those days that your audience, business, or staff can relate to. Your social media channels should not be a tickbox exercise.
If you need help with content creation or social media strategy this autumn, get in touch with Moo Marketing Copy.
Right photo by allison christine on Unsplash