The Power of Early Marketing: How Planning Ahead Keeps Your CPG Brand Top of Mind

The brands that win aren’t the ones scrambling last minute—they’re the ones who show up early, ready to own the conversation before everyone else.

Seasonal and holiday moments aren’t just about pushing products. They’re opportunities to connect with your audience, tap into cultural relevance, and stay top of mind. But if you’re jumping in too late, you’re already behind.

So, how can you plan ahead and make sure your brand stands out before the rush? Let’s dive in.

Pro Tip:

The best marketing isn’t reactive—it’s planned. To stay top of mind, start prepping for seasonal moments months in advance. This means securing creators, shooting content, and scheduling campaigns before the trend peaks. By the time your competitors are jumping in, your brand will already be leading the conversation. That means you should be planning for summer now.

Case Study: How Homesense & Starbucks Win at Seasonal Marketing

The brands that own seasonal moments don’t wait—they start early. Starbucks and Coca-Cola prove that getting ahead of trends keeps them top of mind year after year.

• Starbucks & Seasonal Hype – Starbucks launches their seasonal menus even before the seasons starts, instantly flooding social media with taste tests and excitement. This creates a huge buzz before the season even begins. By the time competitors jump in, Starbucks is already the drink of the season.

• HomeSense & the Seasonal Shopping Frenzy - HomeSense stocks fall decor in August and holiday products before Halloween, sparking excitement before shoppers even realize they’re ready to buy. This early rollout makes them the go-to spot for seasonal finds, driving social media hauls and in-store buzz well before the season peaks.

Actionable Insight:

The best seasonal marketing doesn’t just react to trends—it sets them. Start planning months in advance so your brand is leading the conversation before competitors even show up. Whether it’s launching a spring refresh campaign before the first warm day or building hype for a major event like the Super Bowl, early momentum keeps your brand top of mind when it matters most.