Five trends shaping holiday sales

Hey there 🧠

Ready for another day of staying ahead of the competition in the Growth race?

Oh and before we go ahead! If your friend sent this to you, be sure to subscribe here! So you don’t miss out on any editions.

In Partnership with Insense

Meta is pushing this ad type, and DTC brands are seeing 53% higher engagement rate

Struggling with CPA and low engagement? 

Why? Your traditional branded ads are likely getting overlooked, especially as consumers increasingly doubt AI-generated and branded content. 

Solution? Meta Partnership Ads. Leverage influencer authenticity to boost your ad credibility and performance.

2,000+ major eComm brands, including LARQ, JLO Beauty, Bones Coffee, and Babbel, trust Insense to simplify their UGC and influencer partnerships for organic and paid social campaigns.

Here’s why eComm brands choose Insense to run Meta Partnership Ads:

• Higher Engagement: MPA delivers a 53% higher CTR and a 19% lower CPA compared to traditional brand ads.
• Seamless Setup: Insense offers a 1-click integration directly into your Facebook Ads Manager, allowing effortless management of influencer handles and permissions.
• Proven Social Proof: Combine authentic UGC with influencer-driven ads to instantly enhance ad authenticity and build consumer trust.
• Effortless Scaling: Quickly collaborate with 68,500+ vetted creators from 35+ countries to scale your ad campaigns efficiently.

Try Insense now.

Book your free demo now and receive $200 towards your first MPA campaign! 

Offer expires today!

💡 Get Ahead of the Holidays with These Global Shopping Trends

 It may still be summer, but planning your holiday strategy now can set you up to win big. Kelli Kemery and Eugene Goldenshteyn have unpacked key insights from across major markets so you can prepare early, localize effectively, and meet shoppers where they are.

Here’s what’s trending:

1️⃣ Shoppers Are Starting Early: Holiday deals still matter. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and similar events remain strong across the US, UK, and Australia. Launch early, focus on value, and lead with well-targeted creative.

2️⃣ Budgets Hold Steady but Cautious: Most US shoppers expect to spend as much as last year, but economic anxiety is high. Emphasize deals and regional messaging that acknowledge local sentiment.

3️⃣ Travel Varies by Country: US shoppers are staying home while UK and Australian consumers are still booking trips. Adjust product positioning accordingly, from cozy home gifts to travel-ready bundles.

4️⃣ Search Is Where the Deals Are: Shoppers are using search to compare, price hunt, and plan. Use Shopping and Dynamic Search Ads to reach them before they buy.

5️⃣ Gifting Is More Diverse: Younger audiences are buying for friends and colleagues, not just family. Digital and mobile-first strategies are essential, especially in the US.

More Than Just a Calendar Shift

Holiday behaviors are evolving. Mobile-first habits, cautious optimism, and early-bird shopping are shaping the landscape. Adapting now gives you an edge when the season hits.

The Takeaway

Think global but act local. Customize by market, lean into early intent, and use AI tools to scale smartly. It is never too early to be ready for peak season.

💡 Create a Professional LinkedIn Headshot Using Just ChatGPT

No fancy studio. No expensive lighting. Just your selfie and one solid prompt. You can now generate high-quality LinkedIn headshots using ChatGPT’s image tools in minutes.

Here’s how to do it:

1️⃣ Open ChatGPT: Make sure image input is enabled in your session.

2️⃣ Upload a Clear Selfie: Choose a photo that’s well-lit and shows your full face clearly.

3️⃣ Use a Detailed Prompt: Paste this into the message bar with your image: "Using the attached selfie as an exact reference, generate a high-resolution professional headshot that preserves 100 percent of my facial features, including face shape, hair, skin, tone, and expression. Apply studio quality lighting and a soft neutral background, and adjust my attire to formal professional wear, ensuring the image exudes confidence and approachability for a LinkedIn profile."

4️⃣ Review and Download: Within moments, you’ll receive a polished headshot ready to use on your LinkedIn profile or professional site.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Use a front-facing photo with no filters or distractions in the background
• Avoid heavy shadows or dim lighting
• Keep expressions natural and neutral
• Reword prompts to match specific styles or backgrounds if needed

The Takeaway

A professional headshot can open doors and build trust online. With ChatGPT, you can create one instantly using just your existing photo. It’s fast, effective, and tailored to your professional goals.

As we prepare more "Growthful" content, we'd love to hear your thoughts on today's edition! Feel free to share this with someone who would appreciate it. 🥰