How to Analyze Promo Campaigns: Christmas Edition

Learn how to design, execute, and analyze promotional activities for apps and games during Christmas.

Promotional seasons like Christmas are high-stakes opportunity for apps and games to drive revenue, attract new users, and re-engage existing ones. But crafting a successful promo campaign isn’t just about throwing in big discounts — it’s about strategic planning, seamless execution, and data-driven analysis.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through designing, running, and analyzing promotional campaigns using example from Christmas season. Whether you’re a developer, marketer, or product manager, this article offers actionable insights to help you master holiday promotions.

Why Promotions Matter

Promotions do more than provide a short-term revenue boost. They help:
1. Engage dormant users with timely offers.
2. Shape user behavior by introducing new content or features.
3. Strengthen loyalty through value-driven campaigns.

But without a clear strategy and proper analysis, even the most exciting campaigns can fall flat. Understanding user behavior before, during, and after a promotion ensures you can optimize your approach for long-term success.

Setting Your Goals

Every successful promotion should aim to:

• Boost Revenue: Through strategic discounts, bundles, or exclusive offers.
• Increase Engagement: Reignite interest among your users.
• Build Retention: Convert short-term excitement into long-term loyalty.

Crafting the Perfect Campaign

Timing Matters

• High-Engagement Windows: Christmas season naturally drives user activity. Aim to launch your campaign when users are most active, such as weekends or evenings.
• Campaign Duration: While short campaigns (1–2 days) can create urgency, extended offers over the holidays might work better for specific audiences.

What to Offer

Alternating Promotions:
Switch between discounts on virtual currency, in-game items, or subscriptions to keep users interested.

Bundles with Value:
Create thematic packages that deliver clear value:

• Fitness Apps: A “New Year’s Bundle” featuring discounted subscriptions, meal planners, and exclusive workout videos.
• Gaming Apps: A “Holiday Survival Pack” combining rare items, premium currency, and seasonal skins.

from “Overcooked!” game

Bonuses vs. Discounts:
Experiment with value-add bonuses versus flat discounts to see what resonates:

• Language Learning Apps: Offer a 1-year subscription with an extra 6 months free versus a 20% discount.

from Mochikanji app

• Gaming Apps: Try a “Buy 100 coins, get 25 extra” bonus compared to a 25% discount on the same pack.

Executing Your Campaign

Visibility is Key

• Promotional Banners: Ensure your deals are front and center in the app.
• Notifications: Send personalized push notifications and in-app messages to engage users.

Maximize Marketing Channels

• Email Campaigns: Use targeted emails to create urgency.
• Social Media: Engage with holiday-themed posts and interactive content.
• App Store Optimization (ASO): Update visuals, include seasonal keywords, and showcase promotions in app previews.

Balance Your Economy

• Avoid devaluing your product with overly steep discounts.
• Test pricing elasticity to find the sweet spot between revenue and user satisfaction.
• Use A/B Testing: Experiment with different discount levels or promotional visuals to determine what drives the best results.

Post-Campaign Analysis

Key Metrics to Track

• Revenue Metrics: Monitor gross revenue and ARPU (average revenue per user).

• Engagement Metrics: Track DAU (daily active users) and session length.
• Retention Metrics: Analyze D7 and D30 retention rates to measure campaign impact.

User Segmentation

• Paying vs. Non-Paying Users: Identify which group engaged most.
• High-Spenders vs. Casual Spenders: Understand who drove revenue growth.
• New vs. Returning Users: Assess whether the campaign attracted new users or re-engaged lapsed ones.

Takeaways for the Future

• Iterate: Focus on strategies that worked, whether it’s exclusive content or limited-edition bundles.
• Test Timing: Experiment with shorter or longer promotions to refine your approach.
• Leverage A/B Testing: Use testing to perfect your pricing strategies, visuals, and messaging.

Ready to Refine Your Holiday Strategy?

Christmas is a golden opportunity to boost revenue and engagement — but only with the right strategy. By focusing on thoughtful planning, execution, and analysis, you can create campaigns that not only meet short-term goals but also set the stage for future growth.

Learn more about promotional analysis in our free book: How to Analyze Promotional Activities in Games. Download your copy today to dive deeper into timing strategies, promotion design, and actionable analysis techniques.

Looking for more insights? Our full article offers a ultimate guide to your promotions during this holiday season.

Read more about using analytics to improve your product’s performance.