Episode Details

Mid-July and it’s 98 degrees out—but marketers are already thinking about December. Jay Schwedelson drops a reality check: your Q4 and holiday campaigns don’t start in the fall, they start now. From subject line data to social engagement spikes, he breaks down why jumping into end-of-year messaging this early isn't just smart—it's a major edge. Even if you’re sweating through summer, your prospects are mentally putting up the tree.

Best Moments:

(00:30) Why July flips the mental switch from BBQs to Q4

(01:15) Google’s data shows “holiday marketing” searches spike between July 10–15

(01:45) 68% of Q4 B2B deals start in summer—don’t get left behind

(02:30) Subject lines mentioning Q4 get 14% higher open rates after July 4

(03:04) Consumer emails with holiday mentions see a 22% boost in opens

(03:45) Social posts about Q4 drive 25% more B2B engagement starting in July

(04:30) Easy tests to see if early Q4 messaging works for you

(06:02) Steve from Blue’s Clues has a podcast—yes, really

(08:15) Jay’s favorite random podcast: a Melrose Place rewatch

Check out Jay’s YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelson

Check out Jay’s TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelson

Check Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/

ㅤ

Pre-order Jay Schwedelson’s new book, Stupider People Have Done It (out April 21, 2026). All net proceeds are donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research—let’s kick cancer’s butt: https://www.amazon.com/Stupider-People-Have-Done-Marketing/dp/1637635206