by Steve Eggs, Head of Design
As we approach year-end, are you finding there’s still unallocated budget remaining? Perhaps you’ve been cautious with spending, awaiting the right opportunity, or maybe plans shifted along the way, leaving you with more funds than anticipated. Whatever the reason, you’re in an advantageous position: with strategic use, that remaining budget can deliver real impact for your goals.
At Sanders and Jay, we work with a lot of marketers who find themselves in this exact spot as the year wraps up. The clock is ticking, but fear not, there’s still time to make a big impact with that budget. If you’re wondering how to get the most bang for your buck before the end of the year, partnering with a marketing and design agency is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Here’s some suggestions of you can make the best use of your time and money, before the year’s up.
1. Refresh your website
If your website hasn’t been touched in a while, now’s the perfect time to give it some love. A website refresh doesn’t have to be a full redesign (although we can help with that too), but even small changes can make a huge difference in how your audience perceives your brand. Maybe you need to update some of the visuals, add new testimonials, or clean up the navigation. Whatever it is, a refreshed site will keep your brand looking modern and polished as you head into the new year.
And if you’re thinking, “But my site’s fine, why bother?” let us tell you, in the fast-paced digital world, “fine” isn’t enough. Your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand, so it needs to be on point. Use that extra budget to improve user experience, make sure your site is mobile-optimised, and give it a fresh, modern feel that reflects where your brand is today.
At Sanders and Jay, we specialise in quick yet impactful website updates that can transform how your site looks and functions without requiring a full overhaul. Let’s make sure you’re putting your best foot forward going into 2025.
2. Invest in high-impact design
Here’s the thing: design matters. If your brand looks outdated or your visuals aren’t aligned with your messaging, you’re losing out on engagement. Now is the perfect time to allocate that extra budget to creating high-impact visual assets that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Think about it, whether it’s social media graphics, ad banners, or email campaign designs, having fresh, eye-catching visuals can be a game-changer when it comes to grabbing attention. Plus, the festive season is packed with marketing noise, so your brand needs to stand out. A smart investment in design at this point can help you get noticed.
We can help with everything from creating custom branded visuals to designing seasonal or end-of-year campaigns that will ensure your audience stop scrolling and start engaging. And because we’re design pros, you can trust that every visual will be aligned with your brand’s unique goals and aesthetic.
3. Launch a last-minute campaign
The year’s not over yet, and there’s still time to run a last-minute marketing campaign. Whether it’s a Christmas promotion, a new product launch, or a general end of year push, using that leftover budget to create a well-executed campaign could bring in some serious ROI before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.
Here’s where partnering with an agency can make all the difference. We have a team of experts, ready to help you plan and execute a campaign fast, without sacrificing quality. Need help with the creative direction? We’ve got you. Need a solid strategy that works within your budget and timeline? No problem. From social media campaigns to email marketing and paid ads, we can handle it all, making sure you get the most out of your remaining budget.
Plus, the end of the year is the perfect time to reconnect with your audience and remind them why they love your brand. People are in a spending mindset during the festive season, so a well-timed campaign could bring in some serious results.
4. Tidy up your brand
If you’ve got some money left to spend but aren’t sure where to put it, branding is always a smart investment. Maybe your logo needs a refresh, your colour scheme could use a tweak, or your brand voice isn’t as consistent as it should be. Using your leftover budget to fine-tune your brand will set you up for success in the new year.
Good branding isn’t just about looking nice, it’s about making sure your message is clear and consistent across all platforms and touch points. When your brand is strong, it sets the foundation for everything else (marketing, sales, customer retention). At Sanders and Jay, we can help you refine your brand identity, so it’s sharper, more focused, and ready to take on the new year in style.
5. Plan for 2025
If you’ve got budget left over and aren’t sure how to spend it right now, you could always start planning for next year. Yes, it might feel weird to spend this year’s budget on something that hasn’t even happened yet, but trust us, it’s a smart move. Whether it’s strategy sessions, creative brainstorming, or starting on some design assets you’ll need early next year, using your remaining funds to get a head start on 2025 will keep you one step ahead.
We love working with clients on forward-thinking strategies, where we sit down and map out what next year could look like for your brand. That way, you can hit the ground running in January, already ahead of the curve while your competitors are still shaking their Christmas hangover.
Why work with us?
Here’s the thing—when you’ve got extra budget to spend at the end of the year, you want to make sure it’s going to good use. Partnering with an experienced marketing and design agency like Sanders and Jay ensures you’re getting the most out of your investment. We know how to maximise budgets (big or small) and turn them into real results. Plus, we’ve got the creative skills and strategic know-how to help you finish the year strong.
Whether you need a quick design project, a last-minute campaign, or some strategic planning for the new year, we’re here to help. We’ve got the creativity, the experience and the tools to make sure your remaining budget goes towards something that’s going to bring value to your brand, not just a quick fix or a temporary solution.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us at Sanders and Jay, and we can help to explore the best way to use that budget. We’ll make sure you end this year on a high, and look great doing it.
