The holiday selling season is here, and it's tempting to default to discount-driven, spec-heavy messaging. 40% off! Buy one get one! Limited time only!

But here's the problem: when you lead with specs, you commoditize your business and become instantly forgettable.

In this episode, Krista makes the case for why stories should always lead over specs, especially during the holidays.

From the legendary Demcher family "Guess Who Board" (a hilarious inside joke involving waiters, grocery store strangers, and misspelled group chats) to real-world examples for photographers and service providers, this episode will completely shift how you approach your holiday marketing.

The bottom line? Holiday sales don't have to be transactional one-night stands. You can create buzz, drive revenue, AND build long-term customers who come back in 2026 and beyond.

Listen in for:

The story behind the Demcher family "Guess Who Board" and what it teaches us about creating memorable moments [01:00] Why leading with specs commoditizes your business and makes you forgettable [06:30] A step-by-step example of how a photographer can lead with story during holiday promotions [11:21] The 60/40 rule: How to balance storytelling with transactional messaging this time of year [20:55] How to "meet people where they are" without abandoning your brand story [21:01] Why different buyer types need different messaging—and how to serve them all [23:22] The brand awareness pyramid: How storytelling keeps the right people engaged until they're ready to buy [26:21] What car commercials can teach you about layering your holiday messaging [24:56]

Whether you're a photographer, coach, product-based business owner, or service provider gearing up for Black Friday and the holiday rush, this episode will help you stand out in a sea of sameness.

Related Episodes: Episode 87: Black Friday Sales Do's + Don'ts Episodes 12-15: How To Use Stories To Sell (Four-Part Series) Episode 132: An Easy Way To Change The Way You Tell Stories Forever

What's Your Sales Style? Find out here! https://www.kristademcher.com/sales-style-quiz

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQNMxt1N_x6vO_dnizVu2g

Follow SHE SELLS HE SELLS on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shesellshesellspodcast