This article has been contributed by Abhinav Jain, CEO & Co-founder, Almonds Ai.
Last Diwali, I found myself standing in a crowded market, surrounded by vibrant colors, the smell of sweets in the air, and the endless buzz of people. Everywhere I looked, people were bargaining, buying gifts, and preparing for the big festival. It got me thinking about how much things have changed in the world of shopping—especially during Diwali.
Diwali is more than just a festival in India—it’s a time for family, lights, traditions, and, yes, a lot of shopping. A few years ago, most of us would head to the markets, sift through stores, and hunt for the best deals. But today, things are different. Much of that excitement has moved online, and brands are now competing digitally for attention. It’s no longer just about offering discounts or festive deals; it’s about creating meaningful, personalized experiences for customers.
And this is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has stepped in, completely transforming the way brands engage with shoppers during festive seasons like Diwali. AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s actively shaping the way businesses interact with their customers, helping them connect in deeper, smarter ways.
So, as we head into Diwali 2024, simply offering discounts isn’t enough. People want more personalized, meaningful experiences, and this is where technology—especially AI comes in and changes the game.
In this article, we shall look at a few effective marketing ideas to boost sales during Diwali in 2024.
Personalization at Scale with AI
Think about it—when you walk into your favorite store, what makes it feel special? It’s when someone greets you by name or recommends a product based on what you’ve bought before. That personalized experience is what AI now allows businesses to recreate at scale.
Why It Works: AI lets you take customer data—like past purchases or even browsing behavior—and turn it into super-targeted recommendations. It’s like offering each customer their own custom Diwali catalog. Whether it’s festive home décor or clothes, AI can help you send them offers that feel tailor-made.
Example: Amazon uses AI for real-time product recommendations based on user behavior. During Diwali 2023, Amazon India leveraged AI to show personalized deals to customers based on their previous festive purchases, whether it was home décor, electronics, or apparel. This led to higher engagement and conversions, as customers felt like the offers were handpicked for them.
Personalized Chatbots for Instant Support
We’ve all been there, trying to find that perfect Diwali gift online but getting stuck because of a delivery question or confusion about product details. You’re in a hurry, and waiting hours for an email response is frustrating. That’s where AI-powered chatbots come in.
Why It Works: During high-traffic times like Diwali, your team can get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of customer queries. AI chatbots can handle a ton of queries simultaneously and instantly, whether it’s about delivery timelines, return policies, or even recommending a product.
Example: H&M introduced an AI chatbot on their website to assist customers in selecting outfits based on their preferences. During festive seasons like Diwali, this bot has been particularly useful in helping customers find the right party wear quickly. The chatbot even recommends accessories that go with the outfit, increasing the likelihood of upselling.
Pratyusha Srivastava
Hyperlocal Email Campaigns for Maximum Impact
We all get bombarded with Diwali promotional emails, right? But have you noticed how some just grab your attention more than others? That’s often because they’re localized. AI is now helping brands take email marketing to a whole new level, making each email feel like it’s meant just for you and around you.
Why It Works: AI can analyze past behaviors. locations and preferences to send the most relevant offers to everyone. It figures out when your customers are most likely to open emails and what types of content they engage with most.
Example: Zivame, an online lingerie brand, uses AI-driven hyperlocal email marketing to send personalized festive offers. During Diwali, they segmented their audience based on shopping habits and sent out targeted offers that resulted in a 20% increase in their click-through rate compared to generic email blasts.
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs to Increase Retention
It’s no secret that keeping customers is just as important as getting new ones, and Diwali is the perfect time to reward your loyal customers. But what if you could do it in a way that’s completely personalized, in real-time?
Why It Works: AI-driven loyalty programs allow brands to offer custom rewards based on each customer’s actions. They also enable real-time offers that feel timely and relevant, keeping customers coming back long after the festival is over.
Example: Starbucks has a highly successful AI-driven loyalty program. During Diwali, they offer special discounts on festive drinks and merchandise, but only to their loyalty program members. They also use AI to send personalized drink recommendations based on past purchases.
Super targeted Festive Ads
Let’s talk about digital ads. We’ve all seen them, and some feel like they’re speaking directly to us, while others? Not so much. The magic lies in hyper-targeting, and AI is making it easier than ever to serve the right ad to the right person at the right time.
Why It Works: AI-powered ad platforms analyze tons of data—what your customers are browsing, their past purchases, and even their online behavior—so you can target your Diwali ads with laser precision.
Example: Myntra, one of India’s biggest fashion e-commerce platforms, used AI-powered hyper-targeted ads to promote their Diwali sale in 2023. They analyzed browsing behavior and demographics to show relevant ads, like festive sarees or home décor, to specific segments of users. This strategy resulted in a significant boost in both engagement and sales.
Interactive AI-Driven Experiences to Boost Engagement
People love engaging with brands in fun, interactive ways, especially during festive seasons. AI lets you create those memorable, interactive experiences that keep customers engaged and entertained while nudging them toward a purchase.
Why It Works: AI-powered tools like AR filters or virtual try-ons make shopping more interactive and exciting. Plus, it’s a great way to add a little extra joy to the Diwali shopping experience.
Example: Lenskart uses an AI-powered virtual try-on feature for glasses. During the Diwali season, they promoted this feature heavily, allowing users to “try on” festive frames virtually before making a purchase. The feature led to higher engagement rates and a noticeable increase in conversions during the festive period.
AI is Shaping the Future of Diwali Marketing
AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s changing how brands engage with customers during major festivals like Diwali. From personalized recommendations to real-time customer support and interactive shopping experiences, AI is helping brands deliver smarter, more meaningful marketing.
The brands that leverage AI during Diwali 2024 will not only boost their sales but also build stronger, more lasting relationships with their customers. In the end, it’s all about making the shopping experience as festive and personalized as the festival itself.
Final Thoughts
Diwali is a time of joy, excitement, and celebration. As marketers, it’s up to us to create that same festive spirit in the way we connect with our customers. AI offers us the tools to do that—whether through personalization, instant customer support, or interactive experiences. So, as we gear up for Diwali 2024, let’s embrace the power of AI to create marketing strategies that are not only effective but also meaningful.
Pratiksha Bajikar
