Ho! Ho! Ho! You better start now for a holiday boost!

Even though it’s summer, if you want get ready for a fourth-quarter boost (the time when people are more eager to buy) you need to start NOW!

Most magazines are already thinking of stories with a winter or holiday angle. So you should be thinking that way, too – if you want to beat the competition and get some coveted coverage.

Why so early? Because of many media outlets’ production schedules – most notably magazines – reporters often start working on seasonal stories 4-6 months in advance.

Many late November and December magazines are chock full of holiday gift guides and product reviews. So early October is too late if you’re seeking coverage in magazines. In fact, a trip to the newsstand in November will provide all the evidence you need: all the November issues of monthly magazines will be stocked and ready for purchase — some have been there for a week or two.

One way to find out when the media is working on holiday stories is to contact the advertising department of the outlet and request a media kit. This kit tells advertisers what stories or topics will be highlighted in each issue so that advertisers can submit their ads by the proper date. Many media kits are also offered online, so if you have a particular publication with a web presence, you may find what you need at their site.

Follow these tips now to gain more exposure when the cooler weather returns:

1. Create ways that your product or service can tie into the holidays or winter. For example, an organizer can show how to properly store summer clothes - or even your holiday decorations. A fitness coach can provide ways to get fit  to really make that New Years’ resolution work.

2. Find reasons for gift-giving all year-round. Is your product or service something that would be a great gift for someone? Find out which media outlets are doing gift guides and how you can get your product or service featured.

I offer more tips on this over at the Be Heard Blog.