ARE YOU READY FOR THE HOLIDAY SALES SEASON?
5 Steps to prepare for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us. As a business owner, that means time is of the essence. With December less than a month away, there’s no time to waste if you want to make this holiday season successful. Here are 5 important steps to ready your business for outstanding seasonal sales.
1. IS YOUR WEBSITE READY?
Last year 50% of shopper said they plan to make their purchases online, and the expectation is that number will rise this year. When a shopper visits your website, make sure it is easy to navigate and loads quickly. Many customers won’t exercise patience when shopping online.
Be sure your site is mobile friendly. Last year, over 20% of online purchases were made from a mobile device, and more are expected this year.
Be sure you have updated your address and phone number on all of your sites (website, Facebook, etc). Be easy to find and reach!
2. GIFT GUIDANCE
One of the best ways to get shoppers excited about purchasing is promotions. To encourage shoppers to buy, create a detailed plan of your sales, discounts and giveaways leading up to the holiday season. Promote these sales via email lists, social media and digital advertising to lead shoppers to your website.
Check your displays. Your store’s physical presence can make or break it during the holidays. Make sure your decorations and displays are up and ready. It’s also important to that your storefront is organized and easy for shoppers to navigate.
If you don’t have a brick-and-mortar store, go through this process with your website. Add some seasonal touches to your layout, and make sure your special holiday deals and items are front and center. This shows your site is current and active.
3. GIVE SHOPPERS A REASON TO CHOOSE YOU
Every business has discounts and promotions during the holiday season, so the key to successful seasonal sales is finding out what sets your business apart from the rest. That’s your unique selling proposition, or USP. This is what makes your store, brand or product better than all the rest. What sets you apart? Why are you the best? Focus on this when advertising to your shoppers around holiday time.
Attention grabbing perks: perhaps offer complimentary gift wrapping, a great return policy or free shipping. These extras might seem insignificant, but given the volume of options available today, these perks have the power to sway shoppers.
4. GET SOCIAL!
Social media is a great tool for your business year-round, but it’s especially great around the holiday season. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram give your business a free and wide-reaching tool to connect with customers. The ad targeting options are valuable tools to reach your specific audience. Use social media to promote new products, holiday sales and/or gift ideas. Just make sure you’re staying active and consistently posting new content.
5. BE THE PRESENT
Be prepared with a helpful, happy full staff. Whether your offering is online or found in stores, having knowledgeable, ready employees on hand to assist customers is invaluable. A positive, rewarding shopping experience will keep them coming back, even after the holiday season is over.
#McCaffertyAdvertising #HolidaySales #HolidayMarketingIdeas #LouisvilleAdvertising