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Each year when the Thanksgiving weekend approaches, business owners realize that the busiest holiday season of the year will soon be underway. As a result, companies will begin launching holiday marketing campaigns with television, radio, print, and online advertising in nearly every industry. While brick-and-mortar stores will be the preferred choice of most American shoppers, online sales will most likely be new records.
Is your small business ready for the influx of online shoppers? This Balboa Capital blog post features tips and ideas that can help you boost your online sales during the holidays.
Launch a social media campaign.
If you use social networks such as Twitter™, Facebook™, and Instagram™ to promote your business, consider posts highlighting the holidays and promoting special offers or contests. Post photos of the items you sell in a festive setting or with fun colors to boost your number of “likes” and shares.
If possible, run a contest on social media to capture customer information and generate sales. Online shoppers respond well to deals, especially during the holidays. You can add a holiday theme to your branded social marketing pages to make them festive. Lastly, ensure you give your fans and followers warm holiday wishes throughout November and December.
Send emails to customers.
One way to drive traffic to your website and generate online sales is by emailing your customer base with a special greeting and promotion. Doing so will remind them to revisit your company’s website. The most successful email campaigns have special limited-time offers, such as an “existing customer” discount or a gift card. In addition, email marketing can build customer loyalty and increase referrals.
Offer discounted shipping.
Vacations, hectic work schedules, and holiday parties are just some things that take time away from holiday shopping. The result is many last-minute shoppers who want to receive their gifts in a hurry. Contact your shipping provider and ask if they offer discounted overnight shipping rates. If so, pass the savings off to your customers.
This is a great way to set your business apart and keep it competitive. Make sure your website’s homepage mentions the final day your valued customers can receive their packages, so there are no surprises.
Purchase more inventory for the holidays.
When shoppers see online sales, they expect the advertised items to be in stock. If they are not, they will most likely try to find them on another website. To prevent this from happening at your business, make sure you have enough inventory on hand for November and December.
This can help you increase your sales and create long-term customers. A business inventory loan is an excellent option if you do not have enough working capital to purchase your company’s inventory.
Balboa Capital, a Division of Ameris Bank, is not affiliated with nor endorses Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.