The holiday season will be here before you know it, and now is the time to make sure your business is ready for increased sales. Make this holiday season a success with a few steps now to help boost holiday sales:
1.) Enhance your website and make sure information is current
- Update and optimize your site now. Online shopping is the convenience people want and need now. Web traffic will likely increase this time of year, so make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate with fast load times.
- Make sure your basic business information, including such things as street address, email address, business times, phone number, social media accounts, and even parking information, are not only correct but easy to find on your site.
2.) Promote yourself on social media
- Various social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, give you another way to reach your customers in cyberspace. You can easily promote your business with great photographs and show off promotions such as holiday sales and gift ideas. Stay active and post new content regularly to get the most out of these flourishing platforms that allow you to reach wider than ever.
3.) Figure out what sets your business apart, and advertise it!
- One of the keys to successful holiday season sales is finding the thing that sets your business apart. What makes your store, product or service better than the rest? Look for your “niche” and focus on this when advertising your business. Offering special “perks”, such as a generous return policy, coupons, or free shipping, for example, are all small things that could impact your bottom line in a positive way. And don’t forget to use your social media sites and email lists to advertise these deals to old and new customers.
4.) Order supplies
- Review last year’s orders to get ahead of how many supplies you’ll need, whether that’s supplies and packaging, supplies for your restrooms, or gift cards for holiday shoppers. Order early to avoid rush shipping charges later in the season. Being prepared with these basics can make your customer experience a positive one.
5.) Clean and decorate your business, in real life and online
- If you have a “brick and mortar” location, make sure your business is clean and holiday décor is up and ready before the holiday rush starts. Not only do you want to provide a welcoming and festive atmosphere for customers, but it gives you the chance to make sure your store is organized and easy to navigate.
- If you offer in-home services such as for a plumber, review your website and social media sites to get them holiday-ready. Add seasonal decorations to your website, and make sure your special holiday deals and items are noticeable and easy to find on social media platforms.
6.) Make holiday schedules for your staff
- Plan your holiday operating hours sooner rather than later. If you plan longer than normal hours or are closed for a few days, let your staff and customers know what to expect. In addition, ask your staff to request any holiday time off by a certain date so you can plan as a result.
7.) Extra help during the holidays
- Some businesses hire on extra help for extended hours or increased business, so plan early and make allowances in your budget.
8.) Have extra inventory on hand
- Anticipate holiday orders by manufacturing additional product or placing orders with your vendors. Don’t forget that your suppliers may have ordering deadlines to ensure you get the supplies you need. Track these dates on a calendar to avoid last-minute problems.
9.) Don’t forget post-holiday shopping:
- Many businesses make a large portion of their yearly profits after Christmas, so plan for special price reductions and sales, and how you’ll promote them. Have a plan in place to deal quickly and efficiently with returns to avoid frustrating your customers.
Not all of these tips fit each business, so it’s important to try different techniques to see what’s best for your individual needs.
Looking for insurance for your business? Visit our products page to see if Merchants has the coverage you need, then find an independent agent near you to discuss details and get a quote!
*This article was originally published November 11, 2019
