It’s safe to say that consumers have significantly cut back on in-store visits this year due to COVID-19. As a result, consumer preferences have shifted and more shoppers are leaning towards online shopping for their holiday needs. E-commerce sales are expected to grow by 25% to 35% year over year this holiday season.
As you prepare for your busiest e-commerce season, we’re here to provide you with some useful tips and tricks to create some holiday magic and ensure both you and your customers have the best experience possible!
LEVERAGE YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
More than ever, now is the time to leverage your competitive advantage. You don’t want to miss out on seasonal opportunities and end up overshadowed by the deals and offerings of your competitors.
Hone in on what sets you apart from your competitors and accentuate your uniqueness! Consider highlighting your product/service by connecting with the local community, supporting a cause, or offering holiday webinars, lessons, gift guides, etc. Be sure to check out our alternative strategies to discounting for additional tips on how to differentiate your business and set yourself apart from your competitors!
EMBRACE OMNICHANNEL EXPERIENCES
In 2020, e-commerce doesn’t just mean website sales! Remember, the more channels you utilize, the larger the reach your business will have. More than 80% of Boomers and Gen X are shopping online this holiday season and global holiday shoppers who use mobile to make purchases have drastically grown since 2018. Turn these insights into action by honoring holiday deals interchangeably!
Interchangeable channels include:
- Desktop
- Mobile
- In store
- Social Media
60% of people say they discover new products on Instagram. Consider implementing Instagram’s shopping feature to visually immerse and engage with your audience while driving sales and awareness!
REVIEW YOUR TECHNOLOGY
Customers are staying in this season, rather than hitting malls to get their gifts. Ensure your online store has the guts to take on the busiest online shopping season! The best way to prepare is to prioritize your website’s appearance and performance. Don’t have an online store? Connect with the design and development team at H&C!
As traffic to websites are expected to climb, we recommend upgrading your security software, testing your POS systems and high-volumes of traffic - especially if you plan on implementing a juicy Boxing Day deal.
get in front of loyal customers
Rest assured, your company’s super-fans will have your back this season. Cut down on customer acquisition costs and focus on how you can drive business within your existing network of customers. Email marketing strategies such as personalized discounts, online sale events, and promotions are all effective ways to treat your pre-existing consumers!
Need customer retention tips?
- Address your customers needs
- Obtain consumer feedback
- Implement customer rewards
- Create a loyalty program
- Prioritize customer service (live chat, direct messages, email, number)
- Stay engaged with your audience through social media
COMPETITIVE DELIVERY, PICK-UP & TAKE OUT OPTIONS
We recommend you distinguish your business from your competitors with shipping bonuses, flexible pick up options and unique take out offerings. Don’t underestimate the power of great shipping options! It’s all part of the customer experience.Small business tip: Promote safe shopping AND cut shipping costs by offering in-store pickup for online orders.
PLAN FOR POST-HOLIDAY BUSINESS
Note that communications after the holiday rush will leave a lasting impression on your customers. Use this time to streamline your process for handling returns and ensure your strategy encourages customers to make additional purchases.
Maintain momentum with a carefully thought out marketing plan for 2021. Whether your focus be e-commerce, content marketing, SEO, etc., we’re here to help. Contact us today!