Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year—the holidays! Whether you are a small business, or a holiday shopper running around from shop to shop, there is something about giving and receiving thoughtful gifts from your loved ones.
If you are a business owner, you may be scratching your head wondering how you will survive this season of influx sales, running around trying to fill orders before the clock runs out.
The National Retail Federation predicts that this holiday season will be especially busy, with shoppers spending about 4% more than last season. That adds up to an average of about $1,048 per person. That’s a lot of sweaters, books, and specialty coffee.
As this time of year may be the busiest for your small business, it is crucial to optimize this time of year as sales can plateau after the season has settled. Take advantage of this season whether you own an online e-commerce store, storefront, or both—promote as many sales as possible.
Maybe you’ve considered free shipping as a way to reel customers in, or provide flash sales, but have you thought about investing in POS systems that accept gift cards? Gift cards may not be the most unique gift, but over 59% of shoppers say they’d love to see one in their stocking this year.
As this holiday season can get a little tricky with the various other shops out there promote their best deals, Fundera brainstormed unique ways to reel in customers during this busy time of the year.
Ways to boost online sales
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Provide free express shipping
Give your customers free shipping if they spend up to a certain amount. Not only does this incentivize them to spend a little more than they would have initially, but it’s also a great way to avoid cart abandonment.
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Go festive on social media
Show your holiday spirit over social media by giving your customers a glimpse into your store decorations, in-store or online doorbuster deals for everyone.
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Create product videos
66% of customers say product videos shape there purchasing decision—make an effort to partner with influencers to feature your product in their videos, or put on your creativity hat and make your own!
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Bundle certain products
Offer a free or discounted item with the purchase of a large item for an easy way to upsell customers. Make different varieties of bundled products from 2-6 items for every customer’s preference.
How to boost sales in stores
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Offer gift cards
Appeal to the 60% of shoppers who have gift cards on their wishlist this year by offering virtual gift cards or even offering a free gift card with a purchase of a certain amount.
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Host games or challenges
Get competitive and sponsor a gingerbread house contest, scavenger hunt, or a costume contest for the best dressed Santa Clause.
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Promote off-peak doorbusters
Offer free items to customers that spend over a certain amount other than Black Friday to keep your shoppers shopping all the way up to Christmas.
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Invest in proximity marketing
Target your customers on social media when they step into a certain vicinity of your businesses. Even offer discounts for an added incentive to come to your storefront.
How to boost sales strategies
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Partner with other businesses
Collaborate with other small businesses to spread the word about your holiday sales. Whether you are wanting to offer group discounts or raffle off a gift basket with all your best selling items, now is the perfect time to do so!
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Target less popular holidays
Focusing your sales on the holidays that are less expected can increase your chance of being seen in the endless email inbox of your customers.
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Revise your return policy
There is nothing worse than purchasing something you aren’t able to return (especially when bought online). Make sure you are catering to all of your customers and allowing returns and exchanges for those that want it.
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Give back to the community
Show your customers you care by donating time or money to your local community by volunteering or donating a certain amount of profits to charity.
Fundera brainstormed some of the best ways you can boost sales online, in-store, and by adjusting your sales strategy this holiday season.
