The holidays are here -- is your site ready?
In case you missed the 100 or so emails from all of the online Big Box retailers over the last few days, today was Cyber Monday.
Personally, I prefer Cyber Monday over Black Friday any year because I am not one to fight other shoppers just in order to save some money. I value sleep, peace, and well-being over any discount. Apparently others feel that way, too; Fortune predicted 122 million people would be taking advantage of online deals today.
But, some small businesses may not feel like they can compete with the Big Online sites. Most SB have limited inventory and if they mark it down for Cyber Monday, they may lose a lot of profit. Plus, they may also lose inventory that they won't have time to replace before Christmas.
So: How can a small biz compete online?
1) If you have an online store, make sure it's up-to-date. This means making sure your links work, the check-out is easy to use, images have easy to read descriptions. Online stores are an awesome way for you to increase your sales, especially over the holidays. Make sure you list on your website the last day to shop to make sure their gifts arrive in time -- that's a great tip to help customers! If you don't have an online store, or it needs to be updated, you can always get someone to help you like Precision eCommerce.
2) Update your blog. Your blog can help connect with your customers during this time of year. Share some of your favorite gift ideas or ways to handle the holidays with your customers/clients. Blogs can be fun and engaging -- especially this time of the year! Depending on your business, you can include a blog featuring your favorite recipes, favorite holiday memories, or even Ugly Christmas sweaters. (if you don't have time to do your blog, I'd love to help.)
3) Visuals are a great way to reach your customers. If you have a Facebook page, post photos of your inventory. Same thing with Instagram. Post those pictures as often as you can!
4) Don't forget to send out newsletter updates. Are you going to be open late? Closing early? Let your customers know. A newsletter can still be an effective way to reach your customers and let them know your news!
What things do you have planned for this holiday season? Do you do anything special in your business? Does Santa come visit? Let your customers know!
What if you aren't a retail business? Is the holiday season still important? Think about your customers/clients. What do they maybe need from you this time of year? Are you in a helping profession, or maybe a healing modality such as Reiki practitioner, massage therapist, etc.? What are some ways you can make your services easy to access this season?
These are just a few quick tips to help you give a starting point. If you would like to have a review of your online marketing plan, I'd be more than happy to help. Depending on your business, your specific needs may be different.
Don't have time to handle your website, social media or other online marketing? Send me an email to request more info as to how I can help.