High street stores can make or break their trading year thanks to the shopping splurge that seems to start earlier and earlier and carries on all the way to the middle of January the following year. If you have an eCommerce site, about to launch one or just thinking about one, then the last thing your business needs is a meltdown during the busy festive period.
By choosing one of BT’s range of eCommerce products you can make sure the technical aspects of your operation will run smoothly.
But even with an existing eCommerce site or a good website, it might be the right time to consider your online marketing options including PPC or Search Marketing. You could also step up your social media efforts and spread the word about all the great stuff you’ll be doing this Christmas.
From a business and marketing perspective, what other things can you do to stay ahead of the competition and boost the yuletide balance sheet?
There’s still time…
To tell people all about your Christmas product catalogue or list. Have you sent out an email to customers with your latest offers? Why not? Social media, SEO, link building and your website should combine to become a formidable marketing tool at this time of year. There’s still time, but get started as soon as you can to build up the momentum.
Promotions
Forget the January sales. If you are in a position to offer discounts or promotions, then get them ready now. Everyone loves a bargain and in the current economic situation every penny will count this year for shoppers. If you combine it with a good marketing or social media campaign, then your website could receive a much-needed spike.
Know your market
Are you making the most of Google Analytics to see who’s using your site? If you are, then you’ll be in a good position to target your marketing campaign and make adjustments to your product pages.
Wrap it up
Gift wrapping is a simple but effective way to encourage people to choose you over the next guy. Free is good, but you’d be surprised at how many people will be willing to pay for a decent service. If you do offer a paid service, doing a good job will encourage repeat custom at other times of the year.
Gift vouchers
It’s Christmas, remember, and not everyone knows what they want or what to buy for friends and relatives. Even if you aren’t able to offer your own gift voucher service, there are plenty of schemes for independent retailers to join.
Are you on display?
Are your product displays and descriptions all that? Without proper imagery or detail about your goods you could be missing out. People want to know as much as they can about a product – especially when it’s a gift. No-one wants: ‘Mum! Is this supposed to come with batteries?’ on 25 December!
Shopping on the move
Is your site mobile optimised? If not, it should be. Some BT eCommerce sites come with a mobile version – ideal for busy people on the move trying to do some last-minute shopping.
Don’t miss the post
Who is your shipping agent? Make sure that your customers know all about the posting dates and the rage of shipping options available – especially for overseas orders.
Find out more about BT’s eCommerce solutions and how they can transform your online business.
