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 I, probably more than most people, despise the thought of Christmas and other wintery holidays on this beautiful summer day. But guess what? Now is the ideal time to prepare your website for holiday sales.
Why now? Autumn hasn't even dropped a leaf at this point. The kids are just barely getting back to school. The stores haven't even showcased their newest Halloween gadgets yet! It's as simple as this, you must plan and prepare your website sales strategy to take advantage of the expansive growth of retail ecommerce sales this holiday season.
I have assembled a list of 10 simple tips that will help your website compete in the retail selling race this holiday season. Get a step ahead of your competition and strategically map out your course for selling big.
Tip #1: Freshen up your website with a new design.
When was the last time your website received a new design? Your website's appearance delivers the first impression of your business to potential customers. Consider a new website design to build consumer confidence and keep website visitors interested and poised to buy.
Take advantage of SmartCart's Summer Design Deals! Save up to 30% on custom website design services. Hurry, offer ends September 9, 2011.
In addition to giving a great first impression, a new website design can also assist with achieving Tip #2, search engine optimization (SEO).
Tip #2: Optimize web pages for search engines.
It's a heck of a lot easier to sell online when people can find you! Put a little effort into working with keywords and information to help your search engine placement. This can be as simple as adding keyword rich descriptions to your product listings, including category displays, or creating pages specifically involving the keyword/topic.
If you are interested in professional assistance with search engine optimization for your website, we can help!
Tip# 3: Consider offering a Free Shipping option.
Gain a competitive edge by offering a free shipping option in your online store. Whether you offer free shipping for all orders or require a minimum purchase amount to provide free shipping, just know that free shipping can weigh heavily on a consumer's decision to purchase from your site. During a recent survey, consumers were asked how important free shipping was to them when making a purchase and 55% of respondents indicated that they would be at least somewhat likely to abandon their shopping cart without that promotion.
Tip #4: Make it convenient to order gifts from your site.
Holiday shopping is all about giving gifts. Make gift giving a simple and painless process for your customers. Here are some suggestions for doing this.
Wish Lists allow your website visitors to create a list of items they wish to receive and they can send this list to someone that will possibly purchase the items for them.
Gift Certificates always make fantastic gifts. Your customers can purchase gift certificates that will give their recipients a gift of their choice from your store and have it shipped to their home.
A Gift Wrapping option is always nice, especially for customers who will be ordering presents online and having them shipped directly to the recipient. Add special touches, like including personalized gift cards or allowing the customer to select from gift wrapping options.
Tip #5: Check your competition.
To gain an edge on seasonal sales, it's important to be informed of what your competitors are doing online. Do your homework. This will help you establish the knowledge of what is out there and what you can do to set yourself apart from the competition.
Tip #6: Become active in the social media networks.
Every online business owner should be using social media. Sites like Facebook and Twitter can provide you with a forum for making announcements and promoting products to followers. In addition, your followers can provide valuable feedback that will contribute to the buying confidence of your potential customers.
Tip #7: Offer coupons and discounts to your customers.
When shoppers feel they are getting a great deal, they will buy from you. In addition to convenience, value ranks very high in the consumer's decision to purchase.
Tip #8: Provide shopping rewards to your customers.
Who doesn't like to be rewarded? When customers can earn rewards for shopping in your site it gives them more of a reason to make future purchases with you. Reward your customers and they will be back! A little positive reinforcement is always helpful.
Tip #9: Showcase your product reviews.
Build consumer confidence by allowing customers to review your products. Having great reviews on the products you sell and the service you provide to your customers will speak volumes and help you sell more.
Tip #10: Communicate to your mailing list.
Keep in touch with those who have previously ordered from your site and those who are interested in your products. If the contact is already in your mailing list, this means they have ordered from your store previously or they are genuinely interested in what you have to sell. Familiarity is extremely valuable, especially if the contact has had a great experience with doing business with you in the past.
Pamela Rathbun is an ecommerce consultant and website developer for SmartCart Ecommerce.
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