While you may still be working hard to adapt your business to a new business as usual, the holidays season is fast approaching and, in terms of e-commerce, it’s expected to be unprecedented. This post will help you start thinking about the holidays season for business. If you haven’t already begun to prepare, it’s time to start.
Planning Promotional Strategies
The holidays are coming fast, and your promotional strategy will be key to your success. Start planning now so you’re not overwhelmed at the last minute. What will your message be? How will you integrate your channels? What discounts can you offer? Who will you target and how will you measure your success? Think about timing, too. More people are starting their holiday shopping earlier in the season. These early birds represent an important sales opportunity that can help you win the season.
Be Inventory Ready and Stock Up On Supplies
Don’t give customers a reason to shop elsewhere. Make sure you have enough inventory to cover orders. Find which items are selling like hot cake and which are not much in demand. Manage your inventory accordingly by increasing the stocks of the supplies that are in high demand.
Read More : Logistics Management – Why It’s Vital and How to Enhance It?
If you do run out, ensure your website accurately reflects stock to avoid negative customer reactions or reviews. Don’t wait to stock up on office and packaging supplies either! Make sure you have what you need to get the job done.
Improve Online Customer Experience
Look for ways to improve the online customer experience, especially if you had to launch it in a hurry.
- Does your site tell your story in a compelling way?
- Does it inherently demonstrate what sets you apart from your competitors?
- Do your visuals look professional (even if you do them yourself)?
- Do your pages load quickly? (If not, look for ways to reduce the file size of your images.)
- Are your products well organized and easy to navigate?
Excel in Your E-Commerce Operations
E-commerce holiday spending is predicted to break records this year. It’s essential to ensure your order management and fulfillment processes can keep up with any spike in demand. Look for ways to make time-saving improvements. Optimizing your operations can also be as simple as putting your most popular items closest to your packing area and ensuring your packaging supplies are well organized.
Communicate with Clarity
Before they buy from you, customers want to know you’re trustworthy – and they look at your website for clues. Check if, your returns policy is clear and easy to find. You can also increase your customers’ peace of mind, if you extend the returns window past the holiday season.
Learn More : How Business Can Communicate Customer Experience During Lockdown
Do give your customers information about shipping times. Nearly three-quarters of online shoppers don’t mind waiting for deliveries as long as they’re provided with information. You may not be able to provide precise shipping details upfront, but try to give customers a window. If your store needs time to handcraft or customize items, make sure you clearly let customers know how long it takes.
Maximize Ordering, Delivery and Pickup Options
Shoppers are continually upping their game. They know more stores are offering more options when it comes to ordering, pickup and delivery, so do what you can to meet their expectations. Some prefer ordering online, through the phone or through messages. Entertain the ordering options that work for your customers and you the most.
If you have a physical store, consider curbside pickup or click and collect. Also, consider local delivery options in your community. On your checkout page, you may want to enable faster delivery options for customers who need their items quicker and will pay extra for speed.
Stay Flexible
The bottom line is; no one quite knows what’s going to happen this holiday season. So it’s important to stay nimble, and be ready to adjust and adapt to whatever new business opportunities comes our way. Small businesses who are prepared, will be in the best position to hit the ground running successfully this holiday season.
Do You Know Any Steps to Start Preparing for The Holidays Season for Business? Comment them on Trdinoo for others to learn. Please subscribe and share us with your friends and networks.
