Get Ready for Holiday Shoppers!

We’re almost to the end of 2020, and that can only mean one thing: holiday shopping is about to ramp up. As a small business you look forward to holiday sales, but what does that look like this year?

The Black Friday rush of the past, where everyone clamored for the best deals, is gone. This year, the strategy is to reduce crowd sizes and keep everyone safe and healthy. Here are some tips to shift your sales online and to make in-person shopping safe and effective.

Make sure your website is ready for online traffic. Can users easily find what they are looking for? Are specials and services displayed front and center? The easier you can make it, the more they will buy.

By 2021, 53.9 percent of e-commerce sales are expected to come from mobile devices. Your mobile site needs to be clean and easy to navigate. Less is more when it comes to information and text. Keep it simple and watch the cash flow in.  

Take advantage of social media to keep your customers updated on sales, store hours, and ways they can shop safely.

Everyone is looking for ways to keep a safe distance. One option is to offer drive up, curbside, or even delivery services if possible. This is a great choice if you are looking to limit foot traffic or are still under capacity restrictions.

Google is where many start their online searches. Make sure your business is claimed and that all information is up to date. Check your hours, map location, and ensure the link to your website is good. You can specify if you offer curbside or delivery too!

Give customers more time to shop. Consider offering small deals or incentives for several days, weeks, or even a full month to reduce in-store crowding. Online sales that run for three to seven days are another great way to move merchandise and encourage distancing.

This year is unique and small businesses need to think creatively. No matter how you tackle the holiday season in 2020, if you educate your customers, provide assurance that you are doing all you can to keep them safe, and are flexible in your strategy, you are sure to find success.