If you are in the retail business, then the last few months of the year are often the most profitable. Smart business owners know that they need to be proactive about maximizing holiday sales. This influx of cash helps to offset the slower months of the year.
How are your customers interacting with your brand this holiday season? People are excited about finding the perfect gifts and creating an optimal experience to share with their loved ones during the holiday season. You can shape your marketing strategy to position your products in front of customers ready to buy – and watch the sales start rolling in.
The truth is that every thriving business has strategies to build customer relationships. When people trust your brand, then they will continue coming back for repeat purchases. The holiday season is a great time to invite current and past customers to buy again. Additionally, you can use holiday sales to connect with new and potential customers.
Here are a few practical tips to help you connect with customers so you can benefit from holiday sales in the next few months:
Personalize Interactions
The customer-to-business relationship grows stronger when people feel like they are receiving personal interactions. So instead of grouping all of your customers together, look for ways that you can customize the experience for each person.
One strategy is to use email marketing with segmented lists. For example, the holiday sales messages you send to past customers should be quite different from what you are sending to potential customers.
When you customize interactions with each person, it improves authenticity and industry relevance. People will feel a connection with your brand, which improves trust and increases the likelihood that they will be ready to buy.
Prioritize Customer Service
Not only do you need to resolve the concerns of unhappy customers, but it’s just as important to provide quality service for people who are satisfied with your offerings.
The goal is to build trust and respect so people continue coming back. In addition to holiday purchases, people will keep coming back for products throughout the year.
Top-notch customer service makes your brand stand out from the competition. Customers feel good when they have positive interactions with your company. So, they will be happy to spend their money with you again.
Look for ways that you can go above and beyond to “wow” your customers. These experiences boost brand loyalty and bring in referrals.
Don’t Forget Social Media
Most people access social media daily, making it a gold mine for businesses who want to spread the word online. Build an actively engaged social media following, and it gives you a platform where you can share information about current promotions and available products.
In addition to marketing and outreach on social media, it can also be a place where you can manage customer relationships. For example, if customers have questions about your products, they might reach out through social media messages or posts. Fast responses to these inquiries show that your company engages with customers, which increases the likelihood that the person will be willing to buy your products or services.
Social media is also a great place where people can read and share reviews. When potential customers are browsing your products, you can increase the likelihood of a transaction by showing social proof. Determine your hottest items this season, then post applicable customer reviews with your holiday sales messages.
Spread Holiday Cheer
Everyone is looking for a “feel good” experience during the holiday season. As a result, people feel more benevolent and giving, and your business can tap into these seasonal emotions by participating in charitable events.
For example, you might decide to donate a certain percentage of sales that happen in December. First, choose a charity you want to support. Then put together a marketing campaign to let your customers know that a portion of their purchase will go to a good cause.
People are excited to receive the products they are purchasing. But, at the same time, they are happy to feel connected to a higher purpose since part of their money will be going to a charitable contribution.
Thank Your Customers
Keep your company at the top-of-mind for customers by offering gratitude to your customers. Focusing on gratitude during the holiday season shows each person how much your team truly cares about them.
There are a variety of options to show gratitude to your customers. For example, send out an email message of appreciation with a discount coupon they can use through the end of the year. Or, send thank you cards with each package that goes out.
These simple acts of gratitude foster positive relationships with customers, so they will think of your company when they are ready to buy.
Offer Bonuses and Rewards
Customers are often shopping holiday sales to find gifts for friends and family. But it’s always a bonus to spend the money and get something for themselves at the same time. Additionally, people want to save money and maximize their spending during the holiday season.
One option is to offer bonuses or free promotions for people who spend a certain amount of money in a single transaction. For example, you might send out a free gift with every purchase of $100 or more.
Another possibility is to promote free shipping during holiday sales. People like the idea of saving a little money on shipping. The shipping discount also saves them the hassle of shopping in person at a local store.
Invest in Lead Generation
If you want to bring in new customers fast, online lead generation can be a great way to expand your reach. Paid advertising turns on the flow of customers who are searching for the types of products you have to offer.
Most business owners are busy during the holiday season and don’t have the time to work on lead generation or online marketing. So instead of overextending yourself this season, let the experts handle your holiday sales marketing so you can focus on customers and family.
ARYU Advertising is here to provide the marketing support that you need. Contact us to learn more about available lead generation and marketing solutions for businesses.
