Holiday sales are critical for online businesses. This season brings a significant boost in sales, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on your slice of the multi-billion dollar pie! However, there are common challenges that many online retailers face during the holiday sales period.
Top 5 Holiday Sales Issues
Ignoring Last-Minute Shoppers: Many people procrastinate and shop at the last minute. If you can confidently deliver before Christmas, make sure your customers know it. Display clear messages like “Order by this date to get it before Christmas!” This assurance can sway last-minute shoppers to choose your store over competitors.
Starting Too Late: This is the biggest pitfall. Every year, we recommend starting your online business in July to capitalize on holiday sales. By the time your store is up and running, your marketing plan is in place, and your SEO is optimized, you’re already nearing the holiday selling season. It takes time to perfect your online store and make it ready for the masses. If you start too late, you might miss out until next year!
Forgetting About Mobile Shoppers: Mobile shopping is on the rise, with many people using smartphones or tablets to search for and purchase products. If your online store isn’t mobile-friendly, you’ll lose these customers due to frustrating user experiences. Test your store’s mobile functionality and make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth navigation for all devices.
No Marketing Plan: Not having a marketing plan is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. Every online store owner needs a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes emails, campaigns, ads, blogs, and newsletters. If you haven’t prepared your marketing plan for holiday sales, start now! The closer it gets to the holiday season, the less time you have to implement it. Your marketing plan should be finalized well in advance, allowing you to work on it incrementally throughout the year.
Neglecting to Decorate Your Store: Just like decorating your home for the holidays, your online store should reflect the festive spirit. Beautiful seasonal graphics inspire customers to purchase more. Spread the holiday cheer on every page, or at least on your top landing pages, to maximize visibility.
For the holidays you should definitely start planning out by summer at the LATEST!