SMEs have faced unprecedented challenges over the past few years. However, with the holidays right around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity for you to boost sales and increase revenue. Here are three tips to help you prepare your business for the holiday season.
1. Start preparing early
The holiday season is accompanied by increased spending, but you must prepare well in advance for your business to benefit. Here’s what to consider when preparing for the holiday season:
Sales and offers
Customers wait all year for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions. Your competitors, especially the larger organisations, will be offering massive discounts, so think about what you can offer your customers that will appeal to their needs and interests.
Product inventory
Ensure that you have enough inventory, so there’s no shortage of products. Stock up on your best-sellers and seasonal products that your customers may enjoy.
Your website
Ensure that your eCommerce website can handle sudden high spikes in traffic. Contact your website host in advance to ensure that everything is in order.
2. Choose proper marketing channels
Marketing is critical during the holiday season. Choosing the right marketing channels will ensure that the time and money you spend leads to increased traffic and increased sales. Some of the most effective marketing channels for small businesses include:
Social media
Both organic posting and paid ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, etc., are effective ways to raise awareness about your holiday offers.
Search engines
Utilise SEO, Google ads, and Google Business Listing to post deals and offers. Boost your Google ranking to enable more people to find and view your website.
Email marketing
Sending personalised emails to your existing customers is a great way to remind them that you appreciate their support and loyalty. It also provides an excellent opportunity for you to inform them about ongoing offers and discounts.
3. Offer painless shipping and returns processes
Incentives such as same-day delivery, free shipping, and free returns can have a significant impact on your business during the holiday season. To offer a seamless fulfilment process, review agreements with your shipping partners to ensure that you’re getting the best rates possible.
Prepare for the holiday season – find out more
Tower Leasing have supported the investment and growth of over 40,000 SMEs. No matter what your plans are, we have the business finance products in place and the expertise to help you see them through. If you need a business loan to help you prepare for the holiday season, get in touch with us to find out how we can help. Or read about the business finance solutions we offer which can help you get ready for Christmas.
Image by: QuinceCreative via Pixabay
