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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Preparing for the Busy Shopping Season

You’ve probably heard it said, don’t miss the window of opportunity! if you’re just working steady but haven’t started getting your marketing strategy together for the busy holiday season  you just might miss the boat! I’m sure you know that the stores in the malls are already starting to pull out there seasonal and promotional items, holiday and Christmas displays are already popping up in many stores. Big box stores already have Christmas trees and many holiday themed items on their shelves. When people see these it starts the ball rolling and many purchase gifts earlier than expected.  Personally I feel it is way to early for me to see Christmas items in the stores but as an online small business owner I understand that one has to get on board and be preparing our stores and websites for those early shoppers. People are starting their shopping earlier and earlier every year.  Research shows more and more people are shopping online and this is a trend that surely will only increase with the convenience of shopping from the comfort of one’s home! 

Have a plan, this is so important here. Take a look at your inventory and assess what you need to bring in to your store. What are the trends and items that will attract customers to your store front. What will be your big holiday sellers this year? Is there something particular that you want to feature? With millions of online businesses the competition is fierce and just thinking that the customers will come and buy from you without you putting in some big marketing efforts is pretty silly.

If you had your online store last year, review what items sold well for you and what items didn’t move at all. Decide on what new items to add to your inventory and which ones to promote. Use all available social media platforms that you are active in. Just do it subtly, nobody wants to just see a big push of your items, add something of value when you can. Perhaps offer a sale coupon or a contest.

When using Twitter to market your products remember to include appropriate hash tags, like #holidayspecials, #holidaydeals, #blackfriday, etc. This will help when people are searching for shopping deals. If you use Pinterest regularly be sure to create holiday boards that feature your products. Create unique boards like Christmas decor, holiday t-shirts, Christmas kitchen accessories, you get the idea. Also include prices, Pinterest lets you add this! Well I hope this has given you some incentive to get going on your holiday marketing strategy! Don’t leave it too late or you seriously might miss your window of opportunity. The shopper’s will buy elsewhere and you don’t want to miss out on the sales!

Juggling Snowmen Round Pouf
Juggling Snowmen Round Pouf
 
Weight Lifting Snowman Small Christmas Stocking
Weight Lifting Snowman Small Christmas Stocking
 
All is Calm, All is Bright Gold Plated Banner Ornament
All is Calm, All is Bright Gold Plated Banner Ornament
 
Christmas Decorations 2 Pound Dark Chocolate Bar Box
Christmas Decorations 2 Pound Dark Chocolate Bar Box
 
Pretty Packages Stickers
Pretty Packages Sticker Gift Labels
 
Smiley Snowman in a Pink Hat Tag For Bags
Smiley Snowman Luggage Tag For Bags