How to Market to Holiday Shoppers

How do you plan to encourage customers to buy?According to an article in DMNews’s October 29th issue, retailers have one thing on their minds to increase holiday sales.

“The sixth annual holiday study surveyed 2,695 online buyers and 116 online retailers about holiday shopping and found that 78 percent of retailers will offer free shipping with minimum purchase requirements this holiday season.”

What’s your method to encourage shoppers to buy between now and December? I’ve offered free shipping in the past, but it was difficult for me to determine, when comparing the previous season’s sales, whether or not the campaign was successful.

Revenue for both seasons was similar, so I chose not to offer free shipping again.

In addition to free shipping, here are three options to increase sales in the coming months.

Offer:

1. An additional product for sales of a certain amount ($75, $100, etc.).

2. A certificate for a specific dollar amount to be redeemed in early 2008.

3. A free three-month subscription to your online membership site.

Try this or another way that’s worked in the past to spark interest and additional revenue.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

If the information shared here benefits your success, please subscribe to my RSS feed!

November 6, 2007 | Filed Under Marketing News, Surveys and Statistics | Leave a Comment 

Holiday Gifts and Cards Strengthen Relationships

Will you send customers a thank-you gift or greeting card this holiday season?Have you decided how to express your gratitude to customers this holiday season? I asked this question last month, and time’s drawing near for decisions.

Yesterday, a Christmas card catalog arrived by mail, and the day before, I received a catalog with fruit and nut collections to send to customers as appreciation gifts.

As solo marketers, we’re charged not only with making everyday decisions to keep the revenue growing but also selecting items that thank clients for choosing us.

In 2005, I reported on an American Express survey that revealed that 19 percent of responders planned to send their clients nothing, not even a greeting card. I haven’t read any updates to the survey, which included a list of popular gifts.

Cards are selected for some of my customers, and I’m waiting for additional items to arrive from a local manufacturer. Some clients will also receive business card-sized coupons for complimentary services throughout 2008.

It’s a smart move to make contact, in whatever form, with clients anytime between Thanksgiving and New Year. That’s what keeps them motivated to buy from you and refer your business to others.

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

If the information shared here benefits your success, please subscribe to my RSS feed!

October 31, 2007 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Surveys and Statistics | Leave a Comment 

Timelines Strengthen Your Market Position

Conde Nast Portfolio Magazine’s November issue includes an article entitled Welcome to the Future, which discusses how you’ll soon be able to map your DNA online.

The article is fascinating, but what I found of interest to marketing is the timeline included with the article, which skirts the bottom of two pages.

Timelines tell the story of how you started business, its milestones, and how you’re positioning the enterprise for future success.

In 2000, I used Microsoft Publisher software to create my first timeline documenting the rise of a small business industry niche. Since then I’ve not considered creating others, but this reminder gives me an idea to create a timeline for my business and the industry in which I participate.

Creating your own timeline may prove beneficial for you, too.

  • Add it on your Web site and in print materials to show customers your longevity and future vision.

  • Add it on your Web site’s press room area for access by the media.

  • Refine it over time as you recall milestones you neglected to include the first time.

    • Technorati Tags: , , ,

    If the information shared here benefits your success, please subscribe to my RSS feed!

    October 26, 2007 | Filed Under Surveys and Statistics | Leave a Comment 

    Do You Practice These Success Tips?

    Information Strategies, Inc. recently released the results of a survey that asked 200 home-based business owners what it takes to run a successful enterprise.

    You can read the results here written in a 10 commandments format.

    The two that I practice without fail are:

    7. Thou shall make friends with all delivery, service personnel. Treat them as valued suppliers and earn extra services and support in times of need.

    I receive many packages from the major shipping carriers. The drivers know me by name and treat my packages with care because of the manner in which I greet and share information with them. They know a lot more than delivery routes, and their insights can lead to new clients.

    9. Thou shall dress for business every day. Many home-based business owners become lax in their dress and that can lead to lax practices.

    When I started working for myself, I vowed to dress every day because my office environment deserves the same respect I once gave to an employer. I admit that I slip on some days because I’m anxious to get the work done. Yesterday was one of those days.

    All of these tips lead to establishing smart marketing practices, as they all focus on growing successful businesses. Is there a commandment you’d add to this list?

    Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

    If the information shared here benefits your success, please subscribe to my RSS feed!

    July 11, 2007 | Filed Under Solo Housekeeping, Surveys and Statistics | Leave a Comment 

    ← Previous Page — Next Page →