Over the past few weeks I have been reminding my clients that the holidays are just around the corner, and the need to plan their web changes is an important strategy for sales growth. It seems to many of us as consumers that the holiday marketing and promotions start too soon, and yet as a business owner I recognize the need for the early push. I know you might be asking yourself if I have a service business this blog doesn't apply to you - that is just not the case. Shoppers today not only buy a physical gift but also services in the form of gift certificates. I have had family members purchase a software training package to help their father or aunt better understand how to use computers in their business. This is the time of year for businesses selling products or services to focus on what they have to offer for the holidays.

Start with What You Know--Your Existing Customers
Your existing customer has already invested in your goods and/or services now is the time to reach out and ask them what they would like to see for the holidays. This is a slightly different approach than just throwing a sale at someone. It takes extra time but you will find it profitable and enlightening. Customers like to know their opinions matter and asking them what they want to see will cut down on the time it takes you to create packages that just won't sell. Before you reach out prepare a few ideas to discuss with them everyone needs a conversation starter. If your audience is too large to start calling, why not create a special page on your web site exclusive to existing customers for a week in November. This will remind them to shop early and give them a sneak peak at what you have to offer. I would recommend creating a promotion for existing customers only like free shipping. Free shipping seems to be everyone's favorite discount online.

Planning Prevents Poor Profits
We all know we have to plan but it is good to be reminded. Sit down today look at a calendar and work backward. When is the last day you can ship anything to be there on time? You will want to put that on your web site right away and even in your emails. Cyber Monday (this is the Monday immediately following Thanksgiving) it is a busy day for online shopping. You may want to plan an email blast to be in your customer's mailbox on that Monday morning. You should also plan for exactly what date your holiday graphics show up on your web site? When planning do not only plan up to the holiday, plan for after the holiday as well. Many people return presents, and may want your product instead, so don't forget to put that in your plan. If your a service business like a spa you will want to plan the mentioning of your holiday hours. Oh and don’t forget if your planning Pay-per-click campaigns for search engine marketing - now is the time to get started. Preparing your plan will help you stay on track with less stress for this busy season.

These are just a few ideas for getting your company engine ready to go for the holiday, there will be more to follow. Please add your thoughts, ideas and even your web site of products for the holiday, by clicking on comments below.

Labels: emarketing, marketing online, small business marketing, web marketing