COVID-19 changed so much for millions of people, but retailers were among the hardest hit. Now that the holidays are upon us, retailers must act smart and fast. What happens in the last quarter of 2020 could make or break your business.
So how can you succeed during the holidays? Check out our hottest tips.
Have an Online Presence
Every business, even small brick-and-mortar stores need an online presence. Millions of consumers will shop online this year and skip in-person shopping altogether. Not having an online presence could be the difference between staying in business or not.
If you already had a website now is a great time revamp, update, or otherwise make it better.
Make Sure your Website is Fast and User Friendly
Your website must be able to handle a lot of traffic and your staff able to handle the influx of shipments, deliveries, and returns, all while providing great customer service. If shoppers are frustrated at your website speed, they may move onto a competitor.
Aside from speed, think of user-friendliness. How easy is it to use the website? Can all customers (including new customers) find what they need quickly? Is it easy to spot where and how they can contact customer service?
Offer Valuable Services
Today, consumers want to know what you’ll do for them that goes above and beyond the norm. Sure, they can order online, but what else do you offer?
Here are a few ideas:
- Curbside pickup for contactless service
- Real-time inventory updates for better service
- Offer more payment options including ‘buy now pay later’
- Staff accordingly so you can answer customer questions, provide timely curbside pickup times, and offer any other necessary support
Market your Business
Don’t forget in the madness of the holiday rush, all the changes, and observing COVID-19 regulations, to market your business.
All businesses will be operating online and hoping for the same target audience. Find a way to stand out from the crowd. What do you have to offer that others don’t? Focus on that when you market your business.
Don’t forget to get on social media – all platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and even Tik Tok if you have a young audience. Offer specials and give other reasons to get your company ahead of the market.
Get Ahead of the Market
This year will look different than any others. Black Friday may not bring in the same numbers in-store, but you can do the same thing online. Appeal to your audience who feels more comfortable staying home and prepare yourself now.
Most customers are shopping early this year – don’t miss the opportunity to grab the sales now, earlier than ever, and build trust in your customers. Don’t use this as a time of trial and error, but rather a time to find a solution to the problem that all businesses will face today – satisfying both the in-person and online customer to the same level.
