Valuable Guidelines for 2018 Holiday Sales Success | RetractableAwnings.com

If you’re like most savvy business owners, now is the time that you and your staff are thinking about the holiday season and the best ways to capitalize on sales. Whether you are an e-commerce company, a mom-and-pop shop, or a retail giant, having a comprehensive strategy in place is critical to reaching your sales goals and conquering the busiest shopping time of the year. Failing to plan is a recipe for disaster in an ever-competitive market, especially in November and December.

In 2018, market research is at store owners’ fingertips, laying the foundation for a strategy based on numbers and statistics, not gut feelings and wishful thinking. The reality is that both B2C and B2B companies benefit from the holiday season. Research points out the fact that people are in a spending mood during this time of year and taking advantage of that is a matter of carefully calculating the most effective ways to market and sell your products and/or services.

Today, we go over some of the most important, often overlooked, tips to getting your business primed and ready for impressive holiday sales.

Holiday Sales Tips for 2018

All signs are pointing to a recording-breaking holiday season in 2018 and those business owners willing to take the extra steps to prepare will undoubtedly benefit from those predictions. Small businesses in particular are poised to have a busy sales season and, for most, that means ordering enough inventory and ensuring that staffing issues are taken care of. But what about forecasting sales goals? Have you considered what measures you will take to place your business in a position to outperform last year’s numbers and that of your competitors?

Now is the time to begin constructing your holiday sales plans. When doing so, keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Do your research! From historical sales data to scanning the competitors’ holiday promotions, set yourself up for success by gaining a thorough understanding of where you want to go and what you’re up against.

2. Target your current customers. The best way to ensure holiday sales is to offer deals to your loyal customers who trust your business and will be ready to spend this season.

3. Run a first-time buyer promotion. Offer a discount that will get new faces to your storefront and create lifelong customers.

4. Update your website and local online listings to reflect special holiday hours. Be sure to promote those special hours on your website and in your marketing materials.

5. Practice your staff’s greetings and sales approaches. Your team should all be on the same page as it relates to interacting with customers and closing deals.

6. Get branded, and fast! Brand recognition is critical for holiday sales and nothing says great branding like a commercial awning. When properly branded, a commercial retractable awning will lure new customers into your store and remind old customers that you’re still there.

7. Reinstate or revamp your email marketing campaign. Sending out promotional emails is vital during major holidays. Not only will you be able to offer discounts, but you will be sending the emails to an engaged audience.

8. Institute a referral program for both business associates and past customers. A referral program is an excellent way to reward past clients and also give a discount to a first-time buyer.

9. Consider running a holiday giveaway for something small in your store or even a store credit. Running a contest that engages customers via social media is an effective way to promote your business while rewarding past customers for getting involved.

No matter what strategy you intend to deploy to prepare for the 2018 holiday season, it is important that you get started sooner rather than later. We recommend a combination of the above guidelines, choosing the tips that best suit your business and your industry.

Get Your Store Branded Before the Holidays

The upcoming season is a time for family, friends, and holiday cheer. Would extra holiday sales put you in the holiday spirit? A commercial awning is just the way to brand your store effectively and get those sales numbers up! Contact our commercial awning specialists in the USA or Canada toll free at 866-438-2964 or outside the USA or Canada at (305) 628-2424 or use the live help chat tool for help in selecting a commercial awning that is perfect for you or your client!