If you want to enjoy all of the business opportunities that the rest of 2015 has to offer, then you need to take some steps to ensure that your business is competitive during the potentially busiest time of year, leading up to the holiday period. To help you really enjoy this period, here are eight tips to get more customers in 2015.
1. Get Into The Spirit
Even if you think holiday-themed promotional materials are cheesy, you really don’t have a choice if you want to be a competitor this season. With Christmas coming up (Christmas food and decorations have already begun appearing at supermarkets), it is a prime time to get into the spirit. Customers love when their favorite businesses embrace holidays and get into the spirit. If you want to bring in more customers during the public holidays this year, then you simply must embrace the spirit of the upcoming season.
2. Offer Strategic Discounts
During the holiday season, people are spending more money than they are any other time of the year. Straight after this period, they’ve spent all their money and are looking to save. People also tend to be on the hunt for bargains, as demonstrated by the popularity of Post-Christmas sales. For this reason, most savvy shoppers tend to be on the lookout for any way that they might be able to save a buck. Get an edge on the competition by offering strategic discounts and sales that will appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.
3. Make Customers’ Lives Easier
Shopping the sales can be stressful. This is why it’s crucial that you aim to make your customers’ lives easier. Whether you allow online ordering or special accommodations, if you go out of your way to make your customers’ lives easier, they will be extremely grateful, which will lead to repeat business.
4. Appeal To Businesses and Groups
Social groups and businesses often have to organize events or make large purchases. This is the best time of year to offer group discounts. Groups and businesses are often basing their decisions on which option will be the most cost-efficient.
5. Give Back To Your Regular Customers
If you’re offering perks to try to entice New Year business, don’t forget to reward customers who are loyal to you year-round. Send special coupons and discounts to your regular customers, to remind them that their regular business is important to you.
6. Cards Are Appreciated
People love receiving personalised cards and it is not too late to send one wishing your customers best wishes for the New Year. Sending cards to everyone on your mailing list is a great way to get the attention of your customers and remind them that you value their business. Plus, customers will often add these cards to their mantle or card display, ensuring that they repeatedly are reminded of your business when they are in their home.
7. Be Unique and Memorable
While all of these seasonal tips are great for getting business, they often aren’t enough to separate you from the pack. Make your 2015 marketing efforts unique. Brainstorm some interesting and memorable messages and graphics that will ensure that you stand out from other businesses that are targeting your customers with their 2015 efforts.
8. Keep The Holiday Cheer Going
Even after December 25th has come and gone, it does not mean that the holiday marketing season is over. Keep the momentum going by offering post-holiday and after-New Year specials. Savvy shoppers know that the post-holiday rush is the best time to score great deals, so your business will be on the list if you advertise these great opportunities to save.
Customers love when businesses get on board with the holiday cheer. If you follow these tips, you will enjoy not only increased business from your regular customers, but you might just attract some new loyal customers as well.