Last minute shoppers are still looking for gifts and even web-only businesses can capitilize. Here are nine last-minute holiday marketing tips to help you generate more clicks, more interest, and a happier new year.
1. Upgrade your shipping
Last-minute shoppers are likely to be more interested in getting what they want on time than getting the best deal. Instead a percentage off, consider offering free or reduced-rate expedited shipping.
2. Build urgency
As the buying season ticks down, encourage immediate action. Whether in email or social media marketing, use phrases like “There’s still time…” and “It’s not too late…”.
3. Send coupons to previous customers
Dig through your list of former customers’ email addresses and send them a special holiday-themed coupon. This idea is a good one if you have excessive inventory.
4. Use photos
Just like your customers, you probably don’t have much time during the holiday season to write emails and blog posts and continuously update social media. Instead, snap photos of products, customers, and events and let the pictures do the work.
E-gift cards appear in an inbox instantly. That makes them the go-to present for last-minute shoppers.
5. Appeal to extreme procrastinators
Even web-only stores can make sales after shipping deadlines have passed by offering downloadable gift cards. Brick-and-mortar businesses can also offer the gift cards but have the added benefit of offering a selection of products in its stores.
6. Create triggered emails
Continue sales momentum by sending buyers an email immediately after they purchase something. The email can feature popular or similar products and could entice the last-minute shopper to do even more buying.
7. Promote convenience
If people haven’t started their holiday shopping by now, chances are they’ll put off other things, too. Promote pre-wrapped gifts that are ready to go straight from delivery to under the tree.
8. Stop selling gifts
Once shipping deadlines have passed, don’t give up. Start clearance sales that encourage shoppers to buy for themselves. Shoppers buying for themselves will consider delivery time less important than bargains.
9. Don’t push too hard
There’s a lot of marketing noise during the holidays. Don’t try to shout over it with excessive emails, social media posts, and other marketing efforts. Grasping for short-term success can turn a customer off. Focus on building a long-term relationship that will create profits throughout the year.
Ready to take your business online and improve your profits in 2013? Contact us today!