Recently updated on December 20th, 2010 at 05:39 pm
Google research shows that consumers are feeling pretty good about the upcoming 2010 holiday season and at this point last year 44% of consumers had already started their holiday shopping.1 It does seem that the push for holiday sales comes earlier each year, and you may not be personally thrilled to see Christmas ornaments for sale before you’ve even had your last summer BBQ. However, if you’re running a business, online or off, don’t delay getting your holiday campaigns going because when those early shoppers start shopping, you want to be there for them.
Holiday 2010 Marketing Tips and Resources
1. Hassle-free shopping
Double check that your customers’ online shopping experience is easy and streamlined. Make it easy for customers to find what they want, give them prices upfront before asking for any personal information, and aim to have the check out process in as few steps as possible. Make sure you display order cut off times so customers know when to order in order to receive their goods before Christmas.
2. Offer Extra Holiday Value
Promote fast, free shipping, whenever possible. Offer upsell incentives and coupons. When you do ship an order, include something special for your customers such as a holiday greeting card that includes a future discount or customer-only special. And whether you sell online or off or both, consider offering a layaway program.
3. Integrate Marketing across Channels
Coordinate your customer’s online search with printed direct mail catalogs that have high-impact graphics to highlight your products and services.
Use your social media to check in with your customers, thank them on Twitter for being a customer, and see how they are doing.
Don’t forget to create some special holiday content with important keywords to help online searchers find you.
Even if you’re holiday sales aren’t matching your expectations, don’t spam! Consider creating a specific holiday-targeted email list prior to your first holiday email send. For subscribed users, send an email that asks if they would like to get emails relating to holiday specials or information. For non subscribers, add a special opt in link on your site that allows them to sign up for holiday emails only.
5. Bring in Some Holiday Fun
Consider dressing up your website with some holiday flair and fun with special graphics. And you might want to create a holiday video on YouTube and link to that from your site. If you have a blog, solicit reader input on their coolest holiday ideas.
If you’re interested in reading more about the state of holiday shopping 2010 check out this Google guide.
As you plan the details of your Holiday 2010 Marketing, don’t limit yourself to just December holidays. Here are some other dates for you to tap into:
Thursday November 25, 2010 Thanksgiving Day (Notorious for online shopping)