This year online and e-commerce sales are projected to be higher than during the 2013 holiday season. Online sales will increase at least by 13% this year according to Deloitte. A significant growth expected for all retail sales during the season.
The holiday season is around the corner and soon retailers will compete with each other during the Thanksgiving sales season and Christmas holiday shopping. The digital communication whether through computers, smart phones, or tablets will influence 50% of all retail store sales.
According to Alison Paul (Vice Chairman at Deloitte LLP) online sales will continue to climb. Their research indicates that over 80% of shoppers use digital tools when they shop during the holiday season. Regardless of where consumers buy the products and how, digital communication through e-commerce websites, blogs, and social media channels are key tools utilized by holiday shoppers. Consumers love to go online to research gift ideas, prices, and where to purchase.
The holiday season runs from November through early January and many retailers generate a significant amount of business during that holiday season. To be effective and get ready for e-commerce holiday sales, companies and entrepreneurs should plan ahead.
Succeeding with E-commerce Holiday Sales
Create a Detailed Plan
Retailers should create a plan and work out the details for the upcoming holidays and shopping seasons associated with those holidays. Retailers should plan out their return policy and payment options and other operational details prior to the holiday season. Some things to consider is when to switch out graphical elements on e-commerce websites, update promotions and discounts or other incentives such as Free Shipping and so on.
Determine the Marketing Methods
To be successful and effective with holiday sales, a company must determine the marketing methods and tactics that will be deployed and used. For example, a brand may advertise and promote their products during the holiday season through blog posts, Pay Per Click PPC (Google AdWords) paid programs, email marketing campaigns, Social Media Ads, Search Engine Optimization, and other marketing and advertising tactics.
Execute Holiday Campaigns
Once a plan has been created for the holiday season, marketing and advertising methods have been decided upon, companies now have to execute the campaigns. During this phase retailers and e-commerce website operators must track their efforts for best results. Make adjustments where necessary to optimize and fine-tune all sales efforts during the holiday seasons. Tools such as Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Central gives online retailers all the data necessary to make proper adjustments for best results.
Companies that want to take advantage of the holiday shopping seasons, must allow ample time to develop a plan, decide upon strategies, and implementation of the campaigns and sales efforts. Brands and companies that desire help with the process can always work with experts and professionals that can assist. Many marketing services and business consulting services can assist clients with holiday shopping seasons, regardless of product type or geographical markets.
