5 Ways Small Businesses Can Boost Sales this Holiday Season
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has affected small businesses in 2020. According to this survey by ZenBusinesses, small business owners estimated that they have lost about $64,000 due to the pandemic. So, how can we help boost sales during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year amid COVID-19?
Based on the CNBC article, here is my take on 5 ways small businesses can help with holiday-season sales:
#1 - Try to Sell Online
There are thousands and thousands of users online every day and many small businesses don’t have the resources to find if their customers are going out or staying in. So, attract both online and in-person customers with digital marketing.
Whether you are a clothing store, tech company, or yoga studio, make your product available online. There are several online selling interfaces for retail companies such as Shopify, or promote your expertise virtually, such as hosting a yoga class online via Facebook Stories or Youtube.
Tip: Remember to promote curbside pick-up or contactless delivery options if available!
#2 - Call Out the Elephant in the Room
Many people are worried by it, so bring up the safety measures your business is taking to let your customers know that you are taking precautionary steps to keep them safe and allow shopping with peace of mind. Whether it’s temperature checks at the door, contactless delivery, or sanitizing stations - let your customers know! You can also ask your customers for feedback to ensure you are doing what the majority of your customers are hoping for.
#3 - Employee Appreciation
Happy employees reflect their happiness and loyalty to customers. Holiday bonuses may not be a possibility for your group, but kind words, paid lunches, or small e-gift cards for coffee can result in the continuation of positive, hard-working employees even during these stressful times.
#4 - Promote your Size
According to an AdTaxi survey, three in four consumers say they’re going to make an effort to shop from small and local businesses this holiday season. Use this to your advantage, and tell your story to your target audience.
Celebrate your small size and include small/local messaging in your advertising campaigns this season, It could help sway customers to your business over big-box brands.
#5 - Promote your Business
As a business owner right now, you may have to make a decision on where to cut costs. I urge you not to go for your advertising/marketing dollars first. This reminds me of a previous blog where we discussed the dangers of the mentality “people know us we don’t need to keep advertising.” The aforementioned blog dives into how that mentality can cost you sales or potential new customers entering your target demo. So, if McDonald’s is still advertising its brand, you should be too.
This year will arguably be one of the toughest years business owners have seen. I truly hope to see them endure and succeed into the new year, and I plan to do my part in my community. There are many people, such as myself, that are making a huge effort to shop small and local this holiday season, so as a business-owner, remember to reach out to your local community, connect with other local businesses, and communicate with your customers through loyalty lists,because these people want to see you in 2021 and beyond.
