The holiday season ended about a month ago. For most e-retailers all over Canada, the holiday shopping rush offered a huge boost to their online sales. But now that the holidays are far behind us and the winter lull has crept in, many businesses are experiencing their slow seasons. Is this the case with your brand? Perhaps, instead of viewing this period as a setback, you can take a few proactive steps to boost your online sales. We’re not just talking about now, but all throughout the year!
Here are four ways to attract more online shoppers during your slow seasons:
1. Offer can’t-afford-to-miss-out deals.
A classic tried-and-true marketing tactic is running a sale. But, since so many business owners do so, it’s vital to come up with promotions that stand out from all the rest. Of course, customers are always on the lookout for deals. So what will make your discounts unique? Consider offering percentage-off deals, rewards points or free shipping to customers who spend over certain amounts. Also, offer bundle deals to move inventory that is going out of season.
“For example, an outdoor equipment supplier that we know sells both snow removal and lawn maintenance equipment; the company discounts last season’s lawnmowers in September and discounts snowblowers in March/April,” reports Jacqueline Drew of Tenato Strategy, “Buyers who are able to stock up on such purchases off-season can enjoy those discounts, while the store helps to make room for the in-season equipment on the showroom floor.”
2. Revamp your website to welcome new seasons.
Especially if your company is enduring its slow season, it’s wise to revise its website. Show visitors that you are keeping things lively and up with the times. You can do so by adding seasonal banners or season-themed product categories. They should all align with current events, holidays and special occasions like the upcoming Valentine’s Day. By the way, make sure that your website loads quickly. This will prevent shoppers from leaving due to slow performance.
“Your website is your storefront and shoppers judge it in a split second,” alerts Marie A Smith of Online Business Canada, “It should be clean, professional, simple to navigate and of course, error-free. Check every single navigation link, and try searching your site to ensure relevant content is showing up in results.”
3. Introduce new products or a special service.
Is your customer base getting tired of the “same old, same old”? Perhaps it’s time to add something new to the fold. You slow season provides you with the perfect opportunity to experiment with new products or services. If you don’t have any new products to offer, perhaps it would be advantageous to consider new ways to get them to your customers. For example, you could offer a subscription service. This would encourage repeat purchases with monthly product boxes or memberships.
“Subscription products can be designed to generate long-term savings for customers who sign an agreement lasting several months or years,” explains The UPS Store Canada, “Annual services, such as maintenance programs for previously sold items, are often pitched to customers as a way to get the support they need at a fixed price.”
4. Contact Unity Payments!
If you’re looking for e-commerce solutions to boost your online presence and payment processing efficiency, Unity Payments can help! Please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
