With Christmas Day just five days away, the rush of last-minute shoppers is about to get real! In the days to come, many customers will be scrambling to find the perfect gifts. Is your online store the solution they’re looking for? Promoting your e-commerce store strategically can help capture these customers and boost your holiday sales.
So what steps can you take to lure last-minute holiday shoppers to your online store?
Get busy on social media.
While this may be an obvious advertising tactic, it’s important to highlight the fact that all social media platforms are powerful tools. To connect with last-minute shoppers, create posts that showcase your most gift-worthy products, holiday discounts and shipping options. Use eye-catching visuals and holiday-themed hashtags like #LastMinuteGifts or #HolidayShoppingCanada to expand your reach.
It’s also a good idea to post daily countdowns to key holiday dates to create urgency. As well, run flash sales and exclusive promotions for your followers. Consider using paid ads targeting local demographics or specific interests. “Incorporate phrases like ‘Limited Time Offer,’ ‘Last Chance for Delivery,’ or ‘Holiday Favourites Selling Fast’ in your ad copy,” suggests V Digital Services, “Urgency motivates action, especially during the holiday season.”
Promote fast and flexible shipping options.
One of the top concerns for last-minute shoppers is whether or not their orders will arrive in time for Christmas. Offer expedited shipping or local same-day delivery to quell their fears. You should highlight these shipping options prominently on your website’s homepage and checkout pages. Make sure that you’re transparent about deadlines to build trust with your customer base. As another option, you can emphasize the convenience of in-store or curbside pickup.
“Express shipping is arguably one of the most important aspects of your holiday sales strategy,” points out Vivien Christel Vella of DHL, “In fact, one in three last-minute shoppers say they choose where to buy their gifts based on how soon they can get them...Highlight your fast shipping options on your e-commerce website, including a banner on your homepage and at each stage of checkout.”
Optimize your website for mobile shopping.
A significant number of last-minute shoppers browse and buy via mobile devices. It’s vital that you optimize your website for speed and usability on smaller screens. You can start by simplifying navigation and streamlining the checkout process. Ensure that your payment gateway supports secure and diverse payment options. We’re talking credit cards and mobile wallets. Make no mistake about it. Most Canadian consumers shop online using their smartphones.
As reported by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association via Cision, a 2022 Pew Research Center study found that 95 percent of adult Canadians reported using the internet, whether on a computer or smartphone. “The study also shows that smartphone ownership in Canada is similar to levels seen in other surveyed countries, with 98% of surveyed Canadians between the ages of 18-29 and 95% of those aged 30-49 owning a smartphone,” says the website.
Is your online store set up to lure last-minute holiday shoppers?
Get in touch with Unity Payments for help! Syncing your payment processing with your online shopping cart is now easier than ever with our e-commerce payment solutions! To learn all about it, call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
