Here we are, with two weeks of 2025 already in the books! With the holiday shopping season well behind us, your online store may be experiencing a little bit of a slowdown in sales. But don’t worry. Online shopping will always be popular. The key is figuring out how to lure online shoppers to your company website instead of others. To attract customers and grow your business, you need to think beyond traditional advertising.
So what can you do to boost your online sales in this post-holiday rush world?
Collaborate with influencers.
Who do you follow on social media that has particularly interesting posts and a whole lot of followers? Getting in touch with those individuals just might be the thing you need to grow your business in 2025. Partnering with influencers who have dedicated Canadian audiences can help you reach a wide variety of new customers. Send your products to influencers in exchange for their honest reviews.
“You must keep in mind that in recent years, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful force in Canada to promote brands,” says Canadian Software Agency, “According to a report, 71% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase based on social media referrals. This statistic underscores the significant impact that influencers have on consumer behaviour, making them invaluable partners for brands looking to reach and engage their target audiences.”
Dole out the discounts.
Have you ever met a customer who didn’t enjoy getting a great deal? As you’re surely aware, discounts, seasonal sales and bundle deals can attract new customers. They can also incentivize existing ones to return. Consider offering limited-time deals. You can create senses of urgency by offering flash sales or exclusive discounts for a short period. As well, reward your repeat customers with points that they can redeem for discounts or freebies.
“Flyers are another offline tool that busy buyers use for fast and frugal shopping,” points out Melody McKinnon of Online Business Canada, “Online sales are similarly organized and have featured products in numbers that are more manageable. Rather than having a simple link or menu button for ‘Specials’, consider featuring sales with a special graphic strategically placed on every page of your site. Also, prominently feature price-matching policies and coupons.”
Establish a new referral program.
You’re certainly aware that word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful. Arguably, there is no better form of advertising. Customers trust other customers. A referral program can turn your loyal customers into brand ambassadors. Reward them for bringing in new shoppers. You can do so by offering discounts or store credits to customers who refer their friends. As well, you can provide exclusive access to new products for top referrers.
“Compared to traditional advertising, referral programs can be more cost-effective to reach new customers,” writes Priyanka Prajapati of BrainSpate, “You leverage your existing happy customers to find new ones. The reward will be paid only when a successful referral occurs...Studies show that referred customers have a higher lifetime value (LTV). They will stay with you longer than those acquired through other channels.”
Do you allow your customers to make online purchases?
Seamlessly integrate Unity Payments’ online payment gateway into your website or mobile application to facilitate secure credit card transactions. To learn all about it, call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
