Well it’s that time of year again when tree lots start going up in the local supermarket parking areas, in many parts of the world snow is falling, and soon people all over the globe will start asking each other what they want for Christmas. Our holiday season is upon us.  Is your business ready?

Even with a sagging global economy, sales in the USA during this coming season are expected to rise slightly over last year.  Of course, to get your share of the sales action, you’ll want to pull out all the stops in your marketing too.  So here are some tips to help you get started:

Defining Your Marketing Goals

I must admit that these goals will work at any time of the year, not just around the holidays.  And this list of tips is far from complete, but it’s a start, and now might be the perfect time for you to consider organizing your thoughts as we move forward into one of the most hectic times of the year.

Here are 3 possible goals for your holiday marketing efforts:

1. Sell (said number) more of your products to prospects (increase conversion rates).  Consider sampling new methods that might help you here.  Think of how you can include coupons, discounts and bonuses.  If you already use these methods, then brain storm out a few new ideas on how you can incorporate them into other marketing methods that you haven’t tried them in yet.  For example, if you usually use coupons on your website - maybe mix it up a bit and consider stuffing some into a special holiday stocking surprise for anyone buying during the month of December.
2. Sell (said number) more products to the same customers (increase order size)  One way to do this is to set up a progressive incentive system for referrals.  Whether it be a formal affiliate program or simply a set of gifts to those who referr clients to you - it’s worth the consideration.  Is there a way you can impliment a program where discounts, freebies and other incentives multiply as customers’ shopping carts pile up or as they purchase higher quantities of your products/services?
3. Get (said number) more subscribers you can market to (build your list)  This can be done through product squeeze pages, referral programs, limited-time subscribe incentives, or even by simply providing engaging content on your blog.  Be sure to include a method for subscribers whether that be to a mailing list or an RSS feed, get them involved and looking forward to more info from you.

Which Goal Is the Most Important One for Your Holiday Marketing Campaign?

Depending on the current state of your business, this will vary.

For example, if you have a lot of subscribers who just seem to “hang out” on your list.  Then focus on the first goal I mentioned and consider ‘upping’ your efforts towards turning more of them into customers this season.

When your business has a lot of customers, but slow revenue growth, this is typically when business owners put more value on increasing order sizes.  If this is your situation, then work on that second goal.  Include in your campaigns marketing methods that are proven to get more products sold in a single contact moment with your customer.

If, on the other hand, you’re concerned that even with good conversion rates and selling more products to your current customers just won’t produce the sales you want this year, then getting more subscribers will most likely be more important to you.  Growing a stronger prospect list to work your conversion magic with - is what will help move your company forward and have you seeing more sales in the new year and years to come.

What are Your Goals this Season?

More Tips Throughout the Week!

Either way, over the next few days I’ll be writing a series of holiday marketing tips and sharing them here in our blog.  Each article is written specifically to help you achieve your goals and deliver a strong finish to the 2008 year.

So Stay Tuned for more business marketing tips this week! ~ Nichole Fischer

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