Tips for increasing sales during festive periods

[casssimplyb]

I know I'm a bit late but my colleague Josh wrote some nice tips on Simply Business website.
I want to know what you did (or usually do) to boost your christmas sale (or other holiday specials)

Boost your marketing spend
Many small firms neglect marketing at the best of times, considering it to be the preserve of large corporations. But study after study has shown the importance of marketing for SMEs – and this is particularly true at Christmas.

Up-sell and cross sell
Once you have attracted a customer it is important that you try to maximise their spending. Up-selling and cross-selling are simple but very effective techniques that can be neglected by smaller businesses during busy periods.

Differentiate yourself
Consider what makes your firm unique in normal trading circumstances - whether that is a particular product offering or especially good customer service - and stress this aspect of your business.

This year compete on price
Given the continuing financial worries facing many consumers, price is likely to be a deal-breaker for shoppers this year. Consider running high-visibility pricing offers; you might choose, for example, to undercut your competitors on certain loss-leading items, or offer a discount on a second purchase.

Concentrate on online
If you do have an online store you should ensure that it is as visible as possible. You might wish to consider increasing your spend on online advertising services like Google Adwords, in order to ensure that your site catches the eye of customers searching for products that you offer.

[Mark]

Any tips specifically for service-based businesses?

[casssimplyb]

I just did a term target report for your homepage with the term "logo design"
If that's the word everybody is using, you page is perfectly optimized.

Focus online and try to offer something unique I would say. But you're pretty organised already!

Jasper

Originally Posted by Mark

Any tips specifically for service-based businesses?

[Mark]

Originally Posted by casssimplyb

I just did a term target report for your homepage with the term \\"logo design\\"
If that's the word everybody is using, you page is perfectly optimized.

Well, I have this guy to thank for that. Cheers.

[KevJaques]

Thanks Mark, Jasper

Remember the report I did for you too, read back over the guest postings aspect. I know Nikki was looking for guest posts and so is Top10Tips. Those will help.

[Mark]

I will... just 'enjoying' the lull in the fighting at the moment.

[Joe Micheal]

These are nice tips and I'd like to add some more:

- Get to know your clients i.e. what he/she wants
- Keep complete product information and photo on web
- Go the extra mile
- Keep an eye on business trends
- Value their opinion - honesty is the key