Get Ready Set Go! Yes it is summer and competition is gearing up for both the brick and mortar store and web based merchants. Don’t let this summer be your slow time. Whether you are on or off the web there are some strategies you can use to engage customers by using the web.
Vacations
Many consumers will be connecting to social networks while on their trips via the internet. Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter connections are a good way to advertize to these folks while on the move. Using social media to promote and brand your business is a good thing all year long but can attract more users as they want to engage with friends to show off the sites and exciting times they are having. Don’t forget some of the other web 2.0 sites like YouTube, Manta and Yelp. Have your website person provide you with some ideas and maybe handle the process for you.
Special Events
Last summer I went to a special art show called “Christmas In July” and it was fantastic. There are several holiday events in the summer you can and should take advantage of but why not get creative and make up your own unique holiday! If the weather is hot and dry, have a rainy day sale with special incentives such as free sunscreens or water to all purchases over $25. Advertize a free $off coupon for the first 10 customers or something like that.
Email Strategy
Over 90% of us have access to the internet on the phone and check things as we go. Make sure your email has a mobile counterpart. This is easy to do and many services in your town can get to new folks you may have never talked to before. You can also send coupons through email and mobile mail. Again let your creative juice flow. Also, the time of day may be important, schedules have changed with summer so do some split testing to see if your times are good. Have some fun, build a summer product list for your industry. Target what sold best last year at the same time. If you are not using an email service it is time to look into one.
Maximizing Online Time
Online time in the summer is limited so get down to basics on your site. Do the research for the customer and add it to your pages. They will appreciate your efforts and linger longer because they don’t need to go back to the search process as often. In fact, that is a good philosophy year round. Don’t forget follow up coupons for online visitors. It keeps them coming back
Competitive Pricing
Everyone likes a good price all year but a summer special that cuts a little here can give the customer that little push required to purchase and come back often. Make a friend while you do it and the customer will be long term. Get Ready Set Go!
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