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10 tips to maximise online sales over the festive season

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As more and more people shop online, web-based retailers are hoping for record sales this Christmas, despite a downturn in High Street retail figures.

E-commerce software specialists, Actinic, have some handy tips to help online retailers make the most of our festive sales this year.

Prepare your marketing ideas early

However you plan to promote your web site at Christmas, run some small-scale tests now. Establish what works, and refine it.

Can you handle the extra traffic?

The average e-tailer gets 30% more orders in November/December. Make sure your site and staffing levels can cope with the increase.

Sort out your deliveries

Make sure your logistics supplier will be able to cope with demand for Christmas deliveries.

Anticipate last-minute shoppers

Cite a final ordering date for Christmas delivery on every page - highlighted when the deadline has passed.

Use seasonal promotions

Find creative ways to mark the season. Put gift ideas on your home page, stock Christmas-themed items and offer gift-wrapping.

Upsell to maximise the opportunity

Where gifts need additional items such as batteries, ensure they can be ordered together. Incentivise extra purchases with offers like 'buy two and get one free'.

Customers in a rush

Most online shoppers are in a hurry, particularly Christmas ones; make it easy for them to find what they want.

Thank regulars

Good supplier relationships can help resolve problems. Consider offering discount during January to suppliers as well as good customers.

Keep a sense of humour!

Customer stress-levels rise going towards Christmas. Keep a professional attitude but try to see the funny side – so you that don’t return stress with stress.

Advertise January sales

Plan your January sale early. It gives ‘value shoppers’ a chance to clear all that dead stock for you.

You can read the full article, with examples, here.

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