The most wonderful time of the year is finally here – time for holiday eCommerce sales! Just imagine snowflakes dancing in the air, fire cracking, and thousands of people surfing online to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Doesn’t that picture bring you warmth?
Of course, you play a crucial role in that online shopping scenario! You are the one providing these amazing opportunities, and we are the ones to show you how to use holiday marketing strategies to your advantage!
It’s time to get comfy, and let’s dive into top strategies for your eCommerce holiday marketing campaign!
It’s Never Too Early To Launch Your Campaign
First things first, what is the best part of the 2023 holiday season that goes to your advantage? It’s never too soon to start Christmas shopping! Think with Google’s statistic shows that, on average, 21% of holiday shoppers worldwide had finished their shopping by the middle of October!
Think it can’t get better? Well, think again! According to Insider Intelligence’s June forecast, they predict strong eCommerce growth, with an estimated 11.3% increase during the 2023 holiday season, in comparison to 2022, which was 6.0%. Isn’t that great news?
We know, we know… All of this work, and by the end of November? Seems impossible! However, it doesn’t have to be. If you work smart, not hard, you will make it in time! How? Well, you can always get a helping hand from integration and automation software! It will surely help you to organize better and automate your work, saving you tons of time.
And besides that, we are here to sum it all up and help you get ready in no time! Now, shall we continue?
Make Your eCommerce Holiday Plan: Prepare Promotions Calendar
Did you know that customers who see early promotions on the calendar will be waiting for deals? This makes perfect sense since everyone wants to be prepared for this chaotic season. A lot of people already have their shopping carts ready; they are just waiting for the holiday deals!
Because of this, it’s wise that you prepare your promotions calendar as soon as possible. And if you already have one – even better! So, send promotional emails, be active on social media, and let people know what they can expect. Make the most out of your existing SEO tactic, and even consider altering it to this holiday season trends.
However, let’s not forget about last-minute shoppers. Even though a lot of people prepare their gifts way before the holiday season, there are still customers who don’t make it in time or simply wait till the last minute. This means – the shelves must never be empty!
Yes, it’s nice to get out of stock on almost everything early, but it’s advised to keep a stash on the side. Just to make sure that everyone will get what they’re looking for on your website! Besides having major success in sales this season, you’ll be the only one to have everything last minute! Imagine how great of an advertisement that is! Not only will your income grow, but your popularity will, too.
People tend to share everything on Social Media, including advice! So, it’s almost certain they will share that one online business that saved their Christmas shopping! So, it’s an opportunity that’s almost too good to be true. It’s like getting a 1 + 1 free deal, don’t you think?
Clear And Easy: The Best Strategy For A Positive User Experience
Two words: user experience! It’s the users that make all of eCommerce even possible. They should be your priority. Now, what do we mean by clear and easy? You see, the best online stores are the ones that are nice-looking, user-friendly, and, most importantly, easy to navigate. That’s exactly how your eCommerce store should look like!
We all hate to walk into a store and see messy piles of products, dirty floors, and crowded check-outs. It’s the same thing with online shopping! Treat your online store as if it were a store where people would come in person. Make that website aesthetically pleasing from header to footer!
Here are some things you can do to improve your eCommerce instantly:
- Organize products into categories
- Check if the filters are working correctly.
- Make the prices clear and visible.
- Make the discount prices clear and visible.
- Simplify the checkout process.
- Consider incorporating multiple payment methods.
- Make sure to send a confirmation email for each purchase.
- Provide multiple delivery and pick-up options.
But, how to manage all of that when there are constantly new products coming out? There are simply not enough hours in the day to keep everything in check, the catalogs just get longer with time!
Well, worry not! That’s exactly why we mentioned automation and integration software above. It’s their job to provide you with that few extra hours of work, and all that within your 24h day! With SyncSpider’s bulk operations feature, it’s possible to keep everything in perfect order while you deal with more important things! See? There’s a solution to every problem.
Preferred Platforms For 2023 Holiday Season Shopping
With the times changing, it’s only natural that our shopping habits change with it. We all witnessed the rise of online shopping, especially during that time that must not be named (we’ll just point to 2020). A lot of us prefer online shopping sprees as opposed to crowded stores and packed parking lots.
However, the way we shop online has also changed! A lot of younger generations prefer to use their mobile devices and Social Media platforms, instead of a good ol’ PC and Google Search. The fact that 54% of customers use their phones over other devices for searching online is another benefit you could use! This primarily includes Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. However, other platforms, such as X (former Twitter) and Pinterest, are also making a rise!
As shown in that same survey report by HubSpot, it’s shown that just in the past few months, 41% of buyers have found a product through social media! Isn’t that fascinating? How quickly the world is changing!
Seems like there’s only one thing you can do.
Be Mobile-Friendly
Optimizing your website for mobile devices is a must! Firstly, this will drive more traffic to your store, and second, there will be a whole new target audience to consider. It is simply a necessity if you want to survive in this new online world.
Not to mention that casual scrolling on your phone is much more accessible from anywhere, whereas you (usually) only browse your PC or Laptop at home. This might seem irrelevant since casual scrolling doesn’t seem to drive direct sales. Yes, maybe not directly. However…
Hear us out. Imagine that you walk past a billboard or a store that sparks your interest. The first thing you do? You reach for your phone and look it up online. Familiar? We’ve all been there. It’s that easy to simply take a glance, but it ensures that you memorize it and search it up later. Now, that seems like a holiday readiness.
Now, optimizing your website for phones may be a bit of work that will pay off in the long run. But! There still are some simple steps you can take in order to make it for this holiday season! Check out how to rank better on mobile devices, optimize your layout, and make sure that all the buttons work perfectly!
Make this your priority! More traffic = more sales! Some simple math for great results!
Social Media Shopping Influence
We can’t talk about modern-age shopping habits without mentioning Social Media. Did you know that, since 2019, the size of the global influencer marketing market has more than doubled? The market had been estimated to reach a record 21.1 billion US dollars in 2023! Amazing, isn’t it? And, besides sponsored and paid ads, it’s mostly social media influencers having an impact on viewers – primarily on Instagram and TikTok.
That’s why a lot of successful worldwide businesses are following this trend – it simply works. People are always more likely to listen for advice from a person they like and admire. There are thousands of products that went viral after an influencer with a wider audience talked about it (even the ones that have been around for ages!).
So, why wait? Dive into this trend yourself, find an influencer with a suitable target audience for your product or service, and propose collaboration. You have nothing to lose, but you can win big. You have just enough time for a holiday promotion by an influencer that will certainly skyrocket your online sales!
Live Holliday Shopping
Another marketing trend you can follow this holiday season is to arrange a live-streaming holiday shopping. Yeah, yeah, we know it sounds a bit over the top. However, we’ve been proven wrong by these statistics, showing a major increase in audience response in the past year.
But here’s the trick. Companies utilizing this trend are offering special discounts and exclusive offers for people who participate in these live-streaming events – that’s the thing that makes it so popular. People are willing to watch and, besides good entertainment, maybe get something at a special price! Pretty neat marketing trick, right? Just make sure to promote it well, so your clients can prepare in time.
Send those marketing emails, announce the stream on all your platforms, and make a good show out of it! Also, be mindful of the video and sound quality, as well as the salesperson – they have to be entertaining and eloquent so the people will like them. Now, get that snowy holiday setting ready and prepare your live-stream sale!
Video Marketing Is The New Key
Last but not least, we have to mention the rise of video marketing. People are more and more used to short videos, instead of just images and stories on social media. Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts – you name it; every successful eCommerce uses them these days.
The key is to make it short, bombastic, and engaging. You can post short animations or influence reviews of your products/services – it will reach broader audiences, bringing you more organic traffic. It’s a very useful tip to look further into, so make sure you don’t miss this train while it’s still on the tracks!
Holiday Tips And Tricks That Drive Sales
Now that we figured out the best marketing campaigns of today, let’s jump to some practical tips that you can use for your online store! Here are just a few starting points to look after. Take notes!
Value Sets Over Discount Prices
Younger generations are more likely to seek quality over quantity. Even though it might not seem that way, they rather purchase value sets than simply discounted products or services. So, for this holiday season, it’s wise that you prepare some high-quality value sets, especially if you have a younger target audience, such as Gen Z or Millennials.
Make sure to promote it well on all platforms, including email marketing and sponsored ads. That way, you will attract more potential customers and boost your website traffic, so it’s a win-win situation! However, to ensure sales, you can always include special offers, including these value sets, as long as they are not to your financial disadvantage.
Simple Return Options
This one is a must! Since the holiday season, at least for eCommerce businesses, is all about selling gifts and presents, it’s crucial to provide quick and simple return options!
We’ve all been there – the products weren’t what we were expecting, or the clothes and shoe sizes were wrong. No matter the reason, we all wanted to return a product at some point. Especially during this gifting season, when we are not shopping for ourselves!
eCommerce businesses should be well prepared for such scenarios because they will happen without a doubt. So, make sure that you make your return policy easy and convenient, to keep existing and drive new customers to your service.
Local Pick-ups
This tip is the one thing that will make a difference between you and your competitors. Let’s say you offer similar products as some other company, based in the same area. If a customer from that area is choosing between the two of you, you bet they will choose the one that offers local pick-ups. It’s free, and simply more convenient for them! You can also bet they will tell their friends and neighbors about your business – and we all know that word-to-word advertising is the best one there is!
One-page Checkout
We all want to complete our purchase as quickly and efficiently as possible. That’s where this feature plays a crucial role. Introducing to you: one-page checkout! No more difficult checkout processes that make you want to click X.
The point is to, as the name suggests, put all the needed information and required forms on one page. This includes:
- Pricing
- Product Details
- Payment Methods
- Form Fields
- Delivery Form Fields
- Delivery Fees
- Shipping Methods
- Total Cost
- Company Policy
This way, you ensure that customers have a quick checkout process, making them more likely to return to your website, but also providing them with a great user experience! It’s all about being convenient!
Gift Guide
Now, this one is a gem! A lot of people struggle with finding the perfect gift for their loved ones. As a result, what do they do? They go online and search for the best presents and gift ideas. Now, why wouldn’t YOU be the one to provide them with such answers? Promote your products as the greatest seasonal gifts, of course!
Of course, it’s crucial to optimize your website and other media to get a good ranking on Google, so that people will find your gift guide first! You will increase website traffic but also guarantee sales and expand your eCommerce business. Now, that sounds like a perfect plan for this gifting season!
The Best Marketplaces For Your eCommerce This Holiday Season
All of this talk wouldn’t make sense if we didn’t share the best marketplaces for your eCommerce!
Here are some of our top picks for the holidays!
Amazon
Amazon is probably the most popular online marketplace in the world. So, it’s a must to be a part of it! Their eCommerce platform has everything you can think of! It’s a go-to place for any kind of online shopping.
Naturally, no matter what your product is, it will surely be appreciated on Amazon. It’s known for its broad product selection, effective delivery services, and customer-centric approach. They also operate on a subscription-based service called Amazon Prime, which offers exclusive deals and free shipping.
Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
Setting up an Amazon seller account is relatively easy. However, we would lie if we told you it can’t get even easier! With Amazon Seller Central, you’re just a few clicks away from launching your eCommerce store to one of the biggest global marketplaces. Be sure not to waste this opportunity to grow your sales through the roof!
Etsy
Etsy is your number-one marketplace if you want to find something unique, vintage, or handmade. If your business offers these kinds of products, Etsy is a perfect place for your eCommerce store! It is a common and loved platform for artists and small businesses that attracts handmade and antique lovers.
They are known for their relaxed approach, friendly community, and the possibility to talk directly with creators and sellers! Doesn’t that sound amazing? You can also order handmade products and reach out to ask about restocks. Etsy really has it all!
It seems a bit hard to beat that, right? Well, we want to make this even easier for you! Navigate Etsy more efficiently than ever before: integrate your seller account with the tools you already love and use! Think big and craft smart!
eBay
Ah, eBay. One of the OG’s. This online marketplace was one of the first to become a global number-one place for selling and buying. It allows both businesses and individuals to sell both new and used items. You name it – someone on eBay has it. That hat you liked in a designer store 15 years ago? Somebody on eBay is selling it. That’s just the magic of this platform, especially useful for holiday sales!
So, based on all of that, it’s obvious that eBay is a place to be. You can arrange auction-like sales, besides the fixed-price format we are all used to. However, we’ve decided to push even further in order to enhance it. We allow you to integrate your eBay account into all the marketing platforms easily! There is no way you’ll pass by unnoticed this way!
Don’t Let Economic Fluctuation Discourage You
Even though the predictions for this holiday season are good, the overall financial situation around the world is getting worse. However, people are still finding ways to save up and prepare for the giving season!
Yes, customers are spending less and advocating for caution in general. Even so, the majority of them continue to look for ways to provide gifts to their friends and family; they shop during sales or look for exclusive offers and discounts.
That’s where you step in! As a seasoned eCommerce owner, you must ride the wave of the crowd and meet the customer’s expectations and needs. Not only will this drive more sales, but it will also make people appreciate your business more for offering the best value right when they need it.
Of course, always stay cautious for your own, and the good of your eCommerce business. Recession has taken a toll on all of us, so it’s no time for rash decisions. Play it smart, and you can turn any situation to your advantage! So think wisely and win big.
Holiday Shopping: Make It Festive!
In the end, the holiday shopping season is all about love and giving! Even though it’s winter, it is the warmest part of the year. Let’s keep it that way! In the midst of holiday eCommerce marketing campaigns and all the holiday business strategies, don’t forget to keep it fun and enjoyable!
Of course, make sure to prepare your online store well, implement these strategies, and automate your business. Then, once the holiday season begins, you can enjoy it carefree while your sales go through the roof! Happy Holidays!
