We are not that far away from the start of the holiday shopping season. It’s hard to believe, but in a month or two holiday shopping will be in full swing. With the economy in the shape it is now, most consumers will be cutting back considerably. So, have you decided how your small business will attract those much needed customers?
John Tozzi, a writer for BusinessWeek.com, gives us some idea of how small business owners can compete with the big box retailers this holiday season. John suggests that you focus on your loyal customers instead of targeting new ones. Give your best customers special holiday discounts and the best customer service possible to encourage increased spending within your business. Since most small businesses cannot afford to cut prices or spend for advertising, this sounds like a good cost effective method.
It’s not too early to start thinking about your approach. Read John’s article, “How Small Stores Can Lure Holiday Shoppers” to get a jump start on your own planning. How will you make your small business stand out this holiday shopping season?
It’s always been difficult to compete with those “big fishes in the sea.” However, even how small we are, we all have unique personality and so is our business. We just have to figure it out how to get to that spotlight. 😉
Now is about the time when I start putting special discount coded cards into all of the orders that I mail out. Since the economy is so bad this year, I may even go thru customer orders placed within this whole past year and email discounts to everyone also.
I agree Don. Putting special discount codes will surely attract customers and will boost your sales.
Giving free stuff along with their purchases is also helpful to attract shoppers in this season. And, of course, free stuff can be used as promoting materials for our business. Thus, serves a double purpose- Sales and Marketing! 🙂
My home based business as an independent LR consultant will have a special X-mas product catalog with plenty of deals for the holiday season. It will be distributed in October. I wonder who will be on the cover? Supermodel Heidi Klum is on the cover of the current catalog.