5 Tips for Converting Holiday Shoppers into Buyers

I know, I know – it’s painfully early to start talking about the holidays. But the fact is, now is when many people are starting to buckle down and begin their shopping, especially those who shop online. From the business side of things, now’s the time to start grabbing the attention of potential clients. More importantly, it’s time to strategize on how to turn those picky shoppers into paying customers. Here are 5 tips on how to shift your shoppers’ mindset from browsing to buying.

Create a Sense of Urgency – Ever get an email from a merchant informing you of a “one day only” sale, or a notice that if you purchase by X date you’ll get free shipping? It’s actually an excellent tactic to get people who may otherwise be on the fence about making a purchase to take the plunge so they don’t miss out on a good deal.

Stay on Their Minds – There’s a pretty cool new way of advertising online called retargeting (or remarketing). The basic concept is that when a person visits your site but leaves before making a purchase, a snippet of code tracks them so that when they browse other popular websites, voila, your ad magically appears wherever they go. It’s a clever way to remain on the minds of your potential customers and has been proven to be highly effective at improving conversion rates.

Be Prepared – Shoppers are turned off by “item not in stock” or backorder notices. The bottom line is, if they can’t get it from you, they’ll get it somewhere else. Keep your inventory properly stocked up so you’re prepared to handle any and all orders that come in. If potential customers know they can count on you to deliver their items when they need them they’re much more likely to make a purchase from you.

Be Available – Often the only thing that stands between a browser and a paying customer is a simple question or two. Offering features like live chat and toll free numbers provide potential buyers with the ability to receive instant gratification and get answers when they need them, thereby removing the obstacle that’s standing in the way of a completed purchase.

Offer Rewards for Repeat Business – The best way to encourage repeat business is to offer a reward for future shopping transactions. Consider holding “secret sales” or offering special merchandise for only your “most valuable customers” and watch your brand loyalty skyrocket.

If the recent predictions of holiday sales are accurate, retailers are already going to be behind the eight ball this year. The best way to improve your chances of a successful holiday season is to find ways, like the ones listed here, to entice those picky window shoppers into pulling out their wallets and buying from you.

Labels: sales tips