Whether you’re considering leaving a full time job, crafting as a hobby and cashing in a little dough, or are supporting your family with a creative business- it started with an idea. Then you asked yourself, “how do I evolve this?” Sometimes it is through trial and error – maybe you launched a new product but it hasn’t been flying off the shelves like you’d hoped. Often times the biggest challenge is sticking with it until you get the right incarnation.
What happens when you’re evolving & the products don’t sell? I’ve been there, and it’s not fun. Here are a tips we can all use to boost sales this holiday season:
1. Utilize your mailing list.
Create a marketing campaign for your customer base, using MailChimp or ConstantContact.
2. Target potential customers.
Tap into your resources & ask questions. Creating a survey using Survey Monkey can help you select targeted mailing lists or the advertising media that best reaches your most profitable audience.
3. Ask customers what they want.
You can do this by engaging with your fans and followers on social media outlets like Facebook , Twitter, or Google+
4. Find out what your competitors are up to.
Not so you can copy their strategy, but instead so that you can accurately convey why your product is unique. Keep in mind ways that you can offer a different shopping experience to your customers- if you’re selling something in a saturated market consider providing creative packaging or personalization.
5. Rewrite your copy
Take a look at all of listings as if you were a customer. Is it compelling? Does it persuade the customer to support your business? Use some of these direct-marketing techniques to improve response:
- Create a powerful headline or title. It doesnt have to be funny, cute or clever. It does have to compel readers to read more and take action.
- Accurate Listings. How does the product benefit them? People want to know whats in it for me. Make sure you tell them. Include a link to reviews or testimonials to boost your street creds.
- Include a call to action. Tell them exactly what you want them to do: order now; reserve your spot today; call for more information. People need to be nudged in the right direction. The right call to action can dramatically improve the results of your listings.
- Include a good offer. Give them a reason to act now. Offer a percentage off, limited-time sale, free gift or a downloadable freebie. Be sure the offer has an expiration date so the customer doesn’t procrastinate!
6. Network, network, network.
Venture outside your comfort zone, take your presence offline- Follow up with the people you meet.
7. Advertise.
Know your target market & advertise on blogs, sites, and magazines that they will read.
8. Track Everything.
If you’re not asking your customers how they heard about you, start. Keep track of exactly when and where your ads ran and which ads they were, then analyze the results. You can discover which social media outlets, which target audience, which days, which offers and which messages generate the best results.
At the end of day, for many makers it’s not about the quantity of transactions but the quality. Once you land the sales be sure to make it a one of a kind experience.
Let’s take this to the comments, I want to know what actions you’re taking to boost your holidays sales? Are you running special ads, offering discounts, or free shipping? Do you have a tip to share? Post em below.
If you have a case of slumpy-sales too why not submit your business for a community critique <–psst, today is the last day to submit for this month’s round!
