It’s January—time to celebrate the revenue success brought on by the holidays. High fives all around.
Now that the most profitable season of the year is over, how can your business overcome that potential post-holiday sales dip? Here are a few strategies to fight the lull and bring back those holiday shoppers.
Provide Added Value
Boost profit and brand loyalty by adding a dash of extra value to your products. Many consumers are feeling guilty about the amount of money they spent over the holidays. Value adds—such as warranties and other product benefits—can motivate shoppers to make a purchase on a bigger ticket item. By increasing the value of their investment, you can encourage customers that it’s worth it to keep shopping, even after the holiday season.
Target the Resolution Crowd
A new year brings on new (or renewed) goals; focus on marketing your products with those resolutions in mind. January and February shoppers are more likely to buy a product if it relates to bettering their lives. Specific topics to key on: health, organization, cleanliness, safety, or protection. By aligning with these goals, you can make the resolution audience feel just a little better about the benefits of buy your product.
Show Customers the Love
The easiest way to maintain post-holiday profits? Reward your most loyal customers. Recognizing and appreciating great customers increases brand loyalty and provides added incentive for them to keep shopping. Use digital coupons, email marketing campaigns, and more to show customers how much you value their business.
Think Digitally
Many holiday shoppers are making it a point to stay informed on product discounts and loyalty programs heading into the new year. Make the most of your online efforts by targeting customers via social media and paid digital advertising—and keep those shoppers shopping.
Build Relationships to Build Sales
No matter the time of year, building relationships with customers should be priority one. More than any other effort, relationships generate repeat business. If you treat customers as more than a sales margin, they’ll view you as a trusted partner in return.
Fight the lull, and start the new year in a big way. Kick off 2017 with the help of these sales strategies, and prepare your business for a year of sales success.
Paul Dobbins is National Director of Sales & Account Management for Fortegra Financial Corporation