Throughout the business industry January is known to be a slow time for sales. Consumers are recovering from holiday spending and trying to pay off debt. Although some savvy shoppers will take advantage of January sales, most businesses know that website traffic will be done and the sales of services and products will take a dive. If your small business relies on the profit earned from sales, it’s important to avoid the post-holiday sales slump as best you can.
Read on for a few tips on how to survive the month of January and attract new buyers during a typically slow time.
Replace Seasonal Items
Whether you’re trying to promote services or products, frequent and loyal customers will be tired of seeing the same offerings by the time January rolls around. Stock your website, shelves or virtual store with some fresh items to pull repeat customers in. Even small changes or new items you intend to use for upselling can make things more interesting for shoppers looking for something new.
Capitalize on the Season to Come
Most retail businesses sell items for the season to come. Even if you’re business focuses on services, you should also capitalize on the upcoming season to get consumers excited about buying your services or products. Many consumers are tired of winter by January, but will excitedly make purchases as they look forward to and plan for spring.
Hop on the Discount-and-Sales Wagon
Every consumer loves a sale and you can draw new customers to your website or brick and mortar store with special post-holiday sales and discounts. If you don’t have seasonal holiday items or services to get rid of, focus on the winter season to find the right discounts and sales for your business.
Get Out into the Community
Regardless of whether your business is internet-based or in a store front, your community connections can help you achieve steady sales and business growth right through the post-holiday season. Become active in your local and surrounding communities. Attend exhibitions, connect with consumers regularly through social media and attend networking events. The presence you build as the person or team behind the business will help potential customers feel connected to you and encourage them to learn more about your business.
Run a Contest
There’s nothing like a contest to get people excited. Create a contest that fits well with your service or products and sales goals. Give consumers an entry into the contest for each item or service they purchase, each time they enter online or visit your store.
Your small business doesn’t have to suffer through a famine following the bounty of the busy holiday season. Start the New Year off with a bang by maintaining or boosting sales with these tips. Keep it fresh, and always have your finger on the pulse of the future to stay on top of trends and customer needs that can keep your sales and profits high. It is possible to grow your business while others suffer through the slow post-holiday season. Use these marketing and sales tips to help you achieve your beginning-of-the-year goals.
About the Author: This article is written by Lucy Harper from TouchpointDigital.co.uk.