by Angela Delaney

10 ways to get your business ready for Christmas

This Christmas, make sure you deliver a bit of festive magic to your customers by going above and beyond their expectations.

Follow our nine top-tips to over-delivering for your customers this holiday season, and you’ll be sure to see in the new year with a bang.

1. Plan ahead

If you haven’t already, now is the time to plan ahead. Think carefully about your marketing strategy, how you’re going to target your customers, what offers you’d like to promote and which products you’d like to focus on and when. Consider Christmas-specific discounts, two-for-one deals, prize draws, free delivery and vouchers.

2. Delivery options & dates

Make sure all the information regarding your Christmas delivery schedule is loud and clear for all your customers to see. Shout out about your opening hours and last days to order for a guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery on your website, on social media channels, in newsletters and in-store. Consider using World Options to deliver your products across the UK and around the globe with a cost-effective and fully trackable shipping service.

3. Make the most of social media

First and foremost, social media is a place to engage with your customers, so keep them interested and excited about you and your brand with non-promotional festive posts. Every now and then throw in a promotional post letting them in on exclusive Christmas offer or deal.

4. Keep in touch with timely newsletters

Newsletters are a hugely important way for businesses to keep in touch with their customers. Use an email automation software system to schedule in newsletters well in advance of 25th December. Let your subscribers know what offers you have coming up and keep them clued up on important information such as last delivery dates or store opening hours.

5. Stock up

Make sure you have everything you need in advance of the busy holiday period. Let your suppliers know what you need and when you need it by. And, if you happen to sell out, keep in touch with your customers by updating your website, sending them an SMS or a newsletter to notify them when the product is back in stock.

6. Mobile optimisation

Now more than ever customers are using their mobile phones to browse, research and purchase their shopping needs, and Christmas is no exception. Make sure your website is fully optimised to be viewed on mobile phones, as well as on tablets and desktops.

7. Make your customers feel special

Make your loyal customers feel special by thanking them with a seasonal gift, a Christmas card, or by introducing an exclusive offer just for them.

8. Christmas isn’t over until January

The holiday buying season now extends well into January, so make sure you have a sales and marketing strategy in place to see your company through into the New Year.

9. Give your website a festive make over

Give your customers a seasonal experience by decorating your website with a festive touch - update existing logos and imagery with a touch of Christmas, highlight holiday offers, and consider setting up a Christmas-specific page or hub.

10. Stock up for new year

Capitalise on bored Christmas and Boxing Day online shoppers who are looking to grab a bargain in the sales by promoting special offers on your website. Make sure you use a fast shipping service, like World Options, to stock up on goods well in advance of Christmas so you can guarantee delivery to these customers before the new year.