It sucks that for most people's businesses, summer is the slowest season of the year.
The sun is shinning and the weather is sweet, so why can't business be sweet as well?
For many people it is a state of mind that slows down their business. If most of these people just stay motivated and focused they could actually make summertime one of the most profitable seasons of the year… unless you're in heating!
Depending on your business or services there are 7 ways to not only keep sales consistent, but to boost them this summer as well:
Contact & Communication: By far increased contact and communication will bring about increase sales. Especially with people going on vacations you will need to be using all forms of communication to make sure that you are getting in front of them at the right time. The more contact the better.
Recommendations & Samples: People are so busy in the summer that they are not really thinking about trying new products, and this is where your recommendations and samples can encourage them to try something new. Samples are also great as well. Have a selection of samples and let your customers choose which one they like. Keep track of it and contact your customers later to find out if they liked it and offer your customers a special deal to buy the full size.
Do you have a lot of older but still good inventory sitting around? Here’s something that I tried just recently that tripled my current sales. I went through my inventory and put together product packages and anyone who placed an order of any size by a certain date gets a package. Everyone went crazy placing orders.
Customer Appreciation: If they support your business they deserve your thanks. It is also a great way of drawing attention back to your business. Send out an email or newsletter whose sole purpose is to say thank you. Offer your customers a free gift. It doesn’t have to be big, but make sure that there are no strings attached like they have to buy something.
Contests: Some of them include draws where you have a big basket and if your customer spends so much they get a ticket. Have a prize for each person that you your customer refers. Favorite product contests are really fun. Have your customers take a picture of them using your product and submit them. You choose the best ones and give prizes.
Coupons: Send your customers time dated coupons that they can use during the summer. Make sure that you communicate with them before each one ends, so they can take advantage of it if they forgot. They will really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Facebook Pages: Are you using your Facebook page to the best advantage? It can be one of your best communication tools, if you use it right. One of the things about Facebook pages is that you can use the other six ideas that I shared with you on it. At first you might not get a lot of interaction. It takes time for people to start seeing your posts and reacting to them.
Now you have 7 tools to apply to your summer marketing campaign to not only keep sales coming in but to increase sales as well!
Which ones of these tips will you definitely be adding to your business plan this summer?
Article Source: Kim Thompson-Pinder
Image Source: Adam Baker on Flickr
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