Aplus.net Blog

As we’ve been reporting at the Aplus.net Blog, consumers are increasingly turning online to do their \shopping as the economy continues to struggle.

And to help you get ready for the bump in traffic that usually comes with the holiday season, the eCommerce Guide has released a handy list of online business boosters called “The 12 E-Commerce Tips of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa.”

1. “It pays to advertise”. That means focusing on SEO so customers can find you. Google AdWords is the best way to get started on this.

2. “holiday-related specials and/or sales”. As we’ve mentioned earlier, customers respond very positively to sales. It may cost money in the short-term to get a promotion going, but if done right, the long-term return on investment will be worth it.

4. “Use e-mail and mobile marketing”. Do this to get the word out about holiday sales, specials and promotions, or to distribute coupons to customers. Let the people who have purchased from you before know what sales you’re offering now or in the future.

8. “Offer free shipping”. This is a no-brainer, if you can afford it. Free shipping is a bonus that definitely helps customers make that final decision of whether or not to make a purchase from your website. “Free or reduced shipping on purchases over $25 or $50 or $100″ tends to work the best, according to the article.

9. “Provide terrific customer service”. Another no-brainer. There’s no substitute for good customer service when it comes to creating repeat customers.

10. “Allow people to create wish lists — and recommend gifts”. This enables customers to shop more efficiently, and will give them an incentive to return to your site to purchase something they’ve got on their wish list.

Check out the article at http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/article.php/3786966 for the full list of 12 holiday eCommerce tips.