✦ Christmas is near. Are you ready to sell?
There is no doubt that Christmas is simply a brilliant time of year!
It is undeniably most people’s favourite occasion when families convene, presents are shared, delectable food and drinks are consumed and merriment galore is had by all.
This Christmas will, no doubt, be different due to the fallout of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are living in a “Never Normal” world, something even the festive period cannot escape.
That’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom and there is reason for cheer above and beyond that of the usual festive kind, however. Following recent positive announcements from the Federal government, selected restrictions are being eased and we look forward with confidence to a return to some form of normality. Many shops and businesses will be allowed to reopen to welcome Christmas shoppers at the busiest time of year. However, there is no escape that the pandemic has already shaped our habits and behaviour and the usual methods of preparation will be different, with shopping for presents and associated festive items being the most obvious one.
As with many other daily routines relating to work, school and contact with friends and loved ones, we have progressed very much to an online lifestyle. With much, if not all, of our retail purchases ahead of our “COVID normal Christmas” taking place online it has meant businesses in the sector have had to plan much earlier than usual.
As such, the time for businesses planning for Christmas to act is NOW!
As shoppers increasingly turn online, so their options increase. Like anything in life, when we are presented with more choices we, naturally, become more selective. Businesses that procrastinate will suffer and, sadly, be left behind. It is a harsh reality of the modern world but a true one.
According to research, 85% of Australian-based shoppers in a “normal year” start their Christmas shopping three months out, 40% before the end of October with 47% doing so just month ahead of the big day.
This year, however, over 20% have already started their Christmas shopping, predominantly to ensure their items arrive in a timely manner with concerns around prolonged delivery dates and shipping logistics, etc. Some shoppers also expressed concern at diminishing stock levels and thus want to get their orders in early to avoid disappointment.
These kinds of figures send a clear message to local businesses and retailers that NOW is the time to act and start promoting your festive offerings!
This call to action is supported by statistics on retail marketing campaigns that state a 3-4 month gestation period is absolutely essential. Competition is fierce, especially in the cyber world with that plethora of choices, so capturing customers’ attention and sending the right message in a timely manner is crucial.
This is where Brilliant-Online can help local businesses with Multichannel Interactive Advertising campaigns that are proven to work. Better still, we are running a promotional Christmas campaign for local businesses that offers a free $100 advertising voucher – as a local business owner, you could well claim Christmas has indeed come early! Find out more here.
Keeping it local
Brilliant-Online is dedicated to supporting and promoting local business. Given the facts outlined above in regards to shoppers veering online, shining the light on local business has become more critical than ever before. We all want to see the community thrive and local business are the cornerstone of this. Online shopping obviously widens the net of options for buyers meaning local businesses run the risk of being overlooked for a provider elsewhere in Australia or even globally. Why send your hard earned dollars to the likes of corporate behemoths such as Amazon when supporting local business, often family run and generations old, is much, much more rewarding?
We all want to get through this COVID-induced headache and return to normal as unscathed as possible and local businesses are no different. As we near the busiest retail period of the year, make sure you are not left behind and are able to engage with and secure business from customers far and wide.
Marketing help is here
Plan your holiday campaign accurately and in a timely fashion. Ensure your messaging is right so you are connecting with your optimal target audience. Be absolutely sure to check your website and online presence is set-up seamlessly to take orders prior to starting your marketing campaign. Trial the service yourself, test, test then test again!
The modern marketing team at Vermilion Pinstripes has a proven wealth of experience and track record in providing best-in-class sales, marketing and communications guidance and services, Vermilion Pinstripes can help clients plan their Christmas campaign in the most effective manner possible and are currently offering a complimentary 30 minute consultation. Build business confidence with Veronica and book your free session here.
Free Holiday Photos worth $1,500 for your holiday campaigns
As an added courtesy to the local business community, we are offering a complimentary range of festive holiday photos to download to help promote your services this festive period or to send to clients as customised Christmas cards. You can find out more here.
We look forward to hearing from you and to helping ensure that Christmas for you and your business is an extremely happy, healthy and profitable one!
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