3 Ways to Make Online Sales More Enticing With everyone offering discounts and deals around the same time of year, it's hard to stand out. Here are three ways to differentiate yourself from the competition online.
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Most retail businesses tend to hold sales around the same time -- Black Friday, President's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day -- the list goes on. But it's hard to stand out in a crowded marketplace and be heard, especially in e-commerce, where your competitors are just one click away.
The key to success in any business is gaining attention in your market. Here are three sale-strategies to help you stand out from your competitors:
1. Birthday sales: Just because you're not George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, doesn't mean you can't use your birthday as an occasion to publicly celebrate with a sale. I'm a big proponent of adding in personality-drive marketing into your business. Having a birthday sale when there are no other sales going on is a quick and easy way to stand out.
Get creative with your promotion. If you just turned 45, you can hold a 45 percent off sale. Or if your birthday was 1970, sell your $200 product for $70.
You can celebrate the birthday of virtually anyone -- your husband, wife, children, favorite uncle or even one of your favorite customers.
2. Anniversaries: The first obvious anniversary is the length of time you've been in business. For example, celebrate your fifth year online with a blowout sale.
But how about your wedding anniversary? Or the anniversary of your parents or grandparents? Maybe your parents are celebrating their 40-year wedding anniversary and you give a 40 percent discount on selected merchandise.
Celebrate with customers and bring them into your world.
3. Unusual holidays: Sure, you'll find lots of sales during the Super Bowl, but start thinking outside the box. Use the next Friday 13 to hold a sale so good, it's "scary". I know, it's a bit cheesy, but many customers will enjoy having fun with your business. Have a sense of humor about it. Check out the various silly holidays throughout the year and see if you can use one of them in your sales marketing.
By giving people a reason to participate in your sale, you'll instantly stand out and have a much better chance for success.
