A Last Minute Checklist for Online Retailers

With only one more pay-day before Christmas, many stores will already be in full swing for the festive shopping season. For those still wondering if they are ready for this crucial retail period, the following are a few changes that it's not too late to make...

Update PPC your campaigns

Are your advert texts targetting gift buyers and have your christmas messages such as guaranteed shipping dates and gift wrap services been incorporated?

Update your homepage offers for gift buyers

Is your homepage still all about your regular customers, or is it aimed at new shoppers, buying for their friends & family? Make sure you have links to your gift selections in place and that critical gift-buying messages such as delivery details are highlighted. If you offer gift vouchers, push them at every turn.

Get emails ready for cyber Monday

The biggest online shopping days for Christmas are likely to fall on the 8th and 15th December. Make sure you have emails with strong offers ready to go out early in the day.

Is your gift wrap up to date?

Have you changed your gift wrap for christmas? Update the picture in your checkout or wherever this service is promoted.

Special delivery for last minute orders

Do you have a last-minute buyer option after your regular shipping dates have cut off? With Royal Mail strikes happening more and more often, a guaranteed and express service are more and more important.

Publish your last posting dates

Make sure these are clear, and convincing. No "we will endeavour to", no buts, make a promise and stick to it.

Is your sale ready?

Shopping patterns over the last few years have consistently shown the 26th December to be a huge day for online shoppers who have either hung on for a bargain or have gift vouchersto spend. Make sure you have a plan in place to cope with the changes. Waiting until everyone is back in work a few days into January is far too late. While you're at it, let as many of the shopping offers sites know about it well in advance. Many money-saving websites now carry lists of sales and discount codes. Search in Google for "january sales", you'll find plenty of people to tell the world about yours.

Christmas can be a make or break season for many retailers, good luck with yours!