The SmallBizLady Buzz - Issue 27

Fall is here, and the holiday season will be here before you know it. So it's time to get focused on your online sales operation. With December a little more than two months away, there’s no time to waste to make this holiday season a big success, especially with the Pandemic going on. Here’s a list of 4 things to do to have amazing sales results this holiday.

1. Optimize Your Website

Most holiday gifts will be purchased online. So your website needs to be optimized so that you can get found quickly. Make sure your site loads quickly and utilizes a minimal navigation bar. The last thing you want to do is frustrate paying customers. Holiday shoppers want to buy, not deal with tech issues. Remember, you will have major competition this holiday, so to avoid shopping cart abandonment, update your website in the next few weeks.

2. Set Up Your Customer Support

If you are selling products online and not using some kind of live chat feature, you could be letting leads bounce off your webpage. You can put your customer service reps online to make sure you can answer questions, send quick product links, and never miss a sale. You also want to make sure you have an FAQ and a script to support customers who call in with questions. Make sure customers know the last date they can order and still get it in time for Christmas eve.

3. Create a Gift Guide

Create a holiday gift guide to advise your customers about your holiday offerings. Partner with other businesses to increase your brand’s visibility by including gifts items that you don't sell directly. The more people sharing the guide will increase sales for everyone. You can also pitch your products to other gift guides, and don't be afraid to pay to be included. But before your write the check, talk with a few other brands on what their experience was with the publication.

4. Figure out Your Value Proposition

Competition is cut throat during the holiday season. It will be important for you be specific about what sets your business apart from the crowd. You must have a clear value proposition. In other words, what will set you apart this holiday? Focus on your unique value when developing promo emails or ads for your products and services. Perhaps you’ll offer free gift wrapping or free shipping for extra value. Little perks have the power to close sales.

For even more business tips read this week’s feature article: 5 Steps to Plan Your Sales Strategy for an Early Holiday Season

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5 Steps to Plan Your Holiday Sales Strategy for an Early Holiday Season

Labor Day just passed. Not only are kids back in school, but the holiday shopping season is fast approaching. But this year will be extra complicated. Due to the pandemic and shut down, supply chains are disrupted, and there are lots of cash flow shortfalls. A lot of small businesses have been trying to keep their employees, but many have cut staff. And now the flu season is expected to be especially hard; many are predicting that we could face another nationwide shut down by November 25th. So, what is a small business to do? Get your online holiday sales strategy together early!  Continue reading...

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‘Wow’ your customers at their fingertips

Use Freshchat online to talk with new and old customers on your website. Freshchat is easy to implement, and it is easy to customize as well. Freshchat also has a mobile chat feature that will help you engage smartphone shoppers as well. It works with some frameworks like Ionic, React Native and Native development. Try using Freshchat, so that you don't miss any sales through your main sales channel. 

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Understanding PPP Loans and Forgiveness with Dawn Brolin, CPA

Check out this week’s Podcast: Understanding PPP Loans and Forgiveness with Dawn Brolin, CPA

Dawn Brolin, CPA is a fraud examiner, and the Chief Executive Officer of Powerful Accounting, a nationally recognized accounting, tax, and consulting firm. Dawn has in-depth accounting and business expertise, working in the field for more than nineteen years. Dawn joins me to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program loans, forgiveness and small business finances.

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It's not too late to start a great business in 2020

Grab a copy of my best selling book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, 2nd Edition. Discover this step-by-step roadmap to build a successful small business.

Get your copy today!

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Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, marketing and social selling. Melinda is also the president of the Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small business market. LinkedIn named her a Top Voice for 2019 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. In addition to being a former NY Times columnist, she is frequently quoted by media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She is the host of #Smallbizchat LIVE and The SmallBizChat Podcast. A prolific writer, Melinda has published more than 5000 articles on her blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, 2nd Edition. Her latest book is Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.