Hands up if you’re starting to feel the stress of the Christmas rush?
The phone’s ringing, the orders are coming in & you’re busy, busy, busy. So busy that you’re beginning to wonder how you’ll manage to get everything done. And don’t even mention all the Christmas events that are coming up!
Being organised will improve your sanity & your bottom line
Stop & take a breath. The lead up to Christmas doesn’t need to be crazy, with everything becoming a last minute rush. In fact, it can become a prime opportunity to create exceptional customer experiences that will stand out in a sea of frazzled tinsel.
The customer experience can mean the difference between repeat business & one-off sales, between great word of mouth referrals & silence. Here are 10 things you can do to keep your customers returning.
1. Get your email campaigns in order
Send an email campaign letting people know your Christmas hours. This is particularly important if you are taking a break over the holiday period.
2. Remember your loyal customers
Let your loyal customers know how much you value them by sending an exclusive thank you offer or gift. If your schedule & budget allow, a special event just for them is a nice touch.
3. Beat the Christmas card rush
Prepare & send Christmas cards early to avoid postal delays. If you prefer e-cards, sending them early can help you stand out from the surge of cards received closer to Christmas.
4. Stand out
Finalise any proposals or projects that have become drawn out over the silly season. Stand out by being the organisation that gets things done, even in the Christmas rush.
5. Make networking count
Keep your CRM updated with your Christmas party networking efforts. Don’t forget to send a quick email to say thank you, or to share some helpful information.
6. Get a head start
Set up your New Year email marketing campaign so you’re ready to hit the ground running next year. Leaving it till after Christmas can waste the first few weeks of the year waiting for key people to return from holidays.
7. Stay front of mind
Keep your social media accounts fresh with timely, relevant information & offers. Inconsistency is the death knell for social media accounts. Don’t undo all the hard work you’ve done during the year.
8. Keep customers informed
Update your website with Christmas offers & operating hours. The web is often the first port of call for people seeking your product or service, so it’s one of the best places to keep customers informed.
9. Celebrate your staff
Look after your staff. Happier staff mean happier customers. ‘Nuff said.
10. Give yourself a break
Take some time to breathe. Use the resources available to you to delegate what you don’t need to be doing yourself.
What else can you do to shine for your customers this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below.
