Here are 10 steps to prepare your online store for the 2021 end-of-year shopping season – Manila Bulletin

0


Here are 10 steps to prepare your online store for the 2021 end-of-year shopping season

According to history, the largest Filipino online retailers have the most sales in the fourth quarter of the year. The majority of Pinoys are already in the Christmas spirit, so be sure to be there when the shopping spree begins. With an increasing number of Filipinos shopping online, you can bet the season will be hectic.

As the BER months begin, don’t you think it’s time to start preparing for the vacation rush? Here are ten Ninja Van steps to getting your online store ready for the holiday shopping season in 2021.

1. Prepare your storefront

Make sure your product descriptions are specific and detailed enough for customers to make an informed decision – this will save you from having to answer potential questions. In addition to that, check your inventory and the availability of your items, and make sure that you are using high quality photos and that they show the best features of your products.

If you are selling through your own website, make sure it works well and looks great. Remember to test and make sure your website can handle an increase in traffic! Stress test using load testing tools.

It is also important to plan the prices of your products. You can do this using a spreadsheet. By listing your costs, the usual product price, and the selling price, you will be better able to track your profit margins by product. You can also include space for dates so that you can stay on top of sales period start and end dates, discount codes, and campaign types.

2. Stock up on your best-selling products

If you plan to sell your in-demand products at discounted prices, let your customers and social media followers know early. This way, you’ll be ahead of your competition and avoid drowning in the marketing clutter in the days leading up to big sales events.

#NinjaTip: You can retarget customers who have already purchased these products, viewed the products on your website but haven’t made a purchase, or placed these items in their Lazada or Shopee baskets.

3. Use the data to understand sales trends

To better understand which products will sell and which won’t, use data analytics. Check out tools like Google Trends or Better Lemonade Stand’s Instant Product Review Tool. You can also tap on analytics to reveal your top sales channels

4. Cyberbully the competition

Harassment doesn’t have to be scary. It’s useful to check out what your competitors are selling, what their prices look like, and how they interact with their customers. Visit their website and e-commerce stores incognito. On your computer browser, switch to incognito mode or start an incognito session. On Shopee or Lazada. Also visit their social media pages. This will give you a better idea of ​​what you are up against and allow you to adjust accordingly.

Better yet, become their customer. Buy something from them and see what the experience is like.

#NinjaTip: Try to keep your prices within the price range of similar stores to stay competitive.

5. Boost your promotions

Advertise discounts and promotions early to give your customers something to look forward to. As they say, “Daig ng maagap ang masipag (be the first beat to work hard).”

6. Make the most of social media

About 65% of internet users in the Philippines go to social media to research brands, so it goes without saying that having an active social media presence is so important to sellers. Post quality content regularly on the platforms of your choice and talk to your followers. Maybe even explore TikTok if that’s where your customers hang out. Create engaging graphics with simple, free tools like Canva.

But don’t just focus on your own social media channels; be visible on other people’s pages, too. Consider engaging with influencers who are a good fit for your brand and encourage relevant and mutually beneficial brand partnerships.

7. Proactively engage your customers

44% of Filipino buyers talk to sellers before making a purchase. As such, it is important to leave a good impression. Answer their questions thoroughly and respond quickly, politely, and cheerfully.

#NinjaTip: Consider deploying chatbots or hiring customer service agents to ensure quality customer service throughout the shopping season. Don’t be afraid of automation, as it turns out that 55% of Pinoy shoppers surveyed are comfortable talking to a bot for online store transactions.

8. Offer free shipping

Offering free shipping is one way to gain customers and stand out in a sea of ​​sellers. It could also prevent “abandoned carts”: Sometimes customers intend to buy something but change their mind after seeing how much it will cost to ship.

9. Pack your items properly

Seal everything and pack items tightly to prevent damage in transit. A good rule of thumb is to have three layers of packaging: the primer or innermost layer; the secondary layer, which is generally stronger than the primary layer and helps protect the package from damage during delivery; and the outermost layer, which contains parcel details to help logistics providers sort items.

#NinjaTip: Reinforce your branding in the main packaging by adding your store name, logo and other relevant branding elements.

10. Ship orders on time

Customers hate late deliveries and will make sure to let you know that in their reviews. Make sure you get your packages to your logistics providers on time. Actively managing customer expectations is essential. Because the sale season is going to be very busy, shipping will be delayed.

#NinjaTip: Try to add 3 more working days to the expected delivery date. If it arrives earlier, so much the better! If it comes later, it’s not that big of a deal.

For reliable service, partner with names you can trust for last mile delivery, like Ninja Van.

Navigate the Online Business World with the Ninja Van Blog

Get a head start and make the most of the year-end shopping frenzy by preparing early. By delivering great products and a great customer experience, you’ll help your customers end the year with a heart and basket full. Visit the Ninja Van Blog for more useful tips and tricks for your online business.


SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY NEWSLETTER

CLICK HERE TO JOIN


Share.

Comments are closed.