Well, here it is, the final post in the 3 part series of our Holiday Ecommerce Checklist. Hopefully your businesses is checking all of the boxes and ready to have a successful holiday season online.
17. Ensure Accessibility
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Test your site with screen readers.
- Alt Text: Add descriptive alt text to all images.
- Keyboard Navigation: Ensure your site is fully navigable via keyboard.
18. Enable Live Chat
- Real-Time Assistance: Offer live chat for instant support.
- Chat Hours: Clearly display live chat availability.
- Saved Responses: Use templates for common queries to speed up response times.
19. Set Holiday-Specific KPIs
- Traffic Goals: Determine expected increases in site visits.
- Sales Targets: Set clear revenue goals for the season.
- Customer Acquisition: Track new vs. returning customers.
20. Address Security Concerns
- SSL Certificates: Confirm your site has an up-to-date SSL certificate.
- Payment Gateway Security: Use trusted, PCI-compliant payment gateways.
- Fraud Prevention: Monitor for suspicious activity or fraudulent orders.
21. Communicate Shipping Options
- Express Shipping: Offer expedited options for last-minute shoppers.
- Local Delivery: Highlight local delivery services if available.
- Gift Notes: Allow customers to include personalized messages with their orders.
22. Promote Loyalty Programs
- Holiday Points: Reward extra points for purchases during the season.
- Exclusive Perks: Offer early access to sales for loyalty members.
- Referral Discounts: Incentivize customers to refer friends with holiday bonuses.
23. Stay Social
- Holiday Content: Share engaging holiday-themed posts on social media.
- User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share photos using your products.
- Interactive Campaigns: Run polls, quizzes, or challenges to engage followers.
24. Plan for Post-Holiday Sales
- Clearance Events: Plan post-holiday discounts to clear out inventory.
- Retention Emails: Send “thank you” emails to customers after the holidays.
- Data Analysis: Review performance metrics to improve for next year.
25. Celebrate Success
- Thank Your Team: Acknowledge your team’s hard work during the busy season.
- Customer Appreciation: Share gratitude with your customers through emails or social media.
- Take Notes: Document lessons learned to refine next year’s holiday strategy.
That last one is important. Be thankful for the success you have. Celebrate with your team and with your customers. But most importantly, learn what worked so you know what to do, what to try, and what not to do next holiday season. If you need any last minute help before the holiday season to make sure your website is firing on all cylinders, reach out to MS Digital Solutions today.