Driving Online Sales

 approx 7 minute read

10 actionable tips for digital success

Your virtual storefront is as important as the physical one. Perhaps more. But you can have the best window dresser this side of Fifth Avenue. If you don’t signpost the punters to the point of sale, you’ll be lucky to ship a sausage.

So whether you’re gearing up for the festive holiday season or navigating the e-commerce landscape throughout the year, boosting online sales is a perpetual goal.

To help all you goal-getters, we’re about to explore 10 actionable strategies to drive sales, with practical tips for your digital success.

1. Start selling online
2. Update your Google Business Profile
3. List your products on Google for free
4. Add products to Google Business Profile
5. Email your previous clients
6. Leverage remarketing
7. Utilise user-generated content
8. Run a competition on social
9. Promote limited-time offers
10. Post something

Start Selling Online

If you already have an ecommerce store, skip to the next tactic. If not, your journey begins here.

You can get started with just a handful of products, or with thousands. But building a well optimised web shop could be the single most impactful thing you could do for your business if you’re not already tapping into this thriving marketplace.

By embracing the opportunities offered by ecommerce, small businesses can access a wider online market and significantly boost their sales.

We can help you choose the best platform to launch your ecommerce enterprise.

• Use a user-friendly e-commerce platform for a seamless shopping experience.
• Implement secure payment gateways to build trust with online shoppers.
• Clearly display product information, pricing, and shipping details on your website.

Update Your Google Business Profile

Imagine a treasure map leading potential customers directly to your virtual chest of wonders.

That’s the magic of a well-maintained Google Business Profile.

Keep it updated with accurate business hours, location details, and contact information.

Encourage customers to leave reviews, and take advantage of the Updates feature to share updates, promotions, and exciting news.

Essential for ‘clicks and mortar’ type enterprises, if people are searching locally for what you do online, you can’t afford to skimp here.

• Keep business hours, location, and contact information up to date.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business page.
• Utilise the updates feature to share products, promotions, and announcements.

List your products on Google for free!

Picture your products on the digital shelves of the world’s largest marketplace.

That’s the reality of popping your products on Google. And the best part is it’s completely free.

Online retailers of any size can add their inventory using Google Merchant Centre, or a platform like WooCommerce.

This means your products could be displayed on Google’s Shopping Tab, Google Search, or Google Images. For free.

• Optimise product titles, descriptions, and images for better visibility.
• Leverage a platform to easily manage, update, and submit your product data.
• Monitor and adjust your product listings based on performance analytics.

List your products on your Google Business Profile

While we’re on the subject of displaying products on Google for free, check out this little nugget.

In addition to listing your products on Shopping, Search, and Images, retail businesses have the opportunity to add items to their Google Business Profile.

By listing your products on your Google Business Profile, you create a more immersive experience for potential customers.

They can easily browse through your offerings without navigating away to your website, making the decision-making process smoother and more immediate.

This not only captures attention but also increases the likelihood of converting a searcher into a customer.

So although just one small part of creating a well optimised Google Business Profile but it can be a very fruitful piece.

• Capture the attention of potential customers searching for businesses like yours.
• Provide a snapshot of your product range, allowing customers to explore without leaving the page.
• Organise and categorise the products on your profile so they align with your business goals.

Email your previous clients

Your previous clients are not just a list of email addresses. They are your VIP guests.

First, ensure you have permission to email your customers. Encourage and prompt visitors to opt-in to future marketing updates.

Then harness the impact of email to drive sales and responses. Done well, it still works!

81% of SMBs still rely on email as their primary customer acquisition channel.

49% of people said they’d like to receive promotional emails from their favourite brands.

• Segment your email list for targeted communication based on past purchases.
• Send personalised recommendations or exclusive offers to encourage repeat business.
• Utilise automation for timely follow-ups and re-engagement campaigns.

Leverage remarketing

Ever wondered why that pair of shoes you were eyeing seems to follow you around the internet?

That’s remarketing! In a nutshell, remarketing is a smart online strategy where ads are shown to people who’ve already visited your website. Like a friendly (or rather stalkery actually!) online reminder.

If someone checks out your website but doesn’t make a purchase, your ads can pop up later when they’re browsing other sites or scrolling through social media. It’s a nifty way to keep your brand on their radar.

• Remind potential customers about your products long after they’ve left your site.
• Customise your ads based on what visitors viewed on your website. 
• Showcase exclusive discounts or limited-time offers. This might be the nudge they need to make that purchase.

Utilise user-generated content

User-Generated Content (UGC) is the goldmine of authentic promotion.

It’s when your customers become your brand ambassadors by sharing their experiences with your products or services.

Think reviews, case studies, photos, and shoutouts on social media and in newsletters.

It’s not just a marketing tactic, it’s a community builder.

Turn customers into storytellers, creating a ripple effect of positive vibes around your brand.

• Create a hashtag for your brand and encourage customers to share their experiences.
• Feature user-generated content on your website and social media.
• Run campaigns that incentivise customers to submit reviews, photos, or videos.

Run a competition on social

Running a competition on social media is like creating a virtual celebration where your audience participates for a chance to win prizes.

It’s not just about giveaways. It’s a strategy that can keep your audience hooked and allow for plenty of follow-up activity.

Competitions encourage sharing, commenting, and interaction. All of which contribute to a lively and engaged community around your brand.

This is especially true if the contest includes community engagement to enter – a naming competition, for example.

• Choose platforms that align with your target audience.
• Craft engaging and shareable content for the competition.
• Include a call-to-action that drives traffic to your website or encourages online purchases.

Promote a limited-time offer

A limited time offer, or flash sale, is a short-term promotion where you offer discounts on your products for a brief period. Like Black Friday, for example.

It can turn your online store into a bustling marketplace, creating a sense of urgency that ignites customer interest.

A flash sale isn’t just about selling products; it’s about creating an experience.

It sparks enthusiasm, encourages impulse buying, and fosters a sense of excitement around your brand.

• Create a sense of urgency with clear expiration dates for promotions.
• Use countdown timers on your website and in marketing emails.
• Promote on all channels: Spread the word on your website, email newsletters, and social media platforms to build anticipation. 

Pop something in the post

Direct mail marketing involves sending physical promotional materials, such as postcards, letters, or packages, directly to your target audience.

But using direct mail isn’t just about sending something. It’s about creating a tangible connection with your audience.

It’s an opportunity to break through the digital noise and offer a unique experience that resonates.

Like sending a personal invitation to engage with your brand in the real world.

Touch is a powerful sense. Direct mail has been proven to be more memorable and trustworthy compared to digital marketing.

• Tailor your direct mail pieces to reflect your brand personality and speak directly to your audience. 
• Include special promotions or discounts exclusively for your direct mail recipients. 
• Think beyond words. Consider including samples, stickers, or unique packaging to engage multiple senses.

Not just for Christmas

As the saying (almost) goes, these marketing tactics are for life! Not just for Christmas.

You can use them all year round to generate more leads and sales for your online store or business.

Hope you found some thought-provoking ideas that you can takeaway and put into action immediately.

Remember to monitor the performance of each tactic, analyse customer feedback and behaviour.

You’ll find a combination of several channels is the most effective way of reaching your target market.

Iterate on your strategies to continuously optimise your online sales efforts.

Don’t forget to let us know how you get on (and of course, if you ever need a hand, we’re here to help).