Is Your Site Ready for Christmas?

With this year expected to set records in e-commerce spending, online retailers will need to be prepared. According to Channel Advisor’s 2010 Consumer Shopping Habits Survey, 58% of consumers stated that they are very likely to purchase their holiday gifts online this season. If you have an eCommerce site, you cannot let anything get in the way of a successful holiday shopping season.

Here are some tips to make your site extra shopper-friendly this holiday season:

1.) Gift Finders. Make it easy for consumers to find the exact gifts they want. Let consumers search by category, price point, type of item, most popular gift items, color, size, etc. With the click of a few buttons, consumers will be able to see the types of gifts they are looking for. Take the guess work out of online shopping.

2.) Gift cards and gift certificates. Allow consumers the ability to give the gift of choice this holiday season. Have a visible to link for purchasing gift cards or gift certificates. Gift cards please even the pickiest of individuals on a consumers’ shopping list.

3.) Creative gift cards. Undoubtedly, gift cards are a very popular holiday item. Think outside the box this holiday season, by placing your gift cards in boxes. Small tin boxes are elegant and give the consumer something to wrap up and place underneath the tree.

4.) Shipping deals. Get creative with shipping deals. Consumers are much more likely to shop on eCommerce sites that provide great deals on shipping. Offer free shipping, guaranteed delivery by Christmas day, and/or free return shipping.

5.) Gift wrap. Offer the option of sending your shoppers cards, gift wrap, or gift bags. You can wrap the items up for them or give them the option of doing it themselves. The do-it-yourself option is great for individuals who want to see the items they purchase online before giving them away as gifts.

6.) Holiday friendly homepages. Temporarily change the theme of your webpage to reflect the holiday season. Just be sure shoppers can still easily see your company logo and navigate the site.

7.) Stocking stuffers. Offer a section on your webpage that is specifically dedicated for stocking stuffer items. If consumers become stuck on an idea for stocking stuffers, they can turn to you for help.

8.) Gift sets. Combine products to make gift sets or give shoppers the ability to create their own gift sets by choosing from certain items.

Need last minute help making your site holiday friendly? Contact Preface Media today.