We hear you. Running a business comes with a lot of to-do lists and not a lot of to-do time. Fortunately, we’re here to help you do a lot with a little. Whether you’re selling products through your online store or have a service-based business, consider this a quick to-do list to maximize your business potential and minimize your stress.
Before you do that, let's make sure that your site is up and running. If you haven't already...
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6 Steps To A Successful Store
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Put your site through its paces
Now that your site is live, test it on multiple browsers and devices so you can ensure a seamless experience. Then, browse your site to make sure products are easy to find and checking out is a breeze. To hear directly from your customers, use our Customer Journey Builder to send automated follow-up emails asking for feedback after they make a purchase.
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Never skimp when it comes to search
Did you know that 53% of all web traffic comes from organic searches*? Being at the top of the search results can have a huge impact on your bottom line. Tagging your products carefully with relevant information will make them easy for your customers to find. Do your brand (and your sales) a favor by optimizing your site for search engines.
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Don't be "out of stock,” out of mind
Make sure to greet eager customers with a fully stocked inventory. Take some time in the slower sales season to audit your products, determining which of them fly off the shelves and which have a slower burn. Then, stock your inventory appropriately to prepare for the upcoming holiday sales surge.
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Check the price tag
Don't charge the same old price for your products when the costs to produce and ship them have risen. Over the next few months, keep a close eye on your overhead to make sure that you aren't losing money. Here's a good rule of thumb to follow:
"Cost of goods x 3 = your price."
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Prepare customers for snail mail sales
60% of National Small Business Association member respondents experienced shipping delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.** Setting expectations for the delivery time window at the time of purchase will go a long way in terms of keeping your customers happy. Plan for delays on both sides: Receiving materials to make your products, and getting those products into your customers' mailboxes.
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Turn first-timers into fans for life
Don't get so focused on finding new customers that you neglect your biggest fans. It's a good idea to keep in touch with your customers after they purchase a product to ask for a review, suggest an additional purchase, or just say thanks for supporting a small business.
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YOUR APPOINTMENTS CHECKLIST
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Boost your bookings in 6 easy steps
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Make a good first impression
Once you've published your website, preview it on multiple browsers and devices and walk through the booking process to make sure it works seamlessly. Ensure that all available appointments are bookable, time zones are correct, and even go through an entire booking process to make sure that your site is customer-ready.
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Take time to Google "Google My Business"
Help customers find you by setting up Google My Business. This free tool provides you with a Google profile that links to your appointments page, contact and location information, hours of operation and even Google reviews. It's the quickest way to be booked and busy.
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Keep climbing the search results ladder
You know you're a small business owner when your happy place is at the top of a search results page. Your next biggest fan is out there searching for the exact service you provide. Do them a favor by optimizing your site for search engines.
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Double check the details
Double bookings and information-mix ups are easy to avoid, but only if you review your calendar regularly to catch them. Set up a time early in the week to look at what's ahead to make sure that everyone is on the same page about meeting times and expectations.
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Make it a group thing
Some services are more fun with a number of people, like exercise or pottery classes. If your service is better with a crowd, take advantage of Mailchimp's advanced scheduling feature. It allows everyone who's interested to sign up for one group class. After all, the more, the merrier.
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Get those reviews to roll on in
Reviews are a powerful tool for your business: studies have shown that 89% of global consumers check online reviews before making a purchase or trying a new service.*** To make sure your customers review your service, send them an automated email after their appointment so they can weigh in on how it went. After that, use those reviews to improve your service and leverage them in your marketing to entice new customers.
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