As you follow up with customers after the holidays, be sure to ask them to review you on Yelp, Facebook or Google.
We know a certain mega holiday is only a month away, but before you turn the page on December 2016 holiday work, take the time to follow up on some of your Christmas connections. Your sales throughout the year will thank you, writes Annie Pilon for SmallBizTrends.com.
“The holiday season usually provides a big sales boost for a lot of small business,” Pilon explains. “There are plenty of ways you can take advantage of that extra time after the holidays have wrapped up to boost your sales throughout the year.”
A few ideas to try out:
Say Thanks. In the rush toward the New Year, did you properly thank that corporate customer for signing you on for décor services? Or the longtime customer who wanted that super stylish centerpiece? “Since the holidays are so busy for many businesses, you might not have had a chance to properly thank your most loyal customers or clients,” Pilon writes. “When sales slow down, it can be a perfect time to host a thank you event for loyal customers, offer an exclusive deal via email or do something really special for those who helped your business a lot over the past year.”
Follow Up. Beyond your best, most loyal customers, now is a good time to follow up with the customer who stopped in for an ornament or poinsettia — and to remind them that you’re a year-round destination. “Follow up with anyone who made purchases with you throughout the holidays,” Polson recommends. “Send out an email asking about their experience and then include any new products or promotions as well.”
Bolster Reviews. As you follow up with those customers, ask for their reviews on Yelp, Facebook and Google (along with any other online platform customers in your area rely on regularly). “Remind those who shopped with you that they have the opportunity to share their experience, and then provide them with links,” Pilson said. “If you get more positive reviews from those holiday shoppers, you can potentially benefit from that throughout the rest of the year.”
