Last Minute eCommerce 2021 Holiday Prep Strategies

Q4 is here, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late for eCommerce 2021 holiday prep.

For many online sellers, this is primetime—the biggest shopping season of the year. 

And with a majority of consumers now either completely comfortable with or completely reliant on shopping online, your marketing, operations, and customer journey should reflect evolving customer habits. 

Although the conversion opportunities have increased, so has the competition. So you’ll want to ensure that your site visitors have a fast, simple, and enjoyable shopping experience. Because that’s what turns those holiday shoppers into year-round repeat customers or loyal brand enthusiasts.

To help you get holiday-ready, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice), of what you’ll need to prepare for the 2021 holiday season.

First, let’s take a look at what’s been working in 2021 to help build out your strategy.

2021 eCommerce Trends

Now that the year is coming to an end, we can examine 2021 eCommerce trends so far.

Mobile (still) leads the way

Mobile shopping has been on the rise over the past few years, and has soared in 2021. According to Statista, US-based mobile purchases reached its highest value yet in the last part of Q2, averaging about $134 USD.

Voice is on the rise

Voice Commerce began by attracting younger, tech-savvy customers and that demographic is slowly expanding. Brands are using Voice as an alternative revenue stream, but also as an innovative marketing tool. Contact us to see how we can incorporate Voice into your sales strategy.

Subscriptions create loyalty

Subscription options at checkout have become more available, turning shoppers into repeat, loyal customers. This service is ideal for consumers who plan to purchase regularly refilled items like freshly roasted coffee, or who use consumables like water filters.

Site speed is a top priority

Earlier this year, Shopify held a webinar called “Site Speed is the New SEO” and we couldn’t agree more. Customers demand a fast, smooth experience, and if your site won’t load fast enough—well, someone else’s will. See our tips for increasing your site speed.

Fast and easy checkout process is crucial

How many clicks does it take to get from product listing to order confirmation? A streamlined checkout process has been proven to increase conversion rates. (PS—Did you catch our video with ShipperHQ on how to enhance customer experience at checkout?)

Customer experience is king.

To be frank: If your store doesn’t cater to evolving customer needs, shoppers will go somewhere else that provides a more personalized enjoyable shopping experience.

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Now that we understand what’s been working for the eCommerce industry this year, let’s use that knowledge to incorporate these holiday prep strategies.

eCommerce Holiday Prep Strategies

Incopoprate SMS into your marketing strategy

Now that we know mobile purchasing is at an all-time high, use that as an opportunity. Collect phone numbers for SMS marketing, to reach users who are already likely looking at their phones. Omnisend offers a few tips on holiday SMS promotions.

Create time-sensitive special offers

With increased competition and decreased consumer attention spans, flash sales and limited-time offers are great ways to create a sense of urgency. These campaigns can be promoted through email, SMS, social media, and other outlets. 

Ensure your shipping and fulfillment can handle holiday sales

Know the dimensions and weights of your products so that you can offer shoppers the most accurate shipping rates. Consider features like ShipperHQ’s Enhanced Checkout. 

Offer top-of-the-line customer service

The faster your customer service response time, the better your brand reputation. According to eCommerce helpdesk specialists Gorgias, “90% of customers rate an immediate response as important or very important when they have a customer service question.” It’s crucial to maintain top-quality service, even when the shopping season keeps you busy. Watch our video with Gorgias about increased customer retention through better customer service.

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The eCommerce industry is always evolving, and that’s part of what makes it exciting — and sometimes, challenging.

If your store isn’t keeping up with demand, contact us today to discuss a migration or rebuild, to ensure you’re offering the most ideal customer experience.