The weather forecast is good, there’s a Bank Holiday weekend coming up and it’s half term – generally bad news for online retailers in more than one way.
As is always the case it’s worth keeping an eye on overseas marketplaces who won’t necessarily realise that you can’t despatch on a Bank Holiday in the UK. Don’t forget, that Amazon et al will also not give any let up on the requirement to answer messages in a timely manner.
If you’re taking time out, put your holiday settings on early to give time to despatch late orders before you leave. I’d recommend turning them on a day or two before you return so that the money starts rolling in as soon as possible on your return. So long as you can despatch the day you get back it’s fine to have sales from the day before (or over the final weekend if you return to work on a Monday.
The hot weather is another issue – people will be heading to the coast and generally making the most of the sun. Barbecues across the country will be dusted off and a few tins popped and bottles uncorked. It’s the time of year to start stepping up on your marketing plans to keep sales rolling with summer promotions.
Thankfully nowadays, so much of retail is mobile so being on the beach is no barrier to purchases, but buying online is probably not going to be top of someone’s mind while they’re basking in the sun so it’s time to start working harder.
Of course the fundamental basis of most marketing is still good old email, so if you’re not building your mailing lists why not? However social, especially twitter and Facebook in the UK shouldn’t be ignored – think about what messages you can put out to promote your products that fit with hot sunny weather.
