“Bah! Humbug!” or “Merry Christmas”?

I really hate to admit this to you but I’m a sucker for Christmas. It always starts out on high – the first decorations, the sweets, the colours – they all bring a warm feeling. But as the months pass by and Christmas creeps up round the corner, you’re more likely to find me huddled away at home whispering “Bah! Humbug” to myself. By then, it’s all too much for me – prices that break my bank account, presents I know people will return and cards that never get to there… And that’s about it. Christmas for me, has ended before it even started.

The problem is, as a consumer, there can be too much of a good thing. And in the build up to Christmas it seems businesses fall in to the trap they set for themselves by going into overdrive with marketing messages that scream ‘give me your money’ and packaging that blinds you from the real thing.

The point is – the average consumer (like me) doesn’t necessarily want the whole song and dance. Sure, we like a bit of effort, but effort in the right place and the right time. For me, it’s about the product. Nothing sells like a good product. A good product doesn’t need fancy packaging. For me, it’s about the service. Good service speaks for itself. For me, it’s about the businesses that care for my custom not just at the end of the year but all of the time.

So in the next few weeks coming up to Christmas, think about your customers. What does your Tradespace say to them right now? Are you showing your shoppers your absolute best – like you really want their custom or is it a half hearted – ‘one image should do it’ or ‘there’s no time for video‘. Time for your Tradespace is time for your customers. So will they be saying “Merry Christmas” by the time December comes around, or will it be yet another “Bah! Humbug!”?

Here are few pointers to get your Tradespace to where it should be for Christmas:

Describe yourself: What does your business description say about you. Is it something you cut and paste or does it really tell your customer who you are and what you’re about.

Pictures speak volumes: If you were shopping, what would you be looking for? One picture doesn’t do it. Make sure you have a gallery that entices and if you’re stuck for ideas, check out our Simon’s article on photographing your products in the bath.

Blog for business: When was the last time you communicated with your customers through your blog? Tell them what you’re doing and when you’re doing it. It shows you’re on the ball and available.

Add your postcode: Small step – big change. Adding your postcode will allow users to find you in the local search that’s soon to come.

The devil is in the detail: Are you letting your customers know the small things that matter? Postage costs, delivery times, after sales service – make sure you’re clear and transparent to your shoppers.

Bring on the business: If you aren’t using your Tradespace to sell, now’s a good time to enable PayPal. Remember, listing your products is absolutely free; you only pay BT transaction fees when you make a sale.
Get customer reviews: Did you know that according to recent research by Quidco (June 08), 62% of shoppers consult online communities before making a purchase? If you have happy customers, get them to sign up to BT Tradespace and leave review your site.

Click here to Twitter this article about promoting your products at Christmas on BT Tradespace