4 Ways To Leverage Customer Testimonials To Enhance Your Store’s Promotional Strategy

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In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, leveraging customer testimonials has become an essential tool for store owners seeking to promote their businesses and cultivate trust among their clientele. These testimonials offer a potent means to showcase positive experiences and feedback from satisfied customers, serving as compelling social proof that can sway potential buyers in favor of your store, even amidst stiff competition.

According to a survey by BrightLocal, 91% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Clearly, testimonials possess the remarkable ability to instill confidence and credibility in your store. In this article, we delve into four highly impactful strategies for effectively harnessing customer testimonials to promote your store.

1. Set up a customer testimonial page on your website and/or App

An effective way to leverage customer testimonials is to highlight them in places your leads go to learn about your business. Provide opportunities for your customers to come across testimonials that give them the confidence to choose you over your competitors.

To do so, set up a dedicated and compelling customer testimonial page on your website or branded app. Prioritize testimonials that highlight different aspects of your store such as product quality, customer service, or overall experience. Ensure that the layout is visually engaging and matches the overall branding of your website or app. Lastly, don’t forget to keep the testimonial page up to date to ensure the page remains fresh and showcases recent feedback.

Patagonia, the renowned outdoor clothing and gear retailer, features a dedicated section on its website called “Customer Reviews.” This section displays authentic testimonials from customers who have purchased and used their products. By incorporating real-life experiences, Patagonia builds trust and credibility, allowing potential customers to make informed decisions based on the feedback of others who have tested their products in real-world scenarios.

Sephora, a leading beauty retailer, understands the impact of testimonials in their industry. On their website, they showcase customer reviews and ratings for each product they offer. This transparent approach helps shoppers evaluate the quality and effectiveness of various beauty products, empowering them to make confident purchasing decisions.

Warby Parker, an innovative eyewear brand, features a dedicated section called “Customer Stories” on their website. This section highlights personal narratives and testimonials from customers and taps into the emotional connection customers have with their brand.

Finally, Olive Garden’s website features a “Guest Experiences” section where they share customer testimonials and stories about their dining experiences. The page includes quotes, images, and descriptions that highlight the warm atmosphere, delicious food, and attentive service provided by Olive Garden.

2. Post testimonials to your social media accounts

The perception of brands on social media heavily influences the decisions of users. In fact, a study by PwC revealed that 37% of consumers rely on social media to find reviews, recommendations, and testimonials, shaping their purchasing choices.

Create eye-catching visuals or short videos of your customers’ testimonials to post on your social media platforms. Leverage user-generated content by encouraging customers to post their testimonials or leave positive comments on your posts. You can reshare them on your social media profiles and even create a special highlight for testimonials so that potential customers can see that your customers are happy doing business with you.

Remember to always obtain proper permission from customers before sharing their testimonials on social media and respect their privacy preferences. By effectively posting testimonials on social media, you can leverage the power of social proof to build trust, engage your audience, and attract new customers to your brand.

For instance, a popular food chain like Shake Shack often features mouthwatering food pictures accompanied by customer testimonials, showcasing the deliciousness and satisfaction of their offerings to attract new customers.

 

3. Highlight testimonials in your packaging

Adding testimonials to your product packaging offers tangible social proof to customers interacting with your brand. Seeing positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers builds trust, boosts repeat purchases, and generates positive word-of-mouth. Additionally, featuring heartfelt stories or experiences of real customers on your packaging creates a sense of connection with your audience and humanizes your brand.

Global beauty retailer, Sephora, occasionally includes customer testimonials on the packaging of their exclusive product collaborations or limited-edition releases. These testimonials from influential customers or beauty experts help create buzz and promote the products to a wider audience.

Nike is also known to feature customer testimonials and endorsements on their athletic footwear and apparel. These testimonials often come from professional athletes or individuals who have achieved their fitness goals with Nike products, emphasizing the performance and quality associated with the brand.

Eventually, take, for example, a premium chocolate brand like Ghirardelli, which includes customer testimonials on its packaging, emphasizing the exquisite taste and indulgence experienced by previous buyers!

4. Reward customers for their testimonials

Incentivizing customers to share testimonials is a powerful way to motivate them and gather genuine feedback about their positive experiences. Offering rewards such as discounts, freebies, or loyalty points encourages customers to participate and showcases your appreciation for their support. Moreover, it reinforces a positive customer experience as it shows that your business values their feedback and appreciates their support. As a result, you are able to gather a collection of authentic and compelling testimonials that can be utilized across various channels, including your website, social media, and advertising campaigns.

Como enables restaurants and retailers to boost brand loyalty by leveraging digital customer surveys that can be filled out in their branded app. Encourage customers to participate in giving feedback by automatically rewarding them with, for example, a free appetizer or a voucher. Inform them about their rewards via SMS, emails, or push notifications that can be redeemed on their next visit.

For example, TGI Fridays offer bonus points to their Fridays Rewards members for leaving reviews and participating in surveys. These bonus points can be added to their overall rewards and eventually redeemed for discounts or free appetizers and desserts.

A beloved coffee chain like Starbucks runs campaigns where customers can receive a free drink or loyalty points for leaving reviews or sharing testimonials. This approach not only gathers valuable feedback but also nurtures brand loyalty and engagement!

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, customer testimonials possess the transformative power to fuel a formidable marketing strategy, elevating your store’s reputation, influencing purchasing decisions, and igniting exponential sales growth. With inspiring examples from renowned F&B and retail brands, it becomes evident that incorporating customer testimonials into your marketing endeavors is a game-changing move, propelling your brand to rise above the competition and cultivating an unwavering community of loyal customers.

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4 Proven Strategies To Create Compelling Retail Window Displays, Drive Foot Traffic And Boost Sales

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If you’re a retailer or restaurant manager, you know that getting customers to step into your store is key to sales success. And one of the best ways to do this is by creating visually striking and engaging window displays. According to NPD Group Research, window displays influence purchase decisions up to 24% of the time. With that in mind, here are four tips to help you create compelling window displays that will attract potential customers and drive sales.

1. Know your target audience 

To create an effective window display, it’s crucial to understand your target audience. Consider what they want and what’s important to them, and craft a display that resonates with those motivations. For instance, Nike’s window displays are designed to appeal to athletes and sports enthusiasts. They use dynamic visuals, bold graphics, and sports-related props to create an energetic and motivational atmosphere that speaks to their athletic-minded customers.

One restaurant that understands the importance of targeting its audience is Olive Garden. By featuring enticing images of its signature dishes and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, it appeals to customers seeking a comforting and satisfying meal. This strategy has helped the restaurant chain grow to over 850 locations across the United States.

Check your Como analytics to find out which products are your best-sellers, which sell out the fastest, and which are likely to be in high demand, and adapt your window display accordingly! What is more, a product affinity analysis allows you to see which items are commonly bought together, giving you an idea as to which products you can feature next to one another in your next window display!

2. Pay attention to the lighting

Lighting is a powerful tool when it comes to creating captivating window displays. Use it to draw attention to your featured products or key focal points. For example, spotlights can create a spotlight effect on specific products, making them stand out from the rest of the display. Lighting can also help create a mood or ambiance in your display that aligns with your brand or the theme of your display.

For example, lighting plays a crucial role in creating captivating window displays for luxury jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. They use curated lighting to highlight their jewelry pieces as the focal point of their window displays. They use spotlights or accent lights to create a spotlight effect on the jewelry, drawing attention to their brilliance and craftsmanship.

One restaurant that has mastered the art of lighting is The Cheesecake Factory. The chain uses ambient lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to stay longer and enjoy their meals. The result? A chain with over 200 locations and consistently high customer ratings.

 

3. Incorporate interactive elements

Interactive elements in your window display can encourage customers to stop, interact, and ultimately enter your store. Consider adding touch screens, mirrors, or props that customers can interact with to create a memorable and engaging experience. One additional tip for creating captivating window displays is to design displays that are Instagram-friendly, as this can increase social media buzz and attract even more potential customers.

Shake Shack incorporated digital elements into their window displays to promote their limited-time menu items. The displays were updated in real-time to promote their seasonal and limited-time menu items, creating a sense of urgency and excitement among passersby. As a result, Shake Shack saw a 7% increase in foot traffic and a 4% increase in sales during such campaigns.

Rebecca Minkoff, a women’s fashion brand, introduced digital elements to their window display at their flagship store in New York City. They used an interactive touchscreen display that allowed customers to browse and shop their latest collection, view product information, and access exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes footage of their fashion shows. This innovative window display helped increase foot traffic to the store, with over 300 people interacting with the display each day. The brand also reported a significant increase in sales during the period when the display was active, with a 30% increase in sales compared to the same period the previous year.

4. Refresh your window displays regularly 

To keep customers engaged and curious, it’s important to refresh your window displays regularly.  A stale or outdated window display may not capture the attention of customers who have seen it before, resulting in a loss of foot traffic and potential sales. Consider incorporating seasonal and trendy elements in your display to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

One restaurant chain that understands the value of refreshing its displays is Starbucks. The coffee giant updates its displays regularly to promote seasonal drinks and new product launches, keeping customers interested and engaged.

A survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that 79% of consumers enjoy seeing holiday-themed window displays, and 43% of them are more likely to visit a store with a festive window display.

Anthropologie, a women’s clothing and home decor retailer, is known for its unique and eye-catching window displays. They frequently change their displays to reflect current trends, seasons, and holidays. The originality and creativity of their window displays have garnered attention and praise from customers and passersby, and have become a hallmark of the Anthropologie brand. According to a case study by Display Mode, Anthropologie’s unique window displays have helped to increase their foot traffic by up to 50%!

Final Thoughts

Creating a compelling window display is an effective way to increase foot traffic and ultimately drive sales. By understanding your target audience, paying attention to lighting, incorporating interactive elements, and refreshing your displays regularly, you can create a branded, exciting customer experience that will entice customers to step inside your store and engage!

And with the right data and analytics from Como, you can fine-tune your strategies and achieve even greater success. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your next window display today!

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The Importance Of Customer Segmentation For Restaurants

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In today’s fierce competitive food industry, restaurants that want to thrive cannot afford to ignore customer segmentation. By leveraging customer data and analytics, restaurant owners can unlock valuable insights into their customers’ preferences, behaviors, and demographics. Armed with this information, restaurants can strategically segment their customers based on factors such as age, dining frequency, and food preferences, ultimately enabling them to deliver personalized experiences and maximize customer satisfaction.

Armed with targeted customer segments, businesses can create customized promotions, tantalizing menu items, and irresistible special offers that speak directly to the desires of a specific group of visitors. This savvy approach can yield an array of benefits, from skyrocketing customer satisfaction and loyalty to surging revenue streams. In this article, we’ll explore the top three reasons why segmenting your customers is an essential ingredient in any restaurant’s recipe for success.

1. How Segmentation Supercharges Your Restaurant’s Marketing Campaigns

Customer segmentation enables restaurants to target their marketing efforts to specific groups more effectively. A survey from Mailchimp found that segmented campaigns had open rates of 14.31% higher than non-segmented campaigns. Missed opportunities abound when you send the same generic message to your entire customer list – without tailored communication, you risk ignoring the unique needs and desires of each individual customer.

In this regard, Starbucks uses customer segmentation to identify and target different customer groups with tailored offers and communications. Their “My Starbucks Rewards” program collects data on customers’ preferences, behaviors, and purchase history, which is then used to personalize marketing campaigns and offers. For example, Starbucks offers customized promotions based on customers’ favorite drinks or menu items and sends targeted offers via email or mobile app notifications to ensure that customers receive offers on the products they love most.

Domino’s Pizza uses customer segmentation to reach customers across multiple channels, including social media, email, and SMS. Their “Piece of the Pie Rewards” program allows customers to earn points and redeem rewards for their purchases and enables the company to collect valuable information on customers’ preferences and purchase history. Based on this data, Domino’s sends targeted campaigns to specific customer segments, such as customers who prefer specific menu items or who have not made a purchase in a certain period of time, to encourage repeat business and increase customer loyalty.

2. How Segmentation Helps Restaurants Stay Ahead of the Game by Identifying Emerging Trends

Customer segmentation not only allows restaurants to personalize their marketing campaigns and offerings but also helps them identify emerging trends and capitalize on new opportunities. Two restaurant chains that have leveraged segmentation to stay ahead of the curve are Sweetgreen and Chipotle.

Sweetgreen uses customer segmentation to identify emerging health and wellness trends, such as the rise of plant-based diets, and tailor their menu offerings accordingly. They also collect customer feedback through their app and social media channels, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing preferences and stay ahead of the competition.

Chipotle, on the other hand, uses segmentation to identify opportunities for expansion into new markets and demographic groups. By analyzing customer data and trends, they have successfully expanded their menu offerings to include vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a variety of international flavors. This approach has helped Chipotle stay relevant and attract new customers, even in crowded and competitive markets.

3. How Customer Segmentation revolutionizes Restaurant Customer Service and Elevates Brand Experiences

Delivering exceptional customer service and building strong brand experiences have become more important than ever to differentiate your business from the competition. When you understand your different customer segments, you are better equipped to offer them the perfect experience they are craving for.

For instance, Olive Garden segments its customers based on their dining preferences, such as family-style dining, romantic dining, and business dining. They offer a range of products that cater to each dining preference, such as family-style meals for groups and quiet tables for couples!

Chili’s has improved its customer experience by creating a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere in its restaurants. The company redesigned its restaurants to create different zones that cater to different customer segments, such as a bar area for young adults and families and a quieter dining area for older customers.

Final Thoughts

In the fierce restaurant industry, understanding and catering to the unique needs and preferences of different customer segments is absolutely essential for success. Fortunately, Como’s innovative customer segmentation technology takes the guesswork out of identifying and targeting these groups.

By analyzing purchase history and behavior using the RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) model, Como automatically assigns customers to specific segments, enabling restaurant owners to develop laser-focused marketing strategies and menu offerings that hit the bullseye every time. Whether it’s sending irresistible promotions to high-spending VIPs or crafting bespoke menu items for health-conscious foodies, Como’s powerful segmentation tools are the key to unlocking explosive growth and elevating brand experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

Want to leverage a customer segmentation strategy today? Contact us today to get started!

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3 Ways To Turn Your Menu Into A Marketing Tool

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In the highly competitive restaurant industry, customers have a plethora of options to choose from when deciding where to dine or order takeout. To stand out and attract more business, restaurant owners must find ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. One powerful tool at their disposal is their menu.

Recent research by TouchBistro’s 2022 Diner Report found that a staggering 84% of restaurant patrons regularly check menus before making a decision to visit a particular establishment. It’s clear that menus play a crucial role in customer decision-making, making it essential for restaurant owners to effectively market their menu offerings.

If you’re looking to leverage your menu as a marketing tool, here are some tips to help you effectively showcase your offerings and attract more customers.

1. Update your menu regularly

As the culinary landscape evolves, it’s crucial for restaurant owners to keep their menus current in order to remain competitive and relevant. One way to stay ahead of the curve is by regularly soliciting feedback from your clients through reviews and surveys, which can provide valuable insights into what they’re looking for in their dream restaurant experience.

To further differentiate your restaurant and keep things interesting for your customers, consider introducing limited-time seasonal menus. For example, a special Valentine’s Day menu featuring unique dishes, desserts, and drinks can be an effective way to promote the event and drive traffic to your establishment. By analyzing the data from your Como analytics, you can determine which seasonal menu items are most profitable and popular, and consider adding them as permanent fixtures to your menu.

Ensure that your menu updates are reflected across all channels, including your website, delivery apps, and social media platforms, to keep your customers informed so that they always have access to the latest offerings from your restaurant.

2. Add compelling visuals and descriptions

A menu is more than a list of food and prices – it’s a marketing asset that makes your restaurant stand out from the competition. It marks the first impression a customer has of your restaurant so make customers fall in love right away by displaying high-quality photos to generate excitement and tempt diners to open their wallets. A photo-based menu can encourage customers to explore new dishes and make faster decisions.

Aside from your staff’s recommendations, menu descriptions will influence what your customers will eventually order in your restaurant. Each of your menu descriptions should be around the same length to help keep your menu organized and consistent. You can include the main ingredients that will ideally paint a picture in your guests’ minds about what the dish looks and tastes like. Additionally, it is important to clearly mention any allergies or specific diets that each dish caters to.

3. Showcase menu specials on your social media pages

With 86% of Millennials trying new restaurants based on food-related content they see online, it’s essential to leverage the power of social media to showcase your menu and entice customers to visit.

One way to do this is by highlighting daily or weekly specials on your social media accounts and promoting them as limited-time offers. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages customers to visit your restaurant soon. Additionally, you can create a story highlight on Facebook or Instagram that features your menu, making it easy for customers to reference and browse your offerings.

It’s also important to respond to customer inquiries and questions about your menu through direct messages or comments on social media posts. Engaging positively with customers can lead to increased visits, with 74% of MGH survey respondents saying they’re more likely to visit and order food from establishments which they’ve had positive interactions with.

That’s a wrap!

A restaurant menu is not just about food, it’s the identity of your brand that keeps customers coming back. Use it to build awareness, promote your business, and drive repeat customers.

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How To Build Loyalty With Gen Z Customers

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As the generation with the most buying power, Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is a crucial demographic for marketers to understand and appeal to. It has an estimated global buying power of $360 billion in 2022, more than double what was estimated three years ago.

To build loyalty with Gen Z customers, businesses can use the following strategies:

1. Create positive in-store experiences

According to a survey from CM Group, 47% of Gen Z prefer to shop in-store, so businesses should focus on delivering unforgettable experiences to strengthen the emotional bond with customers. Beauty Retailer Sephora understands the importance of delivering exceptional services and experiences at every touch point of their customers’ journey.

Indeed, while online shopping offers the convenience they crave, in-person shopping allows them to have an up-close look at the products and the brand identity, and enjoy personalized service. This shows the importance of a multi-channel approach. In this context, take advantage of your customers’ visits to gain valuable insights and feedback on how their in-store experiences can be improved by asking them to fill out a survey after they finish visiting your locations!

2. Personalize campaigns and offers

Personalization is an effective strategy that allows brands to create experiences specifically tailored to each customer, making them feel happy and cared for by your brand.

From your Campaign Center, create personalized gifts and campaigns to send to your Gen Z shoppers and communicate with them via email, SMS, or in-app messages! Good personalization creates strong customer loyalty to your brand and they are more likely to share their positive experience with family and friends.

3. Encourage user-generated content

82% of Gen Z use social media to research and discover brands. Take advantage of incorporating user-generated content (UGC) in your marketing strategy as 35% of Gen Z agree that UGC has more credibility than company-created content, as stated by The Influence Agency.  Taco Bell does an excellent job engaging its online followers to post their own content by giving them shoutouts and featuring their reviews across its social media pages.

Ask your followers to post product reviews or have them post images of them using your products on their social media pages along with hashtags. Incentivize them to join with attractive rewards such as discounts, free items, or exclusive access to new products.

4. Spice it up with gamification

Gamification is a buzzword that keeps growing in popularity among Gen Z consumers. When leveraged correctly, it will help increase engagement, revenue, and the lifetime value of each customer.

Como can help set up effective Scratch & Win or Spin the Wheel campaigns that will add fun to your customer’s experience and keep them coming back for more. Gamification not only adds fun to the customer experience but also provides valuable insights into customer preferences and the popularity of rewards among Gen Z customers, helping your business make informed decisions.

5. Support Sustainability

Based on a report by First Insight and the Baker Retailing Center, 75% of Gen Z consumers are environmentally conscious and agree that their purchasing decisions are influenced by the sustainable practices of a business. Thus, your business should integrate CSR and sustainable initiatives into the customer experience to create an emotional connection with customers.

Leading brands like H&M and TOMS have gained recognition for their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Take inspiration from them and explore ways to integrate corporate social responsibility and environmentally-friendly initiatives into the customer experience, fostering a deeper emotional connection with Gen Z customers.

Ready to win over Gen Z customers?

As Gen Z’s buying power continues to grow, it’s crucial for brands to understand and cater to their unique preferences and values in order to establish strong, lasting relationships. Developing a loyalty program that aligns with Gen Z’s values and effectively communicates your brand is essential in winning over this market.

Interested in creating a loyalty program that resonates with Gen Z? Let’s connect and discuss how we can help.

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5 Reasons Why Customers Abandon Loyalty Programs

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According to Business Wire, 84% of consumers say they’re more likely to stick with a brand that offers a loyalty program. Big brands such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Sephora, are amongst the most successful loyalty programs customers all over the world are subscribed to.

However, businesses can still find it challenging to retain loyal and happy customers especially if they find a purpose to abandon ship. Here are five key reasons to get you thinking about why customers leave loyalty programs

Reason 1: Complicated registration process

Lengthy registration forms and unfriendly mobile environments are a guaranteed way to drive customers away from your loyalty program before they even get started. In fact, 70% of consumers fail to sign up for a loyalty program due to the inconvenience and the time required to complete a registration process.

Initial loyalty sign-up forms should request a minimum amount of information needed to create a profile for your customer. Make it simple and prepare a FAQ page where clients can find answers if they’re uncertain. Create a limited number of fields as mandatory and a reward structure to push when members update their profiles.

Reason 2: Unattractive rewards

Based on a report by Statista, 58% of millennials say the top reason for abandoning a loyalty program is that the rewards aren’t compelling or relevant enough. Customers that feel the rewards they’re getting aren’t worth their loyalty is most likely to look for more appealing rewards from another brand.

Keep your customers on their toes with exciting rewards like “BOGOF* Days”, “Double Points Days”, or gamified Scratch & Win or Spin the Wheel prize deals. All of these can be easily achieved with Como!

*BOGOF stands for Buy One Get One Free

Reason 3: Complex rewards structure

If the reward structure is vague or unclear, this will drive customers away from your loyalty program and they will eventually lose interest. Your loyalty program structure must be simple and easy to understand while your loyalty program page on your website should also have a clear breakdown of how points can be earned and used.

For example, Wendy’s has a dedicated page on their website that clearly explains its loyalty program and a FAQs landing page regarding points accumulation, redemption, and expiration. In this way, it shows customers the benefit of joining their loyalty program and becoming a member.

Reason 4: Failure to leverage customer feedback and data

According to a study by Appentive, 55% of consumers said they are not likely to continue being a customer of a company that ignores their feedback. Show your members that you value their loyalty by taking action from their suggestions.

Leverage Como CRM capabilities and collect feedback from your members by asking them to fill out a survey. This will help your business reassess and make necessary improvements to the rewards and campaigns you are currently offering. Check your Como analytics to monitor your members’ purchase behavior or determine which products are mostly purchased together or which campaigns and rewards are most popular.

Reason 5: Lack of communication on program changes

Customers will become frustrated and abandon ship if you are making changes too often or quickly to your loyalty program. It also creates an impression of instability which can affect your members’ confidence in your loyalty program and suppress them from enjoying the improvements you’ve made.

Regardless of the changes made, it is important to clearly explain to your customers the improvements made to your program and what they can expect from it. Customers like to know what’s going on and by keeping them in the loop, you can build brand trust and lasting customer loyalty.

Takeaway

Loyalty programs can help turn your customers into dedicated brand ambassadors for your brand. However, if your business is suffering as a result of one of these problems, now might be the perfect time to revamp your program and campaigns to ensure that you have your customers on board.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with your dedicated CSM or our support team to help leverage your loyalty program today!

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Post-Holiday Strategies To Keep Shoppers Coming Back

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It costs five times more to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones. According to Bain & Company, increasing retention rates by 5% boosts profits by 25% to 95% – impressive, right?

Keeping in touch with customers after the holidays can result in additional revenues and nurture positive customer relationships in the long run. Despite the holiday deals shoppers love and their willingness to spend more, these days will eventually come to an end. As a result, businesses will experience declining sales or possibly go through a post-holiday sales slump.

Without further ado, take a look at the four recommendations we’ve put together to help your business through the post-holiday season.

1. Share appreciation for your customers acquired during the holiday season

Boost retention even after the holiday season is over by letting your customers know that you value them and the support they give your business. Customers that feel genuinely recognized and appreciated by their favorite brands are more likely to remain loyal and visit your store again to make repeat purchases.

Show them that you value that they choose to do business with you over a competitor by sending them a tailored SMS message or email. In fact, a report by Sprout Special shows that more than half (57%) of consumers will increase their spending with brands they feel connected with while 76% will buy from them over a competitor.

2. Launch a new campaign for the new year

While businesses were busy competing for the seasonal shoppers’ attention by providing the best holiday deals and offers, some might decide to take a break at the beginning of the new year. Based on a National Retail Federation survey, 68% of holiday shoppers plan to continue browsing and buying after the festive season sale.

Take advantage of launching new marketing campaigns during the month of January to stand out from the competition and remain on top of your consumers’ minds. Promote your post-holiday offers and campaigns on your website, social media pages, and email campaigns to build brand awareness. Don’t forget to send personalized SMS or in-app messages to make customers feel that you remember them and maintain positive relationships with them.

3. Increase cross-selling suggestions with a product affinity analysis

The post-holiday season is a great opportunity to analyze the data collected on which products your customers purchased together. With the help of Como, conduct a product affinity analysis to gain valuable information on your consumers’ purchase behavior and determine which products have a high-affinity rate.

Retarget customers by cross-selling items that complement the purchases they made from your business during the holiday season to “complete the look”. It plays a crucial role in not only retaining customers but also increasing revenue and purchase frequency.

4. Maintain exceptional customer service after the holidays

According to Semrush, 89% of companies say that excellent customer service plays a huge role in customer retention. Even after the big holiday events such as Black Friday and Christmas are over, prepare to have more support hands on deck so you can efficiently help customers with their questions or concerns.

Customers want to reach out to you on their preferred channels regarding returns, exchanges, or any other inquiries and they are more likely to stick around when your business is responsive and timely. An excellent customer service experience will result in customers making repeat purchases all throughout the year and positive word-of-mouth reviews. Businesses should also expect a higher amount of returns post-holiday shopping which would ultimately lead to an increased number of customer service requests. Be ready to answer quickly and efficiently as the customer experience will impact their loyalty and you don’t want to lose a customer you fought hard to win.

Final Thoughts

From expressing your appreciation for your customers to providing excellent customer service even after the holidays, consider these tips to keep the sales momentum, develop positive long-term customer relationships, and help your business avoid the post-holiday blues.

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8 Holiday Shopping Statistics And Trends You Need To Know

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December is finally here and shoppers are busy looking for the best deals and holiday inspiration across online and offline platforms, making it a profitable time for F&B and Retail owners alike.

The National Retail Foundation (NRF) forecasts that holiday retail sales during November and December will grow between $942.6 billion and $960.4 billion in 2022, with the average holiday expenditure per person reaching $1,802.

Check out these 10 must-know statistics to gear up your store for the busiest shopping season of the year!

1. Experts forecast mobile commerce sales to reach $116.98 billion this year. 

During the 2022 holiday season, mobile commerce sales are expected to hit $116.98 billion, up by 20.4% from the previous year. This figure illustrates the importance of online shopping today and highlights that brands should ensure that their website or branded app is optimized and user-friendly to provide their customers with a seamless shopping experience.

2. 54.5% of buyers want to see the product before purchasing it.

In spite of the rise of online shopping, more than half of the respondents agree to shop in brick-and-mortar stores to view the products before purchasing them in case of any damage or to assure product quality. Invite people to shop for any of their holiday needs in your store by adding eye-catching decorations that go well with the Christmas season. Another option is to allow online customers to return the product for free if they are not happy with it to remove any barrier to the purchase.

3. After searching online, 76% of mobile shoppers change their mind about where to buy.

Customers can change their minds if they find a competitor with a much attractive offer while browsing on their devices. Keep your brand on top of your customers’ mind by sending in-app or text messages on your holiday offerings they don’t want to miss out on!

4. During the holiday season, 49% of shoppers prefer brands who send personalized content or offers. 

Almost half of consumers (49%) are more likely to engage with brands that send customized content or offers. Prioritize quality over quantity and treat your customers to unique experiences and rewards to make them feel that you care. So, check your Como analytics to personalize your communication, offers, gifts, and coupons depending on your members’ preferences and purchase history! Don’t forget to call them by their name too!

5. 87% of Gen Z customers use social media for holiday shopping inspiration. 

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are growing in popularity as sources for their holiday shopping inspiration, especially among Gen Z consumers. Promote your seasonal offerings and campaigns across your social media channels ahead of time to drive traffic and motivate early shoppers to drop by your store. 

6. 79% of consumers will seek advice from their family and friends before purchasing holiday gifts.

Word-of-mouth marketing helps businesses build a positive brand image and extend market reach as customers who recommend brands are perceived as trustworthy. Grab this opportunity to give your existing members the chance to refer your brand to their friends and family members by creating a referral program. For every friend that joins, reward members with a seasonal item, gift, or bonus points as an incentive to invite them. Create a community of loyal customers who will be your ambassadors and speak up on your behalf.

7. In 2022, retailers can expect 18% more social messages during the holiday season.

It is predicted that retailers will receive 18% more social messages during the holiday season compared to the non-holiday months. Since the fourth quarter is the busiest shopping period of the year, advice your customer support team to be responsive to comments on your social media posts and direct messages you receive. Make sure you set-up all your campaigns in advance in your Como hub to avoid the rush of the holiday season and be able to focus on other unexpected requests.

8. 68% of holiday shoppers said they pay more attention to emails from companies.

More than two-thirds of holiday shoppers (68%) pay attention to emails from companies at this time of the year. Create emails for holiday campaigns using Como’s dynamic and user-friendly email builder where you can promote your limited-edition products for Christmas and spread word about your holiday offers.

And that’s a wrap!

In this fast-changing economy, customer preferences and shopping habits are also changing rapidly. F&B and retail owners must be prepared for an unpredictably chaotic holiday season with the relevant and up-to-date information needed to plan accordingly and succeed.

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5 Holiday-Themed Social Media Contests To Attract Followers Online And In Stores

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Everybody loves getting a chance to win products and services from the brands they love and one way of doing this is by running a contest on social media. They allow businesses to reach larger audiences while generating buzz around your brand. According to a study by Tailwind, including contests in your strategy can help you grow your following 70% faster on platforms like Instagram.

In this article, we’ve created a list of seven fun social media contest ideas to implement for the holiday season – check them out!

1. Ask your followers to share their best holiday snaps

Transform your followers into ambassadors of your brand! Engage them to submit their best holiday snaps based on a certain theme. For example, host a holiday recipe contest where participants must upload a photo of their favorite dish or recipe for the season. Another way is to invite your customers to dine in your restaurant and upload photos of themselves wearing ugly sweaters to join the contest. This will encourage them to show some Christmas spirit and create buzz around your restaurant.

Make sure to clearly explain the mechanics of the contest, such as how the final winner will be chosen. You can get more visits to your page by having people vote for their favorite entries with the most likes or comments, leading participants to even share the photo with their social circles to like their photos to win.

2. Add an element of humor and pick the most unique caption

The caption contest is an effective way to showcase your brand’s personality and attract followers that are potentially interested in your company. Share a funny photo related to your product or service and ask your customers to come up with interesting captions.

It’s important to clear up exactly what type of caption you want from your followers, and this may include things like length or general theme. Don’t forget to award and share the best one on your social media accounts. Further increase engagement by encouraging your other followers to “like” the comment that they feel best represents the image.

3. Encourage your customers to get creative with your products

People love winning prizes and they’re willing to promote your brand in order to do so. Getting social media users to share brand content on your behalf will help you boost visibility, raise awareness, and keep your brand on top of their minds.

In 2016, Starbucks launched the ‘Red Cup Design Challenge’, inviting their followers to showcase their creativity by designing the brand’s plain red holiday cup and posting their entries on Instagram. A total of 13 designs were selected from 6 countries that were later launched on the holiday cups served in 75 countries.

4. Build excitement with a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway 

A multi-day Christmas giveaway for 12 consecutive days can build momentum and anticipation for your brand’s seasonal offerings and gifts as you select a few lucky winners. Generate buzz about your giveaway by posting about it as early as the first week of December. Give people an idea of what you’ll be giving away each day, such as a free dessert, coupon, or a limited-edition product you’ll be offering for the season.

In order to build more interest in your page, you should create entry requirements such as following the page, tagging friends, and reposting your posts. People who are tagged by someone are likely to look at your page and later join the contest by tagging family and friends too. In fact, 94% of social media users share the content right after entering the contest.

5. Team up with another brand to create the ultimate prize basket

If you want to leverage your Christmas giveaway, why not join forces with a brand that has complementary products. For instance, a foot apparel store can get together with a cosmetics brand to motivate users to create the perfect Christmas look!

Boost your reach and number of participants by combining your resources to offer more valuable and compelling prizes than you might have been able to offer separately. Start a hashtag that your followers can use to enter your giveaway and make your brand trend.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season is one of the most important periods for all businesses. It’s a good idea to build hype around your contest before it launches and give people enough time to participate in your social media contest and giveaway.

From the Como team, we wish you a wonderful holiday season!

 

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5 Black Friday Mistakes To Proactively Avoid

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Black Friday is fast approaching and it is a fantastic time for customers to redeem exciting offers!

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s report, Black Friday 2021 sales amounted to $8.9 billion and the average US adult spent $430 each. Furthermore, 66.5 million US consumers shopped in-store while 88 million shopped online during the shopping event.

Despite the fact that the holiday season is a great time to boost sales and grow your brand, it comes with a lot of pressure to perform better every year, leading many businesses to make the same mistakes.

In this article, we’ll share some common mistakes to avoid while giving you actionable advice that will help you prepare your store for the busiest shopping season of the year!

1. Waiting too late to launch campaigns

Customers are starting to receive countless emails and messages on Black Friday promotions. Waiting too late to launch your campaigns can mean that customers have already found similar deals and mentally allocated their budget to other brands.

So do not wait until the last week of November to start sending well-paced reminders about your brand’s deals for Black Friday. Remind your customers to drop by your restaurant or store at the beginning of the month to gain the upper hand.

Businesses can build pre-Black Friday momentum by sharing previews of exclusive deals or a countdown timer to create a sense of urgency.

2. Focusing only on one marketing channel

Promote your seasonal offerings and deals via all of your marketing channels to secure all available customer touchpoints. Let them know what your business has to offer this Black Friday via SMS, emails, and on social media and App notifications.

It is important to personalize messages and offerings to make your customers feel a sense of understanding to your brand. However, make sure that you do not overwhelm your customers with too many messages at the same time. Within Como, you can definitely configure and pace your communications strategically.

3. Limiting promotions to discounts only

Take it one step further by offering different types of deals in addition to traditional discounts. For example, you can offer free shipping or give freebies after your customers make a purchase in your store.

Run a product affinity analysis to determine which products are complementary and increase your Black Friday sales by cross-selling products that have a high affinity rate. You can also offer gift bundles to make it easier for customers to pick out holiday gifts to give their loved ones or friends. In this way, your customers will be motivated to purchase more products than they had originally intended, driving more revenue for your business!

4. Neglecting customer service

It’s likely that you’ll receive a lot of questions from customers this Black Friday, and part of providing great customer service is responding quickly. According to Shopify, businesses that respond within 5 minutes convert 70% more customers.

Black Friday being a short event, customers won’t have much patience to wait for answers to questions they might have on your products and services. Be memorable and attentive this holiday season, and customers will support your brand even after the sale is over.

5. Forgetting about Cyber Monday

While Black Friday holds a certain amount of retail power, Cyber Monday is not falling far behind in terms of sales. To prove this further, consumers spent a total of $10.7 billion on Cyber Monday, which is $1.8 billion more compared to Black Friday’s sales.

Therefore, maximize the holiday sale weekend by extending your promotions and offers until Cyber Monday!

Ready, set, go!

Black Friday is a crucial time for marketers to get their brand ready. Without a plan, you can end up making mistakes that impact your bottom line. But with a well-thought strategy, common mistakes in mind and Como’s support, you can prepare your loyalty program for one of the highest holiday seasons of the year!

 

 

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