Holiday Shoppers Are Coming…Is Your Website Ready?

It’s only October, but I’m already thinking about what’s going under the Christmas tree. With a busy schedule, online shopping makes checking gifts off my list so much easier. I see something I love, click “buy,” and just like that—it’s on its way.

And I know I’m not the only one. Holiday shoppers will be browsing, clicking, and buying before you know it. So, as a business owner, it’s not just your holiday shopping list you need to think about—it’s your website, too. Is it ready to welcome all those holiday shoppers?

Before the holiday rush really kicks in, it’s worth giving your website a quick once-over. Because the last thing you want is for a potential customer to land on your site, get frustrated, and head somewhere else.

Don’t Make Customers Dig

Holiday shoppers are busy. They don’t want to dig around your website looking for the information they need.  Make sure your products or services, pricing, contact information, hours, shipping details, return policies, and holiday promotions are easy to find. If you have special holiday deadlines or promotions, make those front and center.

Give It A Phone Check

Your customers are likely shopping from their phones while waiting in the school pickup line, sitting on the couch, or sneaking in a little shopping during lunch. 

Pull out your phone and browse your website like a customer would. Is everything easy to read? Do buttons work? Can you quickly find what you need?  If it’s frustrating for you, imagine how it feels to a potential customer.

Make Shopping Easy

The holidays are not the time to make customers work for it.  Look over your checkout process, contact forms, links, and calls-to-action.  Make sure everything works the way it should and that customers know what to do next. 

Here are some CTA ideas that go a long way--“Shop Now,” “Get Started,” “Book Now,” or “Contact Us”.

Give Your Website A Little Holiday Refresh

You don’t necessarily need a complete website makeover. Sometimes a few small updates can make a big difference. 

Freshen up your homepage, update outdated photos, highlight seasonal products or services, and make sure your messaging feels current. Your website should look like your business is ready for the season—not like it’s still stuck in last year.

Don’t Forget The Details

Check those little things that are easy to overlook. Test your links. Update your hours. Check your contact information. Make sure your social media links work. Look for outdated information or pages that need a refresh.  And while you’re at it, give your website a quick speed check. A slow website can be a major turnoff when shoppers are ready to buy.

So grab your coffee, pull up your website, and give it a holiday-ready check. A little October prep could make for a much smoother—and more successful—holiday season.