How to Connect with Gift-Givers this Holiday Season

At the time of the holidays, your audience may not necessarily be typical, all-year-round consumers, but those that love those shoppers.

If, for instance, you offer hiking-related products, your average customer may typically be outdoors enthusiasts. However, during the holiday season, it may be the spouse, parent or child of an outdoor lover or who might be averse to getting outdoors.

So how do you help them find the right suitable gift for their loved ones particularly in the event that they're not knowledgeable about the products you offer? Let's take a look.

Make gift guides for your creations

Let's say that your store is full of video-game-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, books on strategy posters, and books. The typical customer may be familiar with everything about the game, character, and inside joke. But what happens to the father looking to surprise his daughter with something for the holidays?

Or, they could create gift guides based on price (Top Video Game Gifts Under $35) or age (The Top Games for Kids).

List items that fit into the guide's theme and include a couple of paragraphs about the reasons they are a great gift. The best way to do this is to include both your own items and similar products from different stores in order to not look like you're a bit biased.

Packages and bundles can be sold.

Bundles make things easy! Instead of having to peruse dozens of products looking for that perfect gift for any the 15 people they're shopping for, a person can purchase a well-curated gift bundle.

There are two ways you can approach bundles:

Sets that are pre-packed. Add a package of items that work together. If you're selling cosmetics, this might be an spa set. If you offer snacks, it could be a box for movie nights.

Suzi Wong Creations, a British-based company that sells fightwear, has a children's luxury boxing equipment. The gift-giver can pick the size of the jacket, socks and shorts and also add the option of customization across a range of areas. It's an easy way for someone to buy a present for their loved one who likes to box.

Answer all of their inquiries

Although you're always trying to make it simple for your customers to get answers to their questions, you may want to concentrate more in this area during the Christmas season. Incorporate questions and responses to your FAQ page , and then write new blog posts that speak directly to new customers.

Here are a few examples:

• How long will your products last?
• What is the minimum number my dear family member require?
• What equipment is required?
• Does anything need to be made custom-fit?
• Are your products compatible with products my relative or friend already owns?

Also it's important to address any questions regarding shipping or turnaround times (especially if they're different in the time of the holidays) and return policy, and anything else that might influence a buyer's decision.

Add gift cards to your store

What if a new shopper is having trouble picking the right gift? Maybe they'd prefer to offer a friend or family member the freedom to pick out exactly what they want.

Brown Brothers, for instance, offers gift cards alongside their bottles of wine. There are many factors to think about when purchasing wine -- whether red or white sweet or dry sparkling or plain- and it can be an individual decision. Therefore, some shoppers might much prefer just buying their wine-loving friends an gift card rather than thinking about the wine they'd appreciate.

Write detailed product descriptions

Product descriptions are a great way to provide your new customers with the details they require to make an choice. So, include lots of information. Include how the products you are giving away are employed, provide descriptions of scents and flavors Add additional details including size charts and the presence of allergens. The goal is to make people feel comfortable with the gift they're purchasing.

Make a change in your marketing terminology

When running holiday ad campaigns targeted at new customers, consider switching your language around. For example, if you sell paint supplies and paint, for instance, you may currently have ads that read:

"The most excellent single-pigment watercolors, that are so well-ground, they can be used for 0.15 millimeter airbrushing."

This ad can be extremely effective if you're targeting skilled artists. However, it probably won't be much of a deal to someone wanting to buy a great gift for their artist friend. Therefore, instead of saying: might say something such as:

"High-quality durable watercolors even the best of artists be able to enjoy."

Additional items to be recommended

People who are shopping for the holidays may be searching for multiple gifts, specifically when they're buying for the parents of a spouse, parent or a child. And if they're not super comfortable with the items you provide and are looking elsewhere for additional products.

In lieu, you should make it easy for them to do everything they need to do through your website by providing the product suggestions. Add related products to individual product pages by using the default functionality.

Include a range of pictures

• A variety of angles. Display the item from side and back, the both sides, and the sides.
• Case studies. Show how the product can be used in the photos. Also, if the product has several applications, such as a high chair that transforms into a toddler chair display them all.
• Size. If size is important for your item, show your item's context. It could be as simple as being held in someone's hand.
• Color. Check that your photographs are well-lit and accurately communicate the hue of your product.
• Your target audience. Make sure to include people in your pictures which represent those that use your products. Do you have items that are geared towards parents? College students? Dogs? Make sure they are engaged with these items. This will help potential buyers visualize their beloved ones using these products.

Review of the feature

If someone isn't likely to know much about your store or industry Reviews can be the most important factor. It's possible that they don't know whether your items are of high-quality, but if they read genuine reviews and testimonials by people who have actually used your items, they're more likely to trust you.

Remember your audience

No matter the time of season, you must consider your audience with any decision you decide to make. But during the holiday time, the focus of your customers could be shifted to people who buy gifts. While that doesn't mean you need to change everything about your online store and marketing efforts However, there are certain things you should consider.

Use the suggestions above to help holiday shoppers and encourage more sales. Have you made any changes to this season? Tell us via the comments.