With the price of gasoline reaching record levels in the U.S., hard-working Americans are facing tough financial choices. According to the Energy Information Administration, gas prices have skyrocketed 38%, from $2.96 per gallon (February 11, 2008) to $4.08 (June 23). A survey by Consumer Reports found that due to the rising gas prices, 74% of Americans are driving less and 24% have cut spending on necessities like food and health care. As consumers are tightening their purse strings and limiting their trips to the store, what can Mid Michigan businesses do to keep sales strong for the 2008 Holiday Season? Below are four tips you can take to increase sales:

Tip 1: Promote your website. There are numerous strategies you can use to promote your site: viral marketing, buzz marketing, word-of-mouth, email campaigns, newsletter, direct mail, printed literature, business cards, etc. Before you start promoting, make sure that the site is well-designed and easy-to-use. A website can be an alternative "front door" into your business and you want to convey your business appropriately. Frustrated or lost visitors will quickly leave, resulting in the loss of a potential customer.

Tip 2: Provide special online offers. Discounts, coupons, giveaways or contests are a great way to get customers on your website to learn about your products and services.

Tip 3: Sell online. Make it easy so they don’t have to get into their car! Use an online shopping system to post products and their photos, descriptions, testimonials and prices. Selling online is no longer just for big business. There are numerous affordable and easy-to-use options available today for small businesses.

Tip 4: Everyone should use Tip 1 and Tip 2. Even if you don't sell products, you should be promoting and providing "reasons" for your customers to go to your website.

Not ready to take one of these steps? Consider attending one of our seminars.