It no brainer that e-commerce is now the way to go. Thanks to the estimated 2.05 billion online global buyers, space provides and continues to offer myriad of opportunities, especially for the business-minded people. In today’s busy world, many people have come to appreciate eCommerce stores and the advantages of online shopping. Whether you are starting or converting from an in-person store to an online entity, the logistics of pivoting or transitioning can seem overwhelming, especially if you have no idea how to go about it. In this article, we share tips that will save you the hassle and make your experience worthwhile.
Table of Contents
Have a targeted audience; describe your niche
If you consider the targeted audience, it is all about to create a territory. It would be best if you established who will benefit from your products and services. Defining your niche does not limit the number of customers you will have; it simply helps you create something that will be needed and appreciated. Ask yourself, what kind of problems your product or service could solve? If your idea or product is already in the market, try to create a better one by finding gaps in the existing product.
Invest in SEO- Be an authority in your field
SEO is a big concept in the digital space. SEO is one of the vitalparts of an organization’s branding efforts and online presence. In fact, building a business website without SEO is like buying a house and not furnishing it. Always keep in mind that competition is part of the business. There will always be businesses selling the same thing or offering the same service as you. Therefore, you need to develop an effective SEO strategy that will translate into online success for many years. With a good strategy in place, you will create brand awareness and build its credibility.
Secure your online store-make customers feel safe
Another great way to grow and thrive as a small business is by investing in safety. One of the risks in virtual space is cyber-attacks. It would be best if you guarded your store against cyber threats by ensuring your store is safe. Keep in mind that customers will only interact or buy from you if they feel safe. No one wants their private information, e.g. credit card details tampered with. Luckily with an SSL, a technology that keeps internet connection secure and safeguards any sensitive data between two systems, you are good to go. You can check out low-cost SSL on the internet and buy an SSL certificate for your store. However, there are many resellers and certificate authorities like GlobalSign, RapidSSL, SSL2BUY, DigiCert are trustworthy providers in the market.
Up your customer service
Have you tried buying something online, only to receive a response two days or a week later? Frustrating right? For some people, delayed responses can mean that they will never order from the shop again. As an entrepreneur, you must know that people are looking for quick solutions to their problems. If you cannot offer fast services, do not expect growth. Work on your customer service, ensure the lines of communication are open, and the products are readily available.
Tips to improve customer experience
- Have live support and a dedicated shop assistant to handle customer queries
- Create a quick call to action
- Be available on mobile
- Learn how to appreciate your customers with discounts or free deliveries
- Follow up on complaints immediately.
Be social! Social media is a game-changer
Did you know that 54% of social browsers use social media to research products?. Well, if you have been lax about your social business accounts, this is the time to amp your investment on these platforms. Stop looking at social media as an online directory but instead tap on the myriad of opportunities it presents. Learn how to use different platforms. For instance, Twitter is a great platform to engage with customers in a quick and informational way. Facebook, on the other hand, has advertiser tools that will help you target the ideal audience and test and tweak campaigns for maximum results. Do your homework to ensure you provide useful content that is relatable and informative.
Look into mobile commerce
Mobile commerce is rapidly growing and presents significant opportunities in the future. As an ecommerce player, you should think about it. Infact, capitalizing on it on your earlier stages will give you a competitive advantage. Mobile accessible services such as real-time notifications, delivery status, product information, maps, and click to call options will position your business for growth.
Let your products and services speak for you.
The simplest way to hack and dominate as a small business is by having quality products and services. If you are in doubt about small companies making big strides with their products, try and google Wiki-how. It is the world’s best and largest how-to website with only 25 employees. When you have a product that stands out, growth is imminent.
Tips that will help get your product noticed
- Use demonstrations to highlight the value of your offering
- Provide incentives to induce a trial
- Try to offer free samples especially if your products are inexpensive
- Target influencers
- Seek testimonials from people whose opinions are respected.
Keep evolving
It would be best if you always strived to be better. Look for inspirations, do more research and pick on ideas that will elevate your business. Network and learn from businesses that are pivoting around your sphere. Do not be afraid to take up opportunities, especially those that offer a solution to a current need.
Final thoughts
Ecommerce businesses can grow faster than imagined. People will always appreciate great products and services. Sadly, most entrepreneurs lack knowledge of effective ways to build their stores. Always remember that eCommerce success begins with understanding your metrics; what is the cost to acquire your customer and your average cart value. Once you have that figure out, the tips discussed should be able to help your e-commerce store thrive.
