The advancement of technology has brought many businesses and brands to enter a new world where they can market and sell their ideas, products and services more efficiently – the cyberspace. E-commerce has made transactions faster, safer and convenient for both sellers or service providers and customers, breaking boundaries and timezones as it is on a global scale.
E-commerce is growing by the minute, and it has generated trillions of US$ in sales over the last few years. The transactions are not only limited to B2C sales but also include B2B deals. It goes to show that businesses utilise online platforms for sales and marketing, both in retail and wholesale.
Doing online selling and marketing can generate swifter results while saving costs on overhead expenses because you don’t have a physical store. However, there are still advantages in having a brick-and-mortar store where people can see and experience the products and services firsthand. If you opt to do online transactions, be sure that you stand above the fierce competition offering the same kind of services, you have efficient and secure delivery of your goods and services, and you can immediately respond to queries and concerns 24/7. Remember that the cyberspace can be accessed globally, and entering into that arena means opening your business to an international audience.
Once you have assessed the pros and cons of doing e-commerce for your business and found a greater advantage in doing it, you may consider the following suggestions.
1. ) Invest in a good site
Customers should be able to access and navigate your site straightforwardly. Get an expert who can layout your site and can provide the needed support. It is important to have software that can run an online system which you and your team can manage with no or little difficulty. Also, make your site secure and safe for you and your clients to avoid hacking and any form of cyber attacks.
2.) Provide great content and appealing visuals
Your content, such as your copy and visuals, must have a hook that can attract your customers to your site, substantial information to retain them, and credibility that can convince them to avail of your offerings. Share stories or come up with articles relevant to your brand and your audience. Use SEO to drive your site to the top of search engines.
3.) Utilise social media
Nowadays, it’s not enough that you put up a site and populate it with information. You need to promote your site, too. One method is to capitalise on the growing population of social media. Utilise the social networks you find suitable in advancing your business, which includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Pinterest, among many others. Study the behaviours of users per platform and customise your postings and responses based on those data.
4.) Engage influencers
A little help from online-savvy personalities can also boost your online presence and e-commerce transactions. Do affiliate marketing and reach out to bloggers and social media accounts that have a huge following. Establish relationships with them and partner with them in certain marketing campaigns. Allow them to test your products and services and engage them in making your offerings better and more visible to others.
5.) Create an email list
Although social media is powerful, there are so many messages coming in every second in these platforms that may dilute the communication stream. It is still effective to use emails in conveying your message to potential buyers or clients. Email is also a good way to personalise your communication to your audience and strengthen your relations with your existing customers. Employ email marketing alongside your social media plans to boost your presence online.
6.) Build an online community
In cyberspace, it is no longer a one-way street. There are many opportunities for dialogue and conversations. Create an avenue for your customers or clients to have an open communication line with you. Involve them in some of your projects. Listen to their feedback and respond to them right away so you can build trust between your brand and your market.
7.) Hold an online initiative
You can conduct a cyber sale event, contest, giveaway, social media parties, or other initiatives that can draw more people to your site and your business. Keep your audience and market interested in your brand through special projects that will excite them. It is good to have something for them to look forward to happening in your site throughout the year.
With the way technology is advancing to the future, there is no doubt that more and more businesses will be including e-commerce into their operations. If this is the path your venture wants to take, the critical part is to enter it fully prepared. Gather as many information as you can and consult with the experts. Then, assess how you can make the most of online selling and marketing and let it work to your advantage.