In modern times, one of the key elements to the success of any business is the prevalence of eCommerce. With 2017 figures suggesting that eCommerce was responsible for between $427 billion and $443 billion in terms of sales.
With promising numbers like these, many retailers are considering an eCommerce business. It doesn’t matter if you’re expanding your current business or just starting off… You should consider the advantages of eCommerce first.
Why should I sell online?
Ease of access
Unlike traditional retail, your eCommerce store can be up and running in just a few clicks (if you’re looking for a basic store.) eCommerce platforms like Shopify let you use pre-made templates to create your store. Marketplaces like Amazon or eBay just require you to set up an account before you start selling.
Build Online Trust
Purchasing online becomes easier and easier as the Internet evolves. Use opt-in incentives like free reports or an informative newsletter to gather email addresses, and start off your targeted marketing efforts by building rapport.
Facebook is a great place to begin, as it has excellent targeted marketing algorithms, and the email address you’ll get via a social media opt-in path is much more valuable than one you might get through traditional email or other opt-in methods.
Once you’ve got your customer interested and opting in, your goal is to earn that coveted first order. Once you earn a customer’s first order, you have the opportunity to really benefit from the current climate of internet purchasing ease.
You now have a relationship with the customer, and you can nurture that relationship. Build on that first sale and offer additional products and services to establish a sales funnel.
Lose Your Single-Product Mindset
One common issue new e-commerce retailers run into is thinking in terms of one product. In other words, you might be thinking that your customer will come to your site and purchase just one product from you. This is a limiting mindset that is keeping you from making money!
Think about Amazon for a moment; it implements the perfect solution for this really well. When you add a product to your cart, it immediately lets you know that others who bought that item also bought certain other items.
What else might a customer or client need after buying your first product?
Deliver Quickly
Last but not least, make sure you get your product or service to your customer as quickly as possible. We live in a “microwave society.” Everyone wants to push a button and have it done in 30 seconds.
The faster you ship products to your customers, the more quickly their “itch” is satisfied and, typically, the faster they’ll come back to you.
If you are looking to set up an online store speak to our Manchester e-commerce team, we’re ready to help you out.
