The eCommerce industry has become increasingly popular in recent years. Why? It provides both entrepreneurs and consumers with a handful of benefits. For instance, business owners don’t need to build a brick-and-mortar store to sell certain products. On the other hand, consumers can perform online shopping at home, place their orders, and get the items delivered right at their doorsteps.
The eCommerce businesses have all the more boomed during the pandemic. Both entrepreneurs and consumers have gone digital due to the pandemic restrictions. eCommerce sales have spiked during the global crisis by having reached $26.7 trillion. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to do the hard work. There are a few variables to consider in growing your eCommerce business and boosting your sales.
Here are seven key factors to consider for the overall success of your eCommerce business:
1. Brand
When it comes to eCommerce business, the first thing to consider is your brand. Your brand isn’t only a reflection of your business image and identity. First, it must bespeak your business core, ideals, and philosophies. Second, it must resonate well with your target market.
More than just creating a brand name, a logo, designs, visual elements, and other business identifiers, be sure to convey a powerful message out of your branding. Ultimately, doing so can make a world of difference in your eCommerce business.
2. Business website
What is an online store without a business website? Having a website is a requirement for an eCommerce business. Sure, you may do business via social media channels and other digital platforms. However, it’s best to create an aesthetically appealing and highly functional website.
While at it, make sure it has an excellent user experience (UX) so that visitors will keep on coming back. Lastly, your site must be mobile-friendly. It must be responsive to all types of devices, whether desktops, laptops, or smartphones.
3. SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is deemed one of the pillars of digital marketing. You implement this strategy to boost your business’s online visibility and website traffic. The ultimate goal is to get the top ranking in the search engine results pages (SERP) environment.
The SEO process entails optimizing your website, incorporating relevant keywords in your content, and building links. Plus, don’t forget to optimize your website and content for the local search and voice search.
4. Digital marketing
Digital marketing has never been this important, especially during this pandemic. It is the best way to promote your brand and sell your products or services. There are a handful of online marketing strategies to implement for your eCommerce business.
On top of digital marketing is SEO, as mentioned above. An alternative to SEO is pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, where you must pay for every successful click. Other campaigns include email, content, and social media marketing for branding, promotion, and customer engagement.
5. Buying experience
The consumers’ buying experience can have an impact on your eCommerce business’ overall success. Be sure to provide personalized buying experiences, from the packaging to the shipping down to getting items delivered to the customer’s house.
For instance, you can offer discounts and exclusive deals for regular customers. Also, your eCommerce business will be more reliable if it ensures faster courier delivery to different parts of the world using courier services. Lastly, having a friendly website will augment the consumers’ buying experience.
6. Payment options
Did you know that there is a high cart abandonment in the eCommerce industry? If you don’t provide multiple payment options, imagine how your business will lose a big chunk of customers.
First, be sure to enable online payments using credit cards, debit cards, and other banking transactions. Second, allow the use of third-party payment vendors such as PayPal, Paytm, and Google Pay. Lastly, continue to offer offline payment options like the cash on delivery (COD) method.
7. Customer service
For the most part, customer service determines the overall business success. This applies all the more to the eCommerce business. As much as possible, you must keep both your regular and potential customers satisfied.
That said, you can achieve excellent customer service by having a robust platform for communication. Be sure to respond to their queries quickly and address their concerns promptly. Most importantly, be open to feedback as these can help you maintain or improve your eCommerce business.
At this point, you now know what factors to consider in boosting your eCommerce business. Take into account the essential variables discussed above-from your brand name and digital marketing to customer service. With all these in mind, you’ll set your eCommerce business in the right direction towards growth and expansion. Ultimately, you’ll see your business flourish and succeed, even amidst the pandemic.