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Did you know that in 2017 e-commerce accounted for $2.3 trillion in sales? But there’s more. It is expected for this figure to hit $4.5 trillion in 2021. That’s three years from now and if you still haven’t jumped on the bandwagon of online sales, it is better late than never.
Although there is no precise data about the total number of the e-commerce companies, it is estimated that there are about 750,000 e-commerce companies globally. This makes your job of building a successful e-commerce startup quite a challenge.
How to stand out in such a crowd where some of the players have been there from the day one? Look at form the bright side, you have something they don’t: the beginner’s enthusiasm.
Don’t worry, we won’t let you navigate these cruel waters alone. Here are seven ways that will put your e-commerce startup into the spotlight.
Be unique
Even in the days when brick & mortar shops were the only options for making a purchase, a unique product would ensure you a steady profit. This is the way to go in the online niche as well.
However, uniqueness has a specific form in the e-commerce. The online world is a big place and it is expanding as we speak. You have to to be truly innovative in your approach to sales in order to capture buyers attention fast, to attract new and retain old and new customers. You need to master the art of highlighting the special features of your product as well as the skill of capitalizing on them. Understanding online consumers needs and desires in depth is crucial nowadays.
You are now most likely wondering who inside the company can help you with everything just listed above. Well, for that, you will need a talented chief marketing officer (CMO). CMO should have a deep understanding of merchandising, marketing, analytics, data and website design together with the ability to transform this pile of knowledge into a winning business strategy. Placing a good CMO in charge could really take your e-commerce game to another level.
Build an online presence
You can’t just set up a web page and then go missing until someone places the order. You should start working on your online reputation before you even launch your startup. Allow people to get to know the story and the people behind the business.
Small businesses usually have more success when they are working on a true connection with their audience. Tease people for revelations about your brand. Start interacting with customers early on.
Provide with the best experience
Establishing any kind of website, and then upgrade it later isn’t going to cut it. In fact, nearly 40 percent of the users leave the website they find unattractive. So do not settle for halfway solution. Build your website right, and do it right away.
Optimizing for mobile search and having an app are also imperative. Sure, this may require a substantial investment, unlike opting for a free domain or a Shopify store, but it is worthy of applying for startup funding from companies offering business loans or even the government.
Create a content marketing strategy
Have you ever thought about how many pages would you get if you could print out the whole Internet? Would they be enough to cover the entire planet? Probably. That’s why it is incredibly important to make sure the content you write is relevant and effective.
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That is not something that happens randomly. It requires a detailed strategy which must include research (of the audience, market, and the competition), ways to reach your targeted customers, trend analysis, topic coverage, title optimization, social engagement, search engine optimization tactics, and performance measurement (e.g., Google Analytics). Writing your own content is a must.
Have a diversified social media plan
Making it in today’s business world is unattainable without social media presence. However, you can’t get away with just any social media presence. You need to provide a two-way communication to your customers, and you need to do that by playing by the rules of each platform. For that, you will need a strategy designed for each of them, because Facebook and Instagram are nothing alike. If you don’t have enough staff and time to cover several platforms properly, it is best to stick to one, at least until you get there.
Personalize your marketing efforts
An average Facebook user will see dozens of e-commerce ads in just one hour spent on this social media platform. It is similar to every website out there. Make sure you are the one in the million by creating personalized marketing campaigns that appeal to your customers. Appealing to their generation or to them personally makes a huge difference. Reaching out to customers in their native language is another crucial part of the equation.
Implement a loyalty program
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Loyal customers should be awarded. First by being honest with them and being there for their praise and critics. Second by providing them with efficient service (which includes delivery as well). And third, by actually rewarding them. Loyalty programs bring more people to your website and motivate them to spend, which is a good thing for you too.
Wrapping up
In a way, e-commerce business is not very much different than old-fashioned brick & mortar shops. You need to provide a unique product, excellent experience, and value your customers.
However, in the modern time, being successful calls for constantly being in a marathon-style race with the trends and the competition.
Keep these seven tips in mind when you start your venture, and don’t be afraid of the big players out there. You have the advantage. Remember? You’re the beginner, so you can introduce fresh and creative ideas they haven’t even heard of.