Tips to Boost Your Ecommerce Business
It’s no surprise that e-retail is on the rise, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop any time soon. Making up for 14.1% of all retail sales in 2019, the industry is predicted to account for over a fifth of the total industry by the end of 2023.
However, while having everything online may seem easier compared to in-store retail, ecommerce requires a lot of attention. The key to succeeding in the industry lies within analysing statistics and market trends to stay ahead of the game.
Here are some ways in which you can make sure you’re standing out in the world of ecommerce.
1. Content
Good content needs attention to detail, sufficient knowledge of what you’re selling and high-quality writing skills. From video to blogging, when it comes to content you can use, there is a variety of forms you can use, with at least one of them suiting both yours and the customers’ needs.
Your target audience needs to be considered when creating content – who are you writing for? How old are they? What is their potential annual income? You can’t use the same language in all your posts as it’s not applicable to everyone. These are factors which determine the success of your output.
2. Search engine optimisation
In the process of creating your content, you need to consider how it will boost your attention. With search engine optimisation (SEO), your site will be easier to find through key words that are frequently searched alongside your product within written content.
But this process takes a lot of research (and patience) before becoming effective at increasing site traffic and sales, as you need to know which words to include and ensure they’re relevant to your business and offering.
3. Marketing and Advertising
By marketing your ecommerce business effectively, you’re giving yourself a leg up into the eyes of your audience. You can promote your offering in many ways, including videos, blogs, and social media. All of these will benefit your ecommerce business one way or another – from increasing your audience to boosting your online sales.
There are many strategies to think of using when choosing how to market your ecommerce business, like referral programmes or discounts which can be set up within DEAR. This is an option that can help build customer loyalty and ensure sales continue to roll in.
For different means of communication, try email. Platforms like MailChimp offer email templates for quick and direct forms of communication. Make sure you find what works for your business before investing in a particular form of marketing and investigate into business integrations that can help make this process seamless and easy.
4. Data Collection
Your data is the most valuable thing within your business. Not just your stock levels and overall costs, but your customer data too. To identify patterns which can show any shortcomings which can be improved upon, the ability to collect and analyse your data is imperative.
There are many tools which you can use to measure and collect data. Google Analytics tracks traffic on your site, while comparing versions of a web page (A/B testing) can be done on Optimizely. Different features on DEAR can also help you collate and analyse sales data, such as the types of products commonly sold, what each individual customer purchases from you, etc.
5. Data analytics
To collect data is half the battle won. Now, you need to find those patterns. With analytics, problems can be identified, solved and prevented.
Data analysis can be applied to sectors across your ecommerce business, such as marketing, pricing decisions and predicting revenue. By using tech to analyse the data you have (as well as giving informed reports afterwards), it eliminates the need for manpower when it comes to data analytics.
With a clear understanding of the figures you’ve collected, it’s important to maintain current statistics in your database. Retail accounting tools are helpful in this instance, as they give you up-to-date insights.
6. Artificial Intelligence
While on the topic of a need for less manpower, AI can help with the boring and repetitive tasks involved with customer service via chatrooms. As a result, there are lower costs and a reduction in human error.
AI can also help with the manufacturing process by helping with inventory and order management. There’s also a notable increase in efficiency, which can be identified in the automation of order processing, shipping and invoicing. These are just some of the key features of the DEAR system which makes it the go-to for businesses across a number of sectors, not just ecommerce.
7. Design
When selling online you don’t have the advantage of a fancy store front so your website needs to attract customers and engage them to purchase from you. You content and design need to work together seamlessly as 75% of shoppers claim they make a judgement about the credibility of a business if the design and layout of an ecommerce website isn’t up to scratch. Good user experience and design is crucial to not only interest in what you’re selling, but also converting visitors into sales.
8. Inventory Management Systems
Investing in an inventory management system like DEAR can help you manage a wide range of operations within your ecommerce business. From stock control and inventory to your order statuses and customer data. With clear data on what your customers are ordering, when stock is coming in and out of your warehouse and much more, you can automate much of your ecommerce business, helping you focus on growing those all important sales!
If you’re looking to streamline your current operations and want to transform your process with a system like DEAR, get in touch. We’re a DEAR Systems partner, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in understanding where your business is now, what challenges you have and how we can help you integrate your business with a future-thinking solution.
Want to learn more about DEAR? Check out our YouTube channel.