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All About eCommerce Marketing Automation: How and When To Utilize Automation Software, Benefits, and Best Marketing Automation Software To Deploy in 2024

All About eCommerce Marketing Automation: How and When To Utilize Automation Software, Benefits, and Best Marketing Automation Software To Deploy in 2024

There is simply a lot to do when running your own business. It's important to interact on various platforms, talk to customers, and display the appropriate content on the website. The best eCommerce stores employ marketing automation to automate each of these activities. According to studies, marketing automation is used by 49% of eCommerce companies. As a result, you and your marketing staff will save a tonne of time each month, which is a significant advantage. Additionally, you might significantly boost your revenue by better optimising your marketing initiatives. You might not have enough time to manually send SMS, email, or chat messages to your clients or leads, for instance. But with automation, you can communicate with each user at the most advantageous moment and in the most effective manner. According to studies, the likelihood of a user making a purchase increases by 287% when they are engaged across three or more eCommerce platforms. This article will explain eCommerce marketing automation in detail and show you how to employ it within your business. What is eCommerce Marketing Automation? eCommerce marketing automation is a term that describes software that increases a business's productivity by automating routine marketing operations and workflows. As a result, you may concentrate more on other aspects of your business by using marketing automation to put chores like lead management, email nurturing, and remarketing advertisements on autopilot. Marketing frequently entails repeating the same actions or tracking the same data. As a result, the individual handling it may become frustrated and spend their capacity on tedious activities. eCommerce marketing automation frees human personnel to handle other business activities or administer sales and operations. [contactus_gynoveda] Advantages Of Marketing Automation For eCommerce Businesses There are many advantages to implementing eCommerce marketing automation software for your business, which can help you grow your organization. And in this section, we've covered a few of the most essential and valuable advantages of eCommerce marketing automation that can support your company's expansion. Reduces Manual Mistakes Errors and blunders are inevitable while performing your job manually. However, you can eliminate manual errors and make sure that your campaigns are always successful by utilising eCommerce marketing automation. Therefore, you'll be able to streamline your marketing workflows, save time, and eliminate errors by utilising marketing automation. Time-Saving Saving time and streamlining your marketing efforts are two significant advantages of automating your marketing process. With the use of solutions that automate social media posts, abandoned shopping cart alerts, email campaigns, and other marketing tasks, you'll be able to spend less time on tedious jobs and more time on tactical endeavors that will expand your company. Average Order Value Increases Ecommerce marketing automation can also help you raise your average order value, which is a fantastic advantage. You can entice customers to add more goods to their basket and spend more on each purchase by using automation technologies to send targeted upsell and cross-sell offers. This can significantly affect your revenue and aid in the long-term expansion of your e-commerce firm. Additionally, eCommerce marketing automation may assist you with real-time campaign optimization and overall results improvement. Marketing automation solutions can help you achieve your goals to improve sales, build brand recognition, or draw more customers into your business. Enhances Consumer Engagement eCommerce marketing automation can also increase engagement and conversions by automatically distributing relevant content to leads and consumers. Owning a business necessitates regular communication with clients and other companies. As a result, you should consider investing in practical, cost-effective platforms like Constant Contact or some of its top competitors that can automate your email follow-ups, scheduling, and other tasks. You may keep your audience interested in your brand and raise the possibility that they'll shop at your store by delivering customised emails at the appropriate moment. Improved Audience Targeting Automation also makes it easier for you to target particular consumer segments with greater accuracy in your eCommerce fulfillment services. You can divide the audiences on your email list into groups based on their interests and demographics, then send them tailored, targeted emails. This allows you to design campaigns pertinent to your target audience's wants and needs, increasing lead conversion and sales. Nurture Your Clientele You can cultivate your leads with eCommerce marketing automation by engaging with them consistently, which can help you do the same for leads and customers over time. You may strengthen the bonds with your audience and raise the chances that they'll shop at your store again by using automated technologies to give them educational content, special deals, or other materials. Improved Consumer Insights Consumer analysis is essentially made easy by marketing automation. You get consumer data, such as email addresses, dates of birth, and product preferences, every time someone subscribes to an email newsletter or buys something. Follow-up surveys might assist you in gathering further data. Additionally, you can monitor user engagement, including bounce rates, popular pages, time spent on your website, busy hours of the day, monthly unique visitors, and visitor location. All of those insights can be used to create more successful marketing initiatives. Enhancing Workflows Every touchpoint in the customer journey should deliver a tailored experience, according to customers. Unfortunately, that isn't easy to do when data needs to be integrated and supplied to every company's marketing tool. Therefore, it's crucial to design automated workflows transporting consumer data. Automated workflows include return operations, shipping notifications & delivery notifications, and marketing communication for new consumers. Types Of eCommerce Marketing Automations The most popular kinds of marketing automation campaigns that are appropriate for utilization by eCommerce businesses are listed below. Automating Email Marketing Business owners can plan the delivery of personalised emails to customers by automating emails. It spares internet marketers the added work of creating and sending new emails whenever a customer expresses interest in a brand or for marketing promotion objectives. For instance, sending automated emails with suggestions for similar things that a consumer has purchased from a website or reminding a customer who placed an order but neglected to complete the transaction. It's a tested method of customising the user experience. You can develop a segmented mailing list using email automation to strengthen the bond between your consumers and your company. According to studies, email is the preferred communication method for 60% of customers, making it the most efficient tool for lead generation and brand engagement. Businesses can use email automation to build segmented subscriber email lists based on information from customer relationship management systems. Increased sales and revenue enables eCommerce marketers to convert prospects into customers. Omnichannel Automation In contrast to traditional marketing techniques, omnichannel automation places the client at the center of all campaign activity. To offer a more individualised customer experience, this comprehensive multi-channel strategy incorporates the seamless integration of offline touchpoints and digital marketing channels like email marketing, SMS, and social media posts. Omnichannel automation's primary goal is to enable customers to interact with brands on their terms, independent of the media. Customers frequently start their buying journeys via one media before switching to another. By building a linked process that enables organisations to engage with customers regardless of channel, the omnichannel fulfillment strategy delivers a cohesive experience. For instance, a brand's website and social media pages will notice if a customer starts shopping on its mobile app. In addition, the customer will receive reminders across all platforms even days after starting the purchase. Related Article: Omnichannel Order Management for Retailers Automated Analytics for Customers It is the procedure of gathering and studying user data from numerous channels. These analytics provide the practical knowledge required to develop strategies around the goods and services that clients from a particular group are interested in. The automatic customer analytics tool can be beneficial for: Retaining ConsumersHigher level of consumer involvementChoosing the appropriate marketReducing acquisition expenses Knowing your customers' preferences is one of your most critical goals, regardless of the medium used. Businesses may visualise data in real-time and gain a deeper understanding of their customer's thanks to customer analytic solutions. How To Utilize Marketing Automation Software in eCommerce? The advantages of e-commerce marketing automation are now known, so let's look more closely at what it can accomplish for your company. The purposes and applications of marketing automation in e-commerce are numerous, and just a few are listed here. Emails To Rescue Abandoned Carts Despite having the intention to buy something, clients frequently become distracted and abandon your website after adding the products to the cart. As a result, customers abandon their online carts at an average rate of 69%. To get their attention back, in this case, you can use automation to send them abandoned cart rescue emails. Captivate New Clients By surprising potential customers and enticing them to continue engaging with your brand, you can use your initial campaign to draw new leads to your company. The key at this point is attractive, pertinent, and engaging content, whether it be shared via social media, a lead magnet like a free ebook, or a competition for new subscribers. Marketing automation platforms offer drag-and-drop editors and various eCommerce-specific templates to simplify creating content. Use this to your advantage by providing your audience with enticing material. Then, draw them closer by offering a simple sign-up option (via pop-ups, for instance) for email and SMS campaigns. Win-back Campaigns You may also use eCommerce marketing automation to re-engage clients who haven't interacted with your business recently. You can re-engage these clients and persuade them to do more business with you by sending automated emails with unique offers or other niche content. If you want to expand your eCommerce firm, use win-back programmes, which can be an effective marketing tactic. Instantaneous Communications eCommerce businesses can also employ marketing automation solutions to enable real-time interactions and maintain constant contact with the audience. eCommerce marketing automation technologies make it simple to rapidly reply to consumer feedback, solve customer inquiries and problems, or offer individualised service. You could, for instance, design an automated email pipeline that sends an email immediately after a user interacts with your website. As a result, eCommerce businesses may offer a better customer experience and raise the possibility that customers will do business with them in the future using real-time communications. Engage Existing Consumers Recurring clients are essential for business growth since they raise revenues by 25–95% with a 5% increase in customer retention. In addition, you have won their faith and trust since they have previously demonstrated their desire to buy your stuff. By making it simple to provide exciting material automatically, marketing automation can help increase brand loyalty. In addition to boosting customer lifetime value (LTV) and your bottom line, setting up a post-purchase email campaign for consumers who have already made a purchase can foster brand community building and encourage them to view you as a "lifestyle choice" rather than a one-time buy. Gather Customer Feedback Social proof is a must for eCommerce companies. You may quickly create social proof by creating an automatic email or SMS inviting clients to post reviews. You can gather new customer reviews by strategically timing and creatively approaching this workflow, encouraging new customers to trust your brand and purchase. Source 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-commerce Marketing Automation Platform Marketers can access many marketing automation systems, but not all are created equal. This section will focus on how selecting the appropriate software can mean the difference between success and failure. When trying to choose software for your company, there are several factors to consider, including: Features Of the Product Asking yourself questions will help you assess whether a software package provides the required capabilities. For example, what specific tasks must the software perform for you? Does it hold up against the software that your rivals are using? Will it be compatible with the tools you already have? Remember that any new software should help your decision-makers do their duties more effectively and maintain the centralization of your organisation. User Experience As it is essential to your daily operations, this is one of the most important characteristics of this kind of software. Make sure the software you choose is user-friendly, responsive, and intuitive. This implies that it shouldn't be overly tricky while enabling hassle-free switching between the tools, functions, tabs, marketing communications, etc. Related Article: How to improve Mobile Shopping Experience? Technical Assistance If you experience any technical issues or questions regarding the programme, you should contact your marketing automation platform developer as soon as possible. The most popular assistance methods are live chats, emails, and phone calls. They should be dependable, responsive, and accessible throughout business hours, if not around-the-clock, to ensure that you do not lose any business due to technological difficulties. Cost The best action is to select marketing automation software that is both cost-efficient and effective for your company. Many vendors impose hidden costs for extra features that you might not require. Weigh your automation equipment accurately to be safe and avoid burning a hole in your wallet. Integration Pay close attention when selecting a platform that is right for your company to ensure that it will integrate easily with the systems you already have. For instance, when using marketing automation for an agency, you might need to confirm that it is compatible with your customer relationship management system and any software you use for tailored communications. Scalability How much you can do before needing a different solution depends on the software's scalability. An expandable platform will also enable your business to expand, cutting overhead costs and obviating future software upgrades requiring a new onboarding and training procedure. 5 Best eCommerce Marketing Automation Software and Platforms in 2024 There are countless platforms and tools for automation, and each one is the finest. Let's examine the most widely used marketing software programmes and their differences. Hubspot Source For a good reason, Hubspot is a household name in e-commerce marketing. Hubspot is an innovative and user-friendly tool that can assist you in creating landing sites and forms, publishing a company blog, managing your social media profiles, creating email campaigns, and generating leads. In addition, Hubspot is a fantastic option for most online shops because it connects with various well-known eCommerce systems, including BigCommerce. Hubspot has a range of pricing options, from free to thousands of dollars each month (ideal for enterprise-level companies with hundreds of thousands of customers).  Omnisend Source Omnisend, which targets eCommerce marketing enthusiasts, excels at segmentation and personalisation. The detailed reports provided by this programme make it simple to divide subscribers into groups and deliver them personalised ads regularly. Furthermore, with Omnisend, you can automate emails based on various trigger events, such as customer site behaviour, birthdays, and abandoned shopping carts. A leader in the marketing software market, Omnisend has features like a drag-and-drop newsletter builder, a popup builder, and split testing possibilities. In addition, Omnisend integrates with SMS texting, enabling businesses to contact customers with shipping updates and promotional offers. Constant Contact Source Constant Contact is powerful marketing automation and email marketing system that aids companies in improving their email and social media advertising skills for consumer acquisition, conversion, and retention. When new leads are interested in your brand, it automatically sends a targeted welcome email. You can assist your company produce more effective and intelligent email marketing with Constant Contact, saving time while expanding your company. integrates with Facebook, Google, Salesforce, Office 365, and WordPress It automatically delivers personalised abandoned cart emails to clients who have left things in their cart; it recovers lost purchases. It allows you to quickly drag & drop products and email discount coupons from your store. With constant contact, you can also use social media to connect with new audiences and make it simple for users to locate you on Facebook and Instagram, increasing traffic to your website. Marketo Source Marketo is a high-end marketing automation system that can scale swiftly for any company looking to expand quickly and effectively. All firms who want to increase their digital marketing efforts can use this cloud-based marketing tool. Through strategies including search marketing, landing pages, online personalization, forms, social media, and behaviour tracking, Marketo facilitates lead generation by appealing to and engaging new consumers from the beginning of their customer journey. It personalises lead experiences, turns them into customers, and scales cross-channel using automated campaigns. It supports real-time and batch-triggered emails, automatic lead behaviour segmentation, and mobile marketing capabilities to reach clients wherever they are. Most CRM systems are compatible with Marketo, enabling you to recognise your most valuable prospects and quickly alert your sales staff. Then, your sales team can concentrate more on converting prospects rather than wasting time on ineffective contacts. Leads Squared Source This marketing automation software automates lead monitoring, nurturing and management for B2B and B2C businesses. LeadSquared is more akin to an automated tool for the one-customer journey that is mainly devoted to the lead nurturing stage of the procedure. The gadget design makes it possible to acquire more new clients quickly by accelerating the flow of information through the funnel. Workflows based on triggers for communicating with prospects can be created fast. For example, with Leadsquared, you may contact your clients via their preferred channels, such as email, text, WhatsApp, phone calls, or self-service portals, in response to their activities and inquiries or regularly. Conclusion The eCommerce industry lives and breathes automation. Delegating tedious tasks to extremely effective software promotes meaningful and individualised customer connection. This improves conversion, customer acquisition and retention, and marketing strategy, keeping online marketers at the top of their game. Correct eCommerce marketing automation strategies combined with intelligent software selection will help your company expand quickly. [signup] Marketing Automation FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions What function does marketing automation serve?Employing software to automate tedious, repetitive marketing tasks is known as marketing automation. Businesses use automation to generate leads, close deals and maintain client relationships. For example, when a company requires new sales leads, they would advertise in the media, on TV, and the radio. Is marketing automation genuinely effective?For small firms, marketing automation has the potential to be a game-changer. It aids in lead scoring, sorting, and nurturing throughout the sales cycle, increasing conversions by focusing on clients with the greatest likelihood of making a purchase. But more than that, it enables you to lead the life of your dreams. What are the best Marketing Automation tools?The best Marketing Automation tools vary based on the needs and budget of an organization. Some popular Marketing Automation tools include HubSpot, Marketo, and leadsquared. How can Marketing Automation improve customer experience?Marketing Automation can improve the customer experience by allowing organizations to personalize their communications and interactions with customers. This creates a more relevant and meaningful experience for the customer, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. What is a sales automation tool?Sales teams employ automation tools to automate every step of the sales process more effectively, from prospecting and lead nurturing to closing. These solutions automate many tasks, including order processing, contact and customer management, sales forecasting, and much more.

October 01, 2022

What are eCommerce Website Builders? A Guide to the 10 Best Website Builders for Your eCommerce Website in 2024

What are eCommerce Website Builders? A Guide to the 10 Best Website Builders for Your eCommerce Website in 2024

Each and every successful online store begins the same way - with eCommerce website builders. With the help of these tools, anyone can easily start an online store by creating a website from scratch. Therefore, you'll need to choose the best eCommerce website builder to develop your online store if you're interested in selling goods or services on the internet. To get started, you don't need any prior site design knowledge. Take a look at the suggestions below to find a solution that meets your needs in 2024. What are eCommerce Website Builders? A complete software package for building eCommerce websites of any size and scope is known as an eCommerce website builder. The best eCommerce website builder tools offer plug-and-play solutions that speed up the time it takes to customize or design websites for firms. Brands may find end-to-end solutions to launch, manage and expand their businesses using an online store builder that is built on cutting-edge technology and has a wealth of features and tools. The quickest and simplest method to start selling online is using eCommerce website builders. On a single platform, these systems cover inventory, payments, eCommerce shipping, and every other aspect of running an online store. Whether you're expanding your current store online or opening a new online business from scratch, you can use eCommerce website builders to enhance the capabilities of your eCommerce website. [contactus_gynoveda] 4 Ways to Identify the Best Ecommerce Website Builder For You Ease of Use  You may have little to no experience developing websites if this is your first attempt at an eCommerce site. Additionally, building a website from scratch without any experience with coding or web design might be difficult. You should look for an eCommerce platform that makes it simple to build an attractive yet effective website, even if you have no experience with coding. Drag-and-drop eCommerce website builders that allow for easy customization enable quicker launches while also saving you money and time. An eCommerce website can cost more than $10,000 to construct. Even if your requirements are more complicated, such as having numerous online storefronts or a large number of products, you still want a website builder with an easy learning curve. Effective website builders streamline the procedure. For instance, Wix leverages potent AI technology to assist you in building a website from scratch.  Many websites use drag-and-drop technology to make website customization simple. Examples include Squarespace and Zyro. By doing this, you can alter the design of your website without writing a single line of code. Depth of Customization While looking for simple-to-use eCommerce website builders, we also wanted to ensure that individuals who desired more in-depth customization for their site could do so. The best eCommerce website builder solutions should offer a tonne of tools and features that can help you customize your website. To design the ideal website for your company, Shopify, for instance, offers a huge variety of connectors and plugins, like Google and Facebook integrations, email marketing tools and live chatbots. Integrations with social media might be especially useful if you want to run an omnichannel eCommerce business. Consider checking out websites like Shopify and BigCommerce if that's something you're interested in. For instance, selling on Facebook, selling on Instagram, Pinterest, Google Shopping, eBay, Amazon and other platforms is a feature included with any BigCommerce subscription. You need simple connectors with your logistics/shipping systems and warehouse management system if you have a warehouse with inventory. These platforms also allow for personalization using SEO tools. With suggestions as you edit your site, several services like Wix, Shopify and Weebly assist you in creating web pages and content that are Google-friendly.  These tools frequently take the shape of plugins or dashboard elements and are optional. Overall, if you want to use SEO marketing as a part of your growth strategy, it can be tremendously helpful. Additionally, these websites' templates allow for varying degrees of customization. Make sure they provide you with the options you require to meet your brand’s requirements. Quality and Variety of Templates For you to quickly design a fantastic website for your eCommerce business, eCommerce website builders should offer a selection of themes. We examined two areas that are important for the best eCommerce website builder to have: Quality: Make sure the offered templates are enticing and visually pleasing. We think it's preferable to provide a dozen truly lovely templates as opposed to a hundred generic ones.Variety: While templates need to look attractive, you also should desire a good selection from which to choose. This ensures that eCommerce website builders can work well with your distinct brand and won't make you appear to be a carbon copy of others. Each platform provides a different set of templates, often very different ones. For instance, Squarespace places a lot of attention on graphics, including vivid and eye-catching images, exquisite artwork and stunning design. Squarespace is a no-brainer if your eCommerce website sells a lot of goods that produce powerful visuals (such as firms that deal in photography and fine art). Secure Systems for Payments Customers want to feel secure while making purchases from you, whether it's providing their credit card number or their mailing address. Make sure to pick eCommerce website builders that not only provide secure payment methods but also give consumers a variety of payment options so that you can install the payment processors of your choosing. The features and advantages provided by the best eCommerce website builder will assist in turning payments into a tactical advantage for your company. Additional Considerations  Other factors should be taken into consideration as well, but they need not be deciding factors. They should be mentioned since they can be significant to you.  Customer Service: Customer service that responds fast is important, so make sure the eCommerce website builder you select has this capability. After all, you'll want a problem to be resolved right away if your website fails in the middle of a product launch.Reporting and Analytics: You will need to monitor the engagement and traffic to your website. You can enhance the functionality of your website by understanding this data.Email Integration: You need a branded email address utilizing your eCommerce store's domain if you intend to scale your business and take branding seriously. You can build a customized email address or buy one from certain services, like Wix.Pricing: Pricing is crucial. Shortlist a service that falls in line with your financial capabilities. For example, although a builder like Shopify may be on a more expensive scale, their costs are reasonable given their high standards and comprehensive services. Top 10 eCommerce Website Builders in 2024 Shopify Source The quickest and safest way to launch your company online is with Shopify. With Shopify's eCommerce platform, you can easily create an online store without knowing how to code or having a large budget. Over a million businesses use Shopify, which is renowned for its low prices, gorgeous website designs and practical marketing tools. If you want to start to sell on a Shopify store, you can select from more than 100 expert designs that come with built-in features like SSL certificates, domain hosting, custom domains, abandoned cart recovery and other strong tools to help you attract clients, close deals and run your daily business. Through Shopify's native partner integrations, you can sell an unlimited number of products through your online store and on several marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay and Etsy. Features More than 100 premium themes produced by eminent designers like Happy Cog and Pixel UnionA built-in mobile commerce shopping cart enables customers to make purchases using any smartphone or tabletFull access to the HTML and CSS of your store, allowing you to completely personalize every part of your eCommerce website.Stores with search engine optimization to make it easier for online prospects to find youSimple inventory management to keep track of stock levels and halt product sales when inventory is depleted Related Read: How to fulfill Shopify orders? 3dcart Source For retailers looking to sell online, 3dcart is a straightforward shopping cart. Although it doesn't have as many capabilities as other website builders like Shopify or Wix, it is a top choice for store owners that need to establish an online presence quickly due to its affordable price, effective sales reporting and mobile-responsive themes. Although 3dcart includes several useful eCommerce tools, you don't have a lot of creative control over your stores. There aren't many templates and using the builder might be challenging. Features No coding is necessary for the integration of all 160+ payment alternatives to your storeMore than 90 free templates are available to launch your websiteIntegrated SEO features raise your website's search exposureNotifications of abandoned carts aid in recouping lost salesSuitable Zapier integrations are available to increase the reach of your store Weebly Source Weebly is a simple online storefront builder powered by Square. Small to medium-sized enterprises that want a simple web store and don't want to spend much time maintaining it should use this eCommerce website builder. Weebly is a good choice if you're a novice user who doesn't want to get bogged down with any technical details. On Weebly, anyone can create a website for no cost. However, until you purchase a plan, you won't be able to use your own domain name or remove the grating advertisements. Real-time delivery and coupons are two elements that the free plan does offer, but if you want more advanced functionality, you'll need to purchase a premium plan. Owners of businesses who accept payments through Square can also visit Square's website. Similar to Weebly, you can quickly create a professional, vanilla eCommerce website. Features Easy-to-use tool for managing websites and controlling orders and inventoryProvides mobile-friendly websites that use bulk inventory functions to modify large batches of products and import/export dataTo create promotions in your store, you can use a straightforward coupon maker (for paid plans)Has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builderThe media library will guide you through creating a website Squarespace Source Squarespace is the next eCommerce website builder on the list. Its drag-and-drop builder makes it simple to use, even for those without much technical expertise. Similar to Wix, there may be a slight learning curve when putting up an online store because it was originally designed as a standard website builder rather than an online selling platform. For the first step in developing your store, Squarespace provides you with well-designed templates. You can match your brand's colours, text and images once you've selected a template. However, unless you subscribe to a paid plan, you are unable to make any online sales. You can only accept payments via Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay and Afterpay while utilizing Squarespace as your eCommerce platform. When you subscribe to the Commerce Advanced plan, you can offer subscriptions and gift cards. You can always convert your standard website into an online store if you don't want to deal with setting up Squarespace's eCommerce features. You may add the Shopify Buy Button (a brief embeddable piece of code) for $5/month, giving you access to more than 100 payment choices, sales and growth tracking, straightforward shipping connections, currency compatibility and other features. Features To design your store, you can use a drag-and-drop builder with customizable templates and basic layoutsImage scaling and automatically responsive web designs are the normsSpecialized WYSIWYG editing to support many content kinds and intricate layouts is availableHas the capacity to sell an infinite number of goodsEnables automatic email sequences following purchasesProvides extensions in finance, marketing, shipping and sales BigCommerce Source BigCommerce is a platform for building web storefronts for large businesses. For tech-savvy business owners who wish to scale, it offers web hosting and a tonne of customization choices. You must purchase a domain name elsewhere and link it to your store since you cannot acquire a domain name through BigCommerce. The more complex aspects of BigCommerce include international selling capabilities, SEO software and optimized stores and multichannel sales capabilities on social and online marketplaces. BigCommerce's lack of flexibility and simple layout were big limitations, according to retailers like Grace & Lace. Grace & Lace opted to switch to Shopify Plus, Shopify's enterprise offering, after attempting to use the platform.  Features Drag-and-drop website page editing using a visual editor is availableHas themes with customizability made using HTML, CSS and JavascriptEnables customizable checkout processes using the server-to-server checkout API and SDKPayment choices using digital wallets include Amazon Pay, Apple Pay and othersCross-channel shopping on websites like Amazon and Google Shopping is availableSupport for many currencies and languages for international sales Wix Source Through its user-friendly website builder, Wix is attracting multiple online retailers. You can construct an online store that suits your demands with Wix's simple drag-and-drop builder. To make it simple for you to get online, Wix offers customizable templates, domain name registration and web hosting. The main disadvantage? Even though you can create an online store for free, you can't start selling anything unless you upgrade to a paid plan. A few useful tools are available on Wix to assist you to run your online store. You can create abandoned cart campaigns, track orders, collect payments online and sell through a variety of platforms. However, several essential inventory management services, like low-stock notifications, tax calculators and dropshipping capacities, are not included in Wix's basic account, similar to most other eCommerce website builders. You'll need eCommerce software with more efficient inventory-tracking tools if you have a large inventory. Features Easy-to-use editing platform for creating your online storeTemplates that may be modified to fit your website, from storefront to checkoutIntegrations to support sales on eBay, Google Shopping, Facebook and InstagramFree SSL certificate to safeguard client data and transactionsProduct pages with SEO optimization perform better in search resultsThe capability of importing inventory data from CSV files into your business GoDaddy Source GoDaddy provides is one of the most renowned eCommerce website builders that has built-in capabilities for SEO and email marketing campaigns but its features aren't very robust. Even though you can launch your website quickly, a GoDaddy website can only support the sale of up to 1,500 products. Therefore, GoDaddy wouldn't be the best eCommerce website builder for you if scalability is what you're searching for. Features More than 100 mobile-friendly designs for eCommerce websitesIntegrations with social media platforms like Facebook and InstagramAutomatic control of sales and inventory across all platforms and marketsMany methods of payment, including Google Pay and VenmoConnection between retail and internet enterprises WooCommerce Source WooCommerce allows you the freedom to control website features like shipping integrations, secure payments and inventory and tax management. Similar to WordPress, thousands of WordPress plug-ins, themes and other extensions made specifically for WooCommerce can be used to expand the platform’s functionalities. If you need to make complex adjustments to your WooCommerce store, you can readily use its well-known and vast pool of developers. Features Mobile-friendly stores to make your products seem beautiful on any device that supports HTML5 which were specifically developed for WordPress and are connected to its environmentTotal control over customer and corporate data; no third-party software is allowedAccess to 350+ contributors worldwide100% open source for total control over the design and functionality of your website Volusion Source Volusion is known for being one of the best eCommerce website builders. To observe how your online business is performing and where to make improvements, you can quickly access and analyze inventory and statistics. Its stores also include a built-in "recommended products" feature. Volusion's inability to support the sale of digital goods is a drawback. So you should think about using a different builder if you want to sell music, art or ebooks. Features Drag-and-drop content blocks for reviews, photographs, texts and other types of content to alter page layoutsNone of Volusion's plans have any transaction feesMobile consumers can use responsive themesCSS editor to customize specific website parts to fit your company's requirementsOptions for recurring pricing for subscription businesses Zyro Source For those who lack the patience to develop a website from scratch, Zyro is one of the most useful eCommerce website builders. It allows you to quickly and easily create a small website. Numerous eCommerce options are available, including a drag-and-drop builder with 24 expertly created themes. You can start an online store in less than an hour. Features Web elements can be added, edited and removed using a drag-and-drop editor and grid functionality Designer templates can be modified to meet specific business requirementsYou can manage emails, special offers and coupon codes with a simple CRMEasy campaign launches with advanced reporting and integrations with technologies like Kliken, MoneyData and Google Analytics are availableA single dashboard for customer service, tracking and inventory Conclusion It's time to try out your options after learning what your requirements are when looking for the best eCommerce website builder. Although each choice has advantages and disadvantages, you now hopefully have a better understanding of which store builder is appropriate for your company. Your firm can grow by using expert eCommerce website builders to make your website look attractive and run smoothly. With so many free eCommerce website builders to choose from, you're sure to discover the finest one for creating an online store that you're proud of, impresses visitors and generates sales on its own. If you need assistance with fulfilling orders across multiple platforms, you can consider partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is an eCommerce fulfillment company that provides a wide range of fulfillment services such as inventory storage, last-mile delivery, reverse logistics and much more. Additionally, our custom WMS can integrate with multiple eCommerce selling platforms and will consolidate all your order and inventory data in one single dashboard. eCommerce Website Builders: FAQs What is the price of building your own eCommerce website?Make use of an eCommerce website builder to get started if you want to create a free online store. Many platforms, like Shopify, provide you with a 14-day free trial, giving you time to build the finest online store for your company before you have to start paying. Is setting up an online store simple?Yes. You can utilize well-designed templates to launch your store in a matter of minutes with storefront builders. To make your store more representative of your business, you can alter the colors, text, graphics, layouts, and more. Do free eCommerce website builders exist?A brief free trial, a free plan, or a free-to-build option are typically offered by eCommerce site builders, but most demand a subscription plan in order to continue selling. Platforms vary in terms of costs and programs. Do I need coding skills in order to use a website builder?One advantage of using website builders is that entrepreneurs may design stunning shops without having a deep understanding of coding. Drag-and-drop tools, simple uploads and templates used by eCommerce shop builders make the building process easier and take care of the labor-intensive tasks for you.

September 30, 2022

11 Easy Steps to Start an Online Store in 2024 [A Beginner’s Guide for Offline Retailers & Aspiring Entrepreneurs]

11 Easy Steps to Start an Online Store in 2024 [A Beginner’s Guide for Offline Retailers & Aspiring Entrepreneurs]

Online sales are taking on greater importance in today's society. Every year, eCommerce accounts for a larger and larger percentage of online retail sales. Additionally, more brick-and-mortar businesses are contemplating online selling as more customers turn to online merchants and marketplaces. Online selling is by no means simple, even though it is necessary. Establishing, marketing, and starting an online store is a huge task for most sellers. Therefore, we've put together a list of stages to start an online store that will also aid you in your transition into online selling. Why Should You Consider to Start an Online Store? More and more consumer spending is now being accounted for via eCommerce each year. Because more individuals are at ease with online purchasing, your pool of potential clients grows yearly. 22% of all retail sales worldwide will be made through eCommerce by 2024. If you don't start an online store, you could lose revenue from people who prefer to purchase online. You should start an online store for various reasons, though! There are numerous extra advantages to setup an online store for your business. An online store can help you with the following: Expands Your Customer Base Internationally You can sell your goods internationally or nationally when you do so online. Thanks to this business model, you will be able to reach clients that were previously out of your reach. Gives Customers the Option to Shop from Home Today's consumers are altering how they interact with brands. Nowadays, consumers like to do their product research online before buying. Then, when you set up an online store, customers can compare your products to your rivals. Enhances Your Business's Legitimacy Setting up a website and starting an online store for your company offers a professional appearance. If your store has a solid online presence, customers are more likely to believe in it. Enables Customer Reviews Many online retailers provide customers with the opportunity to write reviews for the goods they've purchased. These client testimonials reassure prospective buyers that your products are good and could encourage more purchases. Suggested Read: Why customer feedback's are important? Social Sharing of Products Allows Customers To Share Products On Social Media: If you have an online business, each of your products has a unique URL. This enables customers to share your products on social media. Hopefully, this will help your products get in front of more people. Protection Against Natural Disaster Having an online store gives your company an extra sales channel and an extra layer of security. You will still be able to sell your goods even if your shop needs to close for whatever reason. Suggested Read: Multiple Channel Selling Platforms [contactus_uth] Types of Products For You to Start an Online Store Online retailers can offer three primary categories of eCommerce goods.  Tangible Products As the name suggests, they are tangible items that must be produced, warehoused, and sent to clients. Selling physical products might be lucrative, but your profit margins may be minimal if you don't control your operating costs efficiently. Digital Downloads A customer can download anything to their device, such as eBooks, audiobooks, online courses, etc., and can be sold as a digital product. Higher profit margins are available for digital goods (compared to physical goods). But because they are frequently thought of as having less worth than tangible goods, pricing them can be challenging. Services Online sales are possible for almost any distant service. The quickest way to establish an online business is to sell services (and turn a profit). However, the business concept involves you selling your time. As a result, your earning potential is constrained since you only have a certain number of hours each day. Unless you grow into an agency, that is. Step By Step Guide on How to Start an Online Shopping Store in 2024 Starting an online store can help your business succeed. However, it is unclear to many merchants how to setup an online store.  Check out the 11 easy step-by-step guide on how to setup an online store below. Decide on the Business Structure Make sure your new business is legal before you start an online store. Though it's not the easiest step, incorporation is a requirement for your company. If something goes wrong, your assets are also protected by a legally valid organisation recognised by the government. It also facilitates: Your tax bill reducedEasily obtain business fundingSeparate and maintain your personal and professional credit ratings.   For new business owners, typical organisational models include: Sole proprietorship An unincorporated business has no legal separation between the owner and the business. It is the easiest to setup and run and qualifies as a non-employer business. The primary source of income for almost 40% of small business owners is a non-employer firm. Partnership A single company having two or more proprietors is called a partnership. Each owner contributes to the company through money, assets, labour, or expertise. Partners split costs and earnings. Limited Liability Company (LLC) A hybrid business form, LLC, combines partnerships with corporations' liability protection. Choose a Niche and Develop a Business Plan You must identify the market niche you wish to sell in before selecting your products. By specifying your niche, you may position your store differently by ensuring that you make product choices and build your entire clothing line business plan around the types of customers you want to appeal to. Determining your niche can help you quickly find and advertise your potential customers. This will also assist you in creating a product lineup that appeals to your target market, reducing competition and increasing the likelihood of long-term client loyalty. The eCommerce industry is incredibly diversified. Even the current behemoths, like Amazon, began as specialised retailers. So to decide which eCommerce categories to concentrate on, do some background study. Performing a SWOT Analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats are also known as SWOT analysis. It's a quick and easy approach to evaluating various product and niche ideas. Strengths- Strengths include expanding interest, strong customer demand, various product verticals, and in-depth understanding.  Weaknesses- Limitations on shipping, numerous regulatory murky areas, and complex cross-border expansion are weaknesses. Opportunities- Learn how to create partnerships to run B2B or B2C companies successfully. Threats- Regulatory problems when selling across borders and failing to source products with valid test certifications pose threats. Identify Market Gaps At first sight, it could appear that the best eCommerce categories have already been taken. But that is untrue. Unfulfilled consumer demand can be found with specialised research even within well-liked product categories. To identify gaps in your target market, utilize- Social Media- Analyze the concerns, grievances, and recommendation requests made by your target audience on social media.Google Trends- Use Google Trends to analyse and evaluate the evolution of search volume for various product categories.Look at the best-selling items on Amazon and eBay- Read the reviews to find out what the customers think is missing or what they have to say. Conduct Market Research You can find out what your target audience wants, needs, or lacks through internet market research. The first step in launching your own online business is market research. It aids in determining the breadth, viability, and competitiveness of the chosen business vertical. You don't want to launch an offer that no one will be interested in purchasing. The market research also supports your product concept, pricing, and demand validity. How to begin conducting market research is as follows: Check The SERPs Analyze the search engine result pages (SERPs) for the different spellings of the keywords that describe your goods or services. What kind of material currently appears on page one of the search results? Which companies are spending money to advertise above organic search results? You may evaluate your competition more effectively by doing this. Obtain data for a draught SEO and digital marketing strategy based on the types of content that your target audience enjoys. Study the Competitors Additionally, you should focus on your principal rivals (beyond SERPs). For example, what are the largest business endeavours in your specialised field? What kind of income do they earn? What are their advantages and disadvantages? In addition, you should take notice of how and where your target market often purchases goods and the most effective ways to reach them. B2B eCommerce- Do you anticipate doing more business with retailers, wholesalers, and corporate clients?B2C eCommerce- Selling on popular online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy gives you access to various audiences right out of the gate.Dropshipping – With this business strategy, a third party fulfils orders instead of you, allowing you to avoid maintaining your inventory.DTC – The direct-to-consumer business approach does away with the middleman (multi-brand retailer or wholesaler). Decide Target Audience The population on whom your marketing efforts are concentrated is known as the target audience. Knowing your ideal customer is essential when you start an online store. It simplifies acquiring new clients and draws interested customers to your website, increasing conversion rates and boosting sales. Depending on the kind of products you want, you can create an audience of any size or characteristic. As a new entrepreneur in e-commerce, you should focus on these three primary areas-  Demographics- Age, gender, occupation, education, and income.Location- Groups segment the market according to location, allowing you to serve a particular region better.Interests- Built on psychographics and contains your audience's views, personalities, ideas, and way of life. Choose an eCommerce Website Builder  An eCommerce platform is essentially a website builder. However, it includes many other capabilities to help you expand your online business, improve the client experience, and utilise it to create your website. Most eCommerce platforms will almost provide you with everything you need, negating the need to invest in third-party programmes, from email marketing to inventory management to order fulfilment. Here are a few key elements to keep an eye out for when choosing an eCommerce platform to power your site. It should be simple to use, to begin with. Look for a platform that has a drag-and-drop website builder if you are extremely new to this. This makes it much simpler to comprehend and apply. If the platform has integrated web hosting, that is an additional bonus. If not, a third-party solution will be required. You should also think about it from the viewpoint of your clients. Will they have an easy time making a purchase? Consider payment alternatives and page speed to help create a seamless customer experience. It is best to take a wide range of currencies and payment methods. Additionally, setting up a demo or utilising free trials can be a smart move (most eCommerce platforms provide this). This will enable you to evaluate the responsiveness of the customer service as well as have a better understanding of the user interface. You might not think that customer service is essential, but if you have a problem later, you'll see how crucial 24-hour support is. A few of the top eCommerce website builders are Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Builder.ai etc. Choose a Domain Name For Your Online Store You probably already have an idea for a store name. If not, creating a list of phrases related to your niche and products will help you create a name for your online store that fits. Perhaps you can tie your name into a very special selling proposition. The difficulty with naming an internet store is that you'll also need to consider search engines. However, you can immediately experience a significant improvement in search rankings by incorporating words your target audience will probably use when looking for your products online. You may, for instance, include the product type or category in your company name. The domain name, often known as the website address, needs to be still available, which is a significant difficulty. Be aware that many people purchase well-known domain names to sell them later. So you might need to use your imagination to discover an appropriate related domain name. The ideal situation is for your domain name to match your company name perfectly, which is not required. However, it will not only be much simpler for your target market to locate your store, but it will also aid with brand recognition and awareness. Design the Website This part is interesting. Your originality can shine in this situation. Designing a store that is both well-branded and conversion-optimized is the key in this situation. In addition to being delighted by the appearance and feel of your store, your consumers should be able to locate your products with ease and confidently make a purchase. Consider these points before designing your website-  Consider the structure of your website very carefully. Look at how other well-known companies and merchants employ shopping carts, filters, breadcrumbs, and navigation menus to create a seamless user experience. Avoid overcrowding any navigation bar or page, and focus on the search habits and jargon that your target audience will understand. Adhere to the three-click rule. Generally, your products should be reachable in three clicks or less. In other words, it should be simple for customers to navigate from your homepage (or any other landing page) to the product page they're looking for. To locate what they're looking for, customers shouldn't have to go through numerous layers of your website. Don't forget to include essential links in your footer, such as those to your shipping details, return policy, and contact information. Use a template for an eCommerce website. No need to create anything altogether fresh. Many platforms provide a variety of templates for online stores that may be altered and personalised to ensure that your company has an entirely distinctive appearance. The significant components your store will require are already included in these templates, saving you the time and effort of starting from scratch. Make it clear what you are selling. When visitors arrive, they should already be aware of what you sell. While your off-site marketing and promotion initiatives need aid, you should reassert your area of expertise through straight page titles, unambiguous search menus, and compelling graphics. Optimize Your Online Store with Product Listings Setup your product category pages, create compelling product descriptions and upload photographs of your products that will sell them to make your store a pleasure to browse and your products simple to find. Components to consider for optimizing product listings while you setup an online store-  Product Title In addition to being attractive, a product title should make it obvious what a customer is purchasing from you. Therefore, keywords are frequently used in titles to make it simpler for readers to search for the products using pertinent keywords. Along with the main keyword, you can include additional terms. Product Description Describe the item you are trying to sell. A description frequently aids in decision-making. Therefore, you must make sure all the viewers' inquiries are addressed. Surface descriptions, colour, size possibilities, variants, and other relevant parameters are all included in descriptions that are tailored to the products you are selling. Usually, the description is around 50 words. Product Images For making decisions, a viewer searches for detail in the images. Ensure the images are crystal clear so clients buying the products have no questions. To finish poses, use close-ups and adequate lighting. Product Price Mention the MRP at which you are supplying the final consumer with the product. Since this is the ultimate price you are providing, the MRP not only pays for your expenses but also gives you room for profit. Therefore, pricing must be done while taking into account many things. Product Reviews  The reviews left by past customers for the same products are located beneath the section. As is often said, nothing promotes a product or service like a customer's personal endorsement. Positive reviews can be used as a marketing tool, and you can learn from negative ones to improve your product. Setup Shipping  When you run an online company, you must ship every single order you get, unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores where you might need to do so sometimes. As a result, you need to give shipping some significant care. You should consider several things, such as it can make more sense to use a flat fee if you mainly sell small, lightweight items because it will be simpler to budget for your shipping expenses. In addition, the consumer can choose from various shipping alternatives, such as same-day delivery, shipment within one to three business days, etc., if your eCommerce platform interfaces with some of the top shipping carriers. As a result, customers will find the selections easy, and you'll never experience a loss because of the live price. Offering free shipping has a lot of benefits despite this. eCommerce data show that extra fees like delivery are the leading cause of online shoppers leaving their carts unfilled. Additionally, shoppers favour one online retailer over another due to its free delivery option. In actuality, customers favour free delivery over expedited delivery. If you only intend to operate one or two locations, you could also offer local consumers the chance to place an online order and free in-person pickup from one of your locations. Contact WareIQ for Fulfillment and Logistics Solutions. Connect a Payment Platform As previously stated, offering a range of payment options is ideal when you start an online store. Although most people still make payments using credit cards, payment figures provided by Statista show that PayPal is the most popular choice for online shopping. It's a good idea to look into using buy now pay later (BNPL) services like Klarna, Amazon Pay, and Afterpay, in addition to accepting Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. Alternative payment options are now seen as a requirement for any online business. Deploy Your Marketing Strategies Marketing is essential for when you start an online store in the market and advertise your seasonal deals. Digital marketing, content curation, SMO, and SEO are a must and a constant effort for you if you are starting an online store. Well, it depends on the type of business you are pursuing. There has been much discussion around the online marketing and sale channels you may use to advertise and sell deals. Considering that sales can now be accepted at your store. Now is the moment to begin proclaiming it through campaigns. Utilize a range of marketing techniques to draw clients to your online store. Content Marketing The process of developing and sharing content for blogs, podcasts, quizzes, infographics, and videos is known as content marketing. Despite not openly promoting your brand, it helps raise interest in you and your offerings. Although content marketing is a long-term strategy, it is effective. Building audience trust and interest in your brand by creating helpful content is essential. Additionally, the possibility of your material going viral is always present. Email Marketing You can market to an email list, which is one of the finest advantages of email marketing. Your email list often includes subscribers or opt-in members, so you speak directly to those who are already interested in your business. You can invite users to join your email list through links in your content, a form on your website, or your social media platforms. Once you've established an email list, you can always remarket to your audience. Sending out newsletters, exciting updates, special deals, and other things is possible. Emails also enable segmentation and automation, saving time and adding a personal touch for your consumers. Search Engine Optimization Search engine optimization (SEO) must be included in every list of internet marketing tactics. Although SEO isn't the most entertaining marketing strategy, it does improve website visitors from organic search results. And if you own an online store, you want as many high-quality site visitors as possible. Understanding your clients' language while looking for information online is the key to successful SEO. For example, what keywords may people enter to find related products? What queries can your products address for them? First, create a list of keywords, then incorporate them into the pages and content of your website. Additionally, it's crucial to employ title tags and meta descriptions on each page of your website. With this information, search engines and users can better understand the page's subject matter. If you don't have much experience with SEO, you can work with a professional to develop a plan and improve your online store. Paid Marketing Channels Last, paid adverts are a tried-and-true method of making sales online. You might choose to launch a digital marketing campaign on Facebook or another well-liked social media site by your target market. Spend money on retargeting advertisements, which go after customers who have previously visited your store but are left empty-handed. These advertisements frequently work since the viewer is already acquainted with your goods and has given them some thought in the past. Most visitors to your website don't buy anything on their initial visit; retargeting advertising encourages them to do so. You will include a piece of code called a pixel to track who visits your website and what pages they view. Retargeting advertising then shows your ad to the visitor on websites like Facebook or Google, frequently prompting them to return to your store and make a purchase this time. Influencer Marketing While often pricey, working with influencers is a social commerce technique that frequently yields impressive results. This is because influencers generally have a sizable online following and the power to "influence" the purchasing decisions of others. If you collaborate with an influencer, pick someone whose fan base corresponds to your intended market. Additionally, you should research to ensure the influencer's principles align with your company's. Influencers can write reviews, talk about your products at events or in videos, share pictures of themselves using your items, and create guest blogs for you. Link your selling platforms, as usual, to let influenced customers know where to purchase your goods. Conclusion Starting an online business need not be difficult. Consider each step as it comes. Investigate a market niche for e-commerce and popular goods first. Establish your business model and fulfilment plan next. Start setting up your web business after that. Select an online store platform, customise the look, and add products to your collection. Pay attention to increasing traffic to your online store. As soon as your company starts operating, be sure to gather as much information as you can. Analyze the data afterwards to learn more about what functions and what doesn't. Adapt your company plan as necessary. Nowadays, you can sell anything online, including handmade goods, courses, graphic design services, custom-printed clothing, baked goods, and more. As you can see, when you follow the procedures outlined above, opening an online storefront will be simple. What Makes WareIQ the Best Choice For Your Online Store's Fulfilment and Distribution Requirements in India? If you're prepared to expand your online store's geographic reach effectively and economically, WareIQ's distribution and storage services can manage all aspects of inventory distribution. WareIQ employs its warehouse management system (WMS) and logistical know-how, along with its increasing fulfilment distribution network, which consists of numerous fulfilment centres and dark shops around the nation, to assist you in scaling your business more successfully and with less effort. To improve supply chain efficiency, WareIQ, a 3PL distribution partner, offers ideal recommendations for the warehouse where your products should be stored. As soon as an order is placed, it is immediately sent to the customer's nearby warehouse. WareIQ will then take care of order processing, order fulfilment, and delivery, allowing your team to focus on the more crucial goals of your company. You can monitor inventory levels across more than 12 eCommerce marketplaces using a single dashboard in real time. In addition, it provides full visibility into warehousing costs, transit times, and other statistics. WareIQ is a best-in-class warehouse management system for brands that need assistance managing inventory in real-time, reducing picking, packaging, and shipping errors, and wanting to scale with simplicity. [signup] Frequently Asked Questions How do I start an online store?To start an online store, you must create a company plan, decide on your items, and organise your logistics. Then, pick an eCommerce platform to fulfil your functional requirements without significantly costing money. Do I need to use a developer to start an online store?No, not always. Some platforms, such as WordPress and Wix, make it simple to launch an online store with little to no development help. When you begin to scale, you might want to hire a company or independent developer to assist with making client-friendly adjustments. How can I make an online store successful? Four criteria — product quality and relevance, e-commerce website functionality, price strategy, and focused marketing campaigns — are essential to the success of an online store. Make sure you find things in high demand, price them fairly, advertise to the appropriate target market, and provide a fantastic online shopping experience. What does it cost to start an online store?The price of setting up an internet store depends on the company's requirements and any additional features you'll need. The average cost to set up an e-commerce store ranges from a few hundred dollars for some to tens of thousands or even several hundred thousand for others.You will need to pay for the following: store themes and designs, add-ons, extensions, payment processing fees, eCommerce software, domain name, hosting, SSL certificate, and eCommerce services. Can you start an online store for free?Although you can download certain eCommerce software for free, there will never be a fully free way to establish a website. In addition, if you're using open-source software, which you can usually obtain for free, you'll be in charge of your maintenance, security, and hosting. Take into account any apps or add-ons you might need. How successful are online retailers?Your initial outlay, the profit margins on your product mix, and the amount you spend on marketing, advertising, operations, and shipping will all have a significant impact on your capacity to turn a profit. Is it possible to start an online store without any inventories?Dropshipping allows you to operate an internet store without maintaining an inventory. Decide on a manufacturing or supply partner, then discuss the price and shipment details. Then, after a sale, provide them with the shipment details and post their merchandise on your online store.

September 21, 2022

Top 6 Social Commerce Platform Examples That Can Transform Social Media Into Revenue Generators in 2024

Top 6 Social Commerce Platform Examples That Can Transform Social Media Into Revenue Generators in 2024

The social commerce platform is a prominent marketing and sales strategy among eCommerce and online firms that have grown in popularity recently. Businesses and brands continually search for ways to include social shopping in their marketing initiatives. As a result, the size of the global social commerce industry, estimated to be worth USD 589.91 billion in 2022, is expected to increase at a CAGR of 30.8% from 2024 to 2030. If you run an online store, you are aware of the difficulties in attracting customers to your website. But, even if you can convince a handful of them to buy from you, how regularly do they do so? The social eCommerce revolution has eliminated the need for significant upfront investments and the difficulties associated with eCommerce expansion by bridging the gap between engaging consumers and turning them into customers. We now refer to a social commerce platform due to the growth of social commerce. Learn about social commerce platforms and how they can revolutionise your brand's online sales and success. What is Social Commerce Platform? The ability of brands and organisations to sell goods and services through social commerce platforms, content, and other features is perhaps the best way to describe a social commerce platform. Social networking has historically been utilised as a marketing technique to boost eCommerce sales and conversion rates. With social shopping, customers no longer have to transfer eCommerce platforms; thus, things have changed. Without leaving the social media site, the entire process of investigating a brand's items, looking at the specifics, and finally checking out is completed. Brands uploading content with shoppable tags on it is where it all begins. First, users select the products by tapping on the shoppable tags whenever they come across these postings. Then, they proceed to the checkout page by following a few simple steps. The evolution of social commerce platforms has allowed businesses to extend social shopping options outside social media. On their websites, in email campaigns, in e-commerce stores, and elsewhere, marketers can create and distribute shoppable social galleries. Platforms for social commerce have experienced a considerable surge thanks to their user-friendly characteristics. [contactus_uth] What are the Benefits of Social Commerce Platforms? There are many advantages for businesses that develop a presence on social commerce platforms. For starters, social commerce platforms give firms looking for steady audience growth a ready-made following. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social networks welcome new users daily. For businesses involved in social commerce, each new user represents a possible new consumer. Although the "clients" must be pertinent to the company to be valuable—for example, stairlift sellers are unlikely to benefit from new teens joining TikTok—brands are nonetheless likely to come into contact with prospective new customers every day. Social media brand engagement has been shown to improve search engine rankings. Even if you sell directly on a social media platform, some users will visit your website to look at your products and other stuff. Google will see this extra traffic, likely affecting how well its searches are ranked. Communication with potential clients is encouraged through social commerce platforms. You have the chance to get customer feedback because social media is a two-way conversation. Word-of-mouth spread through social media can help you meet more individuals. By fostering new connections, you can later develop and strengthen these connections. This is what a social commerce platform does. Purchases from satisfied clients are more likely to occur. Top 6 Social Shopping Platforms Examples to Step Up Your Online Business  Other social media platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and even Snapchat increase their offers, while Instagram and Facebook continue to set the bar for social commerce features. Every social commerce platform has unique advantages that characterise how it approaches serving a particular purpose and attracting a certain audience. To help you choose the finest social commerce platform for your company, we'll examine some of the leading platforms' essential aspects here. Facebook Source Meta's Facebook has recently led the way as a social commerce platform. Brands now have the opportunity to build online storefronts or stores where customers can browse and eventually make purchases from within Facebook, thanks to the platform. The 17-year-old platform has massive potential for utilising new audiences and growing internationally, with roughly 3 billion monthly active users in 2023. Facebook Shops helped small and medium-sized businesses shift online and establish shoppable storefronts when it was launched in 2020 during the pandemic. You can upload an already-existing product catalogue or make a brand-new one on the website with Facebook Shops, which are entirely configurable, free to use, and mobile-friendly. The online shopping features Facebook Marketplace, Native Checkout, and Live Video Shopping have all been combined into one product called Facebook Shops. According to Facebook, "any seller, no matter their size or budget, can bring their business online and engage with customers wherever and whenever it's convenient for them." In addition, businesses may establish custom collections and categories within Facebook Shops to reach customers better. Facebook personalises the customer experience once they have located your page and products by showing products based on the shopper's specific tastes and search history. The customer can finish the transaction on the Facebook platform or return to your e-commerce website. Additionally, you can contact the client via Facebook Messenger if necessary to respond to inquiries and provide assistance. There are still ways to use this social commerce platform if a firm doesn't have access to Facebook Shops or Facebook's native checkout. In addition, users can purchase from local and online merchants using Facebook Marketplace without leaving the Facebook app. Explore Dynamic Ads, Collaborative Ads, Collection Ads, and Product Tags to increase the visibility of your products if you want to monetize your social commerce platform activities on Facebook. Related Article: How to sell on Facebook ? Instagram Source Instagram claims that one in two users use the app to find new businesses, goods, or services. In addition, 44% of users shop weekly on the platform. As a result, Instagram is a terrific tool for brands to reach a wider audience and sell more goods, from boosting brand recognition to offering a better online shopping experience. Users can purchase items from Instagram Shops featured in photographs and videos throughout the app. Like Facebook, business accounts allow users to display their products through a resizable online storefront. Here, businesses may put up carefully crafted product collections. Every item in an Instagram Shop catalogue has its page, complete with a price, a thorough description, and any images or videos showcasing it. Firms can use Instagram Shops in various ways to market their goods. Following are a few of Instagram Shop's best attributes: Shopping labels- These let businesses tag their goods in feed posts and Stories.Purchase tab- Instagram users can explore, save, and buy products featured by companies or influencers here.Advertisements- Businesses can now build Instagram ads with placements on the shop tab. Users can tap through to the storefront or detailed product description by tapping the advertisement, which will display with a sponsored label.DM your purchases- Businesses on Instagram allow users to make purchases. Customers can inquire, make purchases, and follow up on their orders. Related Article: How to Sell on Instagram? Tik Tok Source TikTok, a newer competitor in the social shopping platform, is becoming much more than just a tool for sharing brief videos. With the addition of shoppable posts, live stream shopping features, and influencer marketing opportunities, TikTok has become a social commerce platform to be noticed. By 2025, the video-sharing platform is expected to have 48.8 million US users. TikTok has shopping features, including shops, product tagging, and live shopping. This update would include, according to TikTok, "a range of solutions, features, and advertising tools that empower companies and merchants to engage with their customers effectively." The features of TikTok updates included: Direct Integration- Merchants may upload products and control everything from shipping to order fulfillment and point of sale, giving them access to a whole commerce experience.Partner Integration- Shopify and PrestaShop are now accessible on the platform for businesses who appreciate working with their favourite third-party commerce partner. Product Links- Brands can feature one or more goods in an organic TikTok video by including a link to the product details, which users can access immediately.LIVE Shopping- Businesses can share dynamic connections to goods and services while interacting with their community in real-time.Collection Ads- In their in-feed video advertisements, brands can insert unique, swipeable product cards.Dynamic Showcase Advertising- Based on the user's interests, brands can show them customised, targeted ads. However, marketers now have the opportunity to use TikTok's Shopping page to create a shoppable storefront. Users of TikTok can directly connect their static product inventory and enable in-app purchases for their customers by adding the Shopping page to their company profiles. Pinterest Source The majority of users of Pinterest are more interested in the content than the creator, which is its best feature. As a result, Pinterest helps business owners focus more on developing exceptional products and less on building their reputations, as opposed to social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where a user's or brand's influence may be more crucial. 75% of regular Pinterest users claim to shop constantly. Users of Pinterest are quite active and frequently use the app to begin their buying journeys. Its improved social commerce features make it a fantastic site to shop for goods and a fantastic hub for discovering inspiration. Additionally, brands can use various advertising options on Pinterest to highlight particular products, such as Dynamic Shopping Ads, which show single image advertisements for products relevant to users' interests, which include helpful information like delivery estimates, customer reviews, and special offers. Shoppable Collection Ads, which combine lifestyle photography and video for a better buying experience and allow marketers to link up to 24 products, are another alternative. Pinterest offers various shopping features, including- Shop from search- Users can access a Shop tab that delivers 100% shoppable results when they use specific keywords to search Pinterest.Shop with lens- Utilize the Pinterest camera to capture real-time pictures of objects in the real world, and the app will display similar, shoppable things.Shop from pins - Users will be presented with shoppable products displayed in the clicked image when they click on a pin.Product pins- When users click on a product, Pinterest displays pertinent details like the cost, shipping information, and customer reviews.Shoppable spotlights- This category showcases hot items hand-picked by industry insiders.Shop from boards- Users can browse a separate Shop area on their boards that display in-stock product suggestions inspired by their pinned items. Shopping List is a new social commerce function that Pinterest also introduced. This more recent feature automatically saves a user's product pins into the central hub so the pinner may easily retrieve them when it's time to make a purchase. In addition, users can check product prices, ratings, and pinners can be notified when a product on their shopping list becomes less expensive. Snapchat Source Snapchat is embracing social commerce in fascinating and original ways. The social media network relies on augmented reality (AR) to connect with customers freshly and interestingly. For example, brands can collaborate with Snapchat to develop lenses that users can use to try on clothing, accessories, makeup, and more. Users can then read product details and click a link to purchase using a brand's web store or Snapchat's native checkout. "Snapchatters are already engaging with AR more than 6 billion times every day, and 93% of them are interested in using AR for commerce," Snapchat recently stated. Additionally, the business unveiled a new shopping lens in January that allows consumers to browse various products in one location. Users will "view details on pricing, colour, sizing, and related items, right from the retailer," according to their statement. With the assistance of their scanning partners, Yuka and Vivino, Snapchat is also introducing new scanning features. The software allows users to scan up to 1 million food items to view nutritional data, components, and links to further reading and product purchases. Additionally, Snapchat offers more conventional shopping options. In 2020, Snapchat said that certain accounts would be able to launch a store within the app, powered by Shopify, to house more long-lasting content like catalogues, lenses, and online storefronts. According to a Snapchat announcement, more companies and brands can now create profiles with shopping links, which were previously only available to specific marketers and brands. These accounts allow users to access the stores straight from a profile within the Snapchat app by having the Shop button on their Snapchat profiles. Finally, brands can use a range of advertisements to encourage conversions from the app quickly. With the help of Dynamic Product Ads, Snapchat claims that "you can cast a broader net on the app and find potential customers by presenting them relevant products built directly from your product catalogue." Twitter Source Twitter provides eCommerce firms with a vast potential audience thanks to its more than 330 million monthly active users. The platform is tapping its toes into social commerce, but they are not entirely new to the game. The site is primarily renowned for sharing news and short tweets with a broad audience. Twitter used to offer a direct shopping option on its website. However, in 2017, they removed the "Buy" button. Since then, Twitter has recognised the value of social purchasing and unveiled new features last year, including a "Shop" button on tweets and a Twitter Shopping Card that would help them gain a stronger foothold in the expanding social shopping sector. Twitter only recently revealed a beta test for Twitter Shops. According to Twitter, "merchants can hand-pick a collection of up to 50 products to present to buyers on Twitter with Twitter Shops. In addition, people may examine products from the profiles of their favourite brands, thanks to the function, which is free to use. Conclusion Unbelievably, eCommerce has been implemented into social networking platforms, and these social commerce platform trends aren't going anywhere. Brands fully utilise it, so you don't need to fall behind. As we conclude, perhaps you now better understand some of the best social commerce platforms and the benefits they can have for your brand. If you haven't already started building your social shopping account, you might be left behind. WareIQ As Your Distribution and Fulfilment Partner With the help of WareIQ's fulfillment services, you may more easily and cost-effectively distribute your products among many regions, save shipping expenses, and achieve 2-day delivery. B2B and B2C businesses may swiftly and inexpensively grow their operations across the nation with WareIQ's extensive fulfillment network. Our analytics enable merchants to choose the optimal inventory mix to satisfy customer demand while avoiding stockouts, backorders, and deadstock. WareIQ provides total visibility into business activity throughout the distribution network, driven by top-tier fulfilment technology. You can entrust order processing, fulfillment, and delivery to the capable hands of WareIQ.  From a single dashboard, retailers can monitor inventory levels in real-time, track orders through the supply chain, manage warehouse operations, and more. To further enhance your 3PL experience, WareIQ also assists you in keeping an eye on key metrics at each location you use, such as inventory turnover, order accuracy, time in transit, and on-time accuracy. Using this data, you may identify areas that need improvement and improve supply chain management for success wherever you work. [signup] Frequently Asked Questions What is a social commerce platform?Social commerce platform is known for selling goods and services utilizing social interactions. For firms seeking steady audience development, social commerce offers a ready-made audience. Social networking is used for shopping, from finding products to finishing the checkout. How is social commerce carried out?Social commerce fully incorporates online purchasing into social media. Customers can locate, browse, and buy things using their preferred social media networks without leaving the site.Social commerce platforms' built-in shopping features, like Facebook Shops, are essential to social commerce. Ecommerce interfaces with systems like Shopify are another option available to them. Why is social commerce platform so crucial?Social commerce platfrom provides a seamless purchasing experience by allowing firms to sell their items directly on social media networks. When shoppers see things they like on social media, all they need to do is click through to checkout without leaving the app. This speedier and more practical experience decreases the likelihood of abandoned shopping carts. What are the features of social commerce platforms?User recommendations, customer ratings and reviews, social shopping experience tools, social apps, marketing, and social media optimization can be carried out on social commerce platforms.

September 19, 2022

Product Sourcing 101: A Definitive Guide on How to Source Products for Your eCommerce Business in 2024

Product Sourcing 101: A Definitive Guide on How to Source Products for Your eCommerce Business in 2024

A successful business is defined by the quality of its products and its ability to provide value to the lives of its customers. The lifetime of inventory monitoring begins with product sourcing and continues through various business operations and into the hands of purchasers. Product sourcing is the process of locating a credible and dependable product source in order to obtain high-quality products at a reasonable price. It is essentially the process of completing research, computations, and negotiations to locate the best possible supplier. This entails hunting for high-quality products at affordable prices with a high margin of profit. Businesses can undercut competitors' sales of similar or identical goods while still generating a profit by experimenting with different eCommerce product sourcing tactics and procuring inventory at lower prices. What is Product Sourcing? Product sourcing is the process of identifying good-quality products to sell at reasonable costs from recognized and reliable sources. There are several parts to the eCommerce product sourcing procedure, including studying the selected items, choosing the price and cost of the product, and negotiating with suppliers to get the greatest offer. Ultimately, the goal of eCommerce product sourcing is to find the best items from reputable suppliers at acceptable rates that allow for a significant profit margin. Product sourcing for eCommerce may appear simple but it may need filtering through a maze of untrustworthy vendors, hidden fees, and occasionally misrepresented or low-quality products. In order to gain a competitive advantage, it is critical to identify proper product sourcing tactics in order to increase your potential profits from every transaction. Reaching out to a product sourcing agent is one approach to speed up the process by leveraging their knowledge of numerous vendors and niches. [contactus_gynoveda] 8 Types of Product Sourcing in eCommerce There are different product sourcing techniques to choose from, as well as a range of criteria to consider while making a decision. Businesses should not be hesitant to try more than one way to find the optimal path for their specific business model. Wholesalers Using wholesale is a beneficial product sourcing approach for organizations that do not want to manufacture the products themselves and it allows enterprises to simply scale up or down based on demand. However, the wholesale supplier technique expects you to buy in bulk, which means a higher upfront cost. Furthermore, because shops in various businesses widely use it, the products purchased are likely to be identical to competitors' items. Related Article: What is Wholesale eCommerce? Manufacturers This is useful for eCommerce retailers and online stores since it eliminates the need for middlemen and allows for direct contact between the business and the manufacturers. Although this is frequently less expensive than wholesale choices, it still requires a minimum order size, making it challenging for small enterprises. Alibaba and IndiaMart are a few such platforms. Source Dropshipping Companies that use dropshipping strategy will never come into contact with the merchandise. Businesses will no longer have to bother about packaging, shipping, or storage if they specify the things they intend to purchase from the supplier and have the supplier ship them directly to the consumer when they place an order. Seasonsway, IndiaMart, and Baapstore are a few examples. You can know more about peak season shipping here. Source Existing Marketplaces It is feasible, depending on the desired products, to purchase inventory from other merchants and then mark up the prices to earn a profit. While this is uncommon because it might raise product prices, it does provide firms with market research knowledge into the popularity of specific items and price points. Etsy, eBay, AliExpress are a few good examples. Source Trade Shows The goal of these events is to bring merchants and suppliers together. Trade events, exhibitions and conferences are excellent places to scout for new and upcoming items. Their relevance, however, would be determined by your company's industry and location. Product Sourcing Companies Hiring a third party to find the greatest products at the best price on your behalf can be an intelligent decision for some retailers. Businesses that opt for this path, however, must consider recruiting costs as well as the legitimacy of these enterprises before proceeding. Sourcing Platforms With the increasing popularity of online businesses, it should be no surprise that online platforms are dedicated solely to marketplace B2B retail product procurement. Online marketplaces bring suppliers and merchants together and can be handy for comparing items and prices. It is vital to remember, however, that these sites are equally easily available to competitors. Directories  Directories, like sourcing platforms, are lists of potential providers. Unlike an online marketplace, however, it does not provide research information about these vendors, forcing businesses to conduct their own research and contact the providers directly. 4 Product Sourcing Tips to Keep in Mind When it comes to eCommerce product sourcing, there are a few aspects that your management should keep in mind to guarantee that the company selects the most profitable suppliers. Consider the following four suggestions to help you make a more informed decision: Remember That Product Sourcing is Constant Even when things are going well, the demand for eCommerce product sourcing is as great as it has ever been. It is critical to remember that even if products are selling swiftly, the replenishment of these items should be smooth. To clients, the supply of products should appear to be infinite in order to meet demand. Waiting until the sales percentage has reduced before resuming the product procurement process is a common mistake that should be avoided. Conduct Market Research Market research is critical and cannot be understated. Consider the product's customer demand, target demographic, and durability. Is it a long-lasting item or something that people are likely to acquire on a regular basis? When performing market research, keep the intended pricing in mind and work as closely as possible within that budget to achieve efficient product sourcing for your products. Utilize a Proven Strategy  When sourcing products for eCommerce, employ a well-known and widely used strategy. Investigate existing sourcing methods for certain types of goods and consider adopting these strategies because they have been tried and tested. Identify which product category your products fall in and select the strategy that would be best suited for it. Choose Local Manufacturers  Although this is not always the case, as a general rule, the closer you are to the manufacturer, the better. When sourcing products from other countries, profit margins are typically lower. It is critical to consider which strategy will best meet the needs of the firm such as whether a small bundle or a bulk purchase from manufacturers is feasible. Keep in mind that purchasing in bulk saves money because it is less expensive for manufacturers to make and sell huge quantities of the goods. However, it may result in higher inventory holding costs and personnel costs. How to Source Products for Your Online Store in 2024? When it comes to product procurement, there are several strategies to consider. We'll walk you through our top ten product sourcing tactics that can help your company thrive in 2024: Always Look for Sourcing Opportunities While sales may be good and you may believe you have found the perfect product source, it is critical to continuously be on the lookout for other sourcing methods and seek "the next big thing". Any firm can suffer if it becomes complacent (just think about Blockbuster, for example, which refused to adapt to the world of digital content and online streaming). You can stay relevant to consumers and remain profitable by continuing to look for new items and market trends. Conduct Market and Product Research You may believe you have a fantastic product idea but the market may not agree. As a result, you'll need to undertake some market research to understand what your clients are interested in (this can easily be done through consumer surveys). Also, don't just start selling a product due to huge profit margins; those margins won't matter if no one buys them. On the other hand, if you can't find a popular product with a reasonable profit margin, it might not be worth your time and effort. Finally, make certain that the products fit inside your product portfolio. Unrelated products compared to the rest of your offerings are likely to confuse your customers. Replicate Strategies That are Successful When it comes to product procurement, there is no shame in replicating the business models of other successful vendors in order to be successful yourself. So, go ahead and place an order with one of your competitors or from the same vendor that they use. By inspecting the packaging, you should be able to determine who sourced the product. If you like what you see (packing, insulation, shipping time, etc.), maybe that company is a good fit for you as well. Take the Lead On the other hand, sometimes the market for a specific product is oversaturated and getting on board may not be in your best interests. After all, you don't want to be burdened with a lot of unsold inventory. After completing some research and consulting with suppliers, it may be best to strike out on your own and set your own product trends in some circumstances so that you can also have a first-movers advantage that other companies may follow in the future. Get Real-World Insights Offline Why would an online retailer go offline? To conduct some field study! By attending trade events, you may be able to uncover a wonderful product supplier. You can also meet product manufacturers and developers in person at these events, building a genuine one-on-one relationship that could continue for years. This may enable you to be more successful than using conventional methods of product sourcing for eCommerce. Use Local Vendors Many eCommerce vendors will go to China for manufacturing assistance in order to enhance profit margins. However, it may be to your best advantage to keep product sourcing and manufacturing as near home as possible. You will not only have the assurance that the product is regulated by the Indian government, but you will also avoid language obstacles and other difficulties. A "Made in India" badge can also be a major selling point and product differentiator, depending on the target audience. Cut Out Any Additional Middle Men The more businesses in your supply chain, the greater the price of the goods. So, whenever feasible, buy straight from the manufacturer (or as close to directly from them as possible). This will keep costs down while increasing profit margins because there will not be a bunch of middlemen diluting your profits by claiming their share of it. Opt for Bulk Purchasing Buying in bulk will almost always result in a lower price but if the product is not a fast seller, you may be stuck with inventory for an extended period of time. Furthermore, if a newer model is released, your inventory may become basically obsolete. That loss might have a significant impact on your bottom line. A competent warehouse management system (WMS) can assist you in determining when to buy and when to hold back, allowing your company to run more efficiently. Know Your Supplier A supplier should be considered a partner; after all, you're both in this to make a profit. As a result, you'll want to cultivate your supplier relationship so that you're first on their call list when they have a hot new product and first in line when you've discovered a product default and need it remedied. A competent supplier will also offer you all of the information you need to create extensive product descriptions, videos, FAQs, and buying guides (particularly if you're selling a complex product). All of this information is incredibly useful to purchasers and could be the difference between a sale and losing a customer to the competition. Have an Alternate Plan Having a backup source is a wise option and it does not always suggest that you do not trust your primary supply. What if your principal supplier suffers a disaster, such as a data breach, a severe storm or a product recall? This has the potential to completely disrupt your supply chain via no fault of your own. Another possibility is that there is a change in ownership or management and your supplier suddenly requests significantly more money. Your operation can continue without a hitch if you have a backup plan. Conclusion We have charted the process of product sourcing and set out the important ingredients you need to achieve one successful goal: finding good products from good suppliers, at prices that give you a good profit margin. We've talked a lot about building relationships with product sourcing agents if that's an option for your eCommerce business, laid out product sourcing strategies that you can use to further your experience and research, and given you tips on how to keep improving and refining your strategy. If you need assistance with storing your sourced products or any other eCommerce requirement, WareIQ can be of help. WareIQ is one of India’s leading eCommerce fulfillment companies. We offer a wide range of eCommerce solutions such as a nationwide network of fulfillment centers with smart inventory placement to store products closer to your customers, a partnership with more than 20 shipping companies to always provide the quickest and most cost-effective option, a custom WMS that can monitor your inventory levels and automatically place replenishment orders and much more. FAQs: Product Sourcing How do you find a product to sell online?Typically, you have three choices. You can choose between:Making the item yourself first, then hire a traditional factory or an on-demand serviceLocating a product provider – a dropshipper, distributor, or wholesalerEmploying any combination of the methods above, as well as collaborating with local physical businesses that are not yet online. Where do I look for eCommerce suppliers?Starting with an online search is the greatest way to find eCommerce providers. Look through wholesale directories and online marketplaces, and talk to individual small business owners and craftsmen. If you wish to carry a certain brand, contact them directly about a direct wholesale contract. How do you get the materials for your products?If you intend to sell your own items, hunt for raw material providers in your area (to reduce shipping delays). Search internet directories for nearby partners, then contact them directly. Online marketplaces can also be used to purchase product materials in bulk with less difficulty for particular resources. How does one go about finding garments for an online store?The sourcing strategy is determined by the store's idea. As the proprietor of a multi-brand business, you can, for example, curate clothing from local designers or place wholesale orders with nationwide wholesalers. You might also collaborate with a small clothing store to create private-label items. Estate sales, garage sales, and online marketplaces are your best chances for finding clothing for sale if you plan to open a vintage store.

September 17, 2022

Social Commerce: Definition, Benefits, Disadvantages and 10 Best Strategies For Leveraging Social Shopping in 2024

Social Commerce: Definition, Benefits, Disadvantages and 10 Best Strategies For Leveraging Social Shopping in 2024

Brands are working hard to stay up with the quick change of channels and strategies as social shopping advances. With so many social media platforms contending for both customers and advertisers, they are all investing heavily in commerce solutions. Every social media site, from Instagram Checkout to TikTok Commerce, aims to draw consumers and encourage them to start making in-app purchases. As a result, everyone is striving for the largest possible share of the huge $5.1 billion social eCommerce sales predicted by Insider Intelligence in the United States alone by 2024. Nothing, however, points to a halting of this progress. According to Grand View Research, the global market for social eCommerce will reach $3,369.8 billion by 2028. The same analysis indicates that between 2021 and 2028, growth would occur at a CAGR of 28.4%. What consequences does this social shopping rise have for businesses targeting consumers? It first calls for the creation of a solid social eCommerce strategy. Your eCommerce strategy must work in harmony with the rest of your digital brand experience to provide your customers with the best possible buyer journey. Social commerce cannot live independently; it needs support and integration into a seamless digital experience. What strategic steps can you take to grab this business opportunity? In this article, we discuss social commerce in great length, describing what it is, how it works, best practices for leveraging social shopping, and most importantly, how it may help your business to generate revenues. What is Social Commerce? When social networking platforms are leveraged to create a more specialised and targeted in-app shopping experience for online buyers, this is known as social commerce. To put it simply, it integrates eCommerce capabilities into social networking networks. Utilization of social media sites like Facebook and Instagram to advertise and market goods and services. Customers can purchase using this selling model without leaving the social media apps. With the aid of social commerce, customers can browse companies, learn about products, and make purchases all within the same app. It may be because social interaction provides a more convenient and engaging buying experience that it is gaining popularity. Before the emergence of social commerce, consumers who wanted to make an online purchase from a business had to visit its primary website, create an account, find the item they wanted to purchase, and then finish the checkout procedure. The consumer may become disinterested in the product they wish to buy due to this cumbersome, time-consuming process that places unnecessarily high barriers in their path. Customers can skip right to the checkout screen within the platform while using social media apps and websites. Social shopping is quickly rising to the top of today's list of the hottest new ideas in online eCommerce marketing due to its convenience and simplicity of usage. What Distinguishes Social Commerce from eCommerce? eCommerce is not the same as social commerce. eCommerce is the act of making purchases through a website or branded app. Typically, Shopify or other e-commerce platforms are used to build these websites. Any internet-capable device, such as a desktop, tablet, or mobile device, can be used by customers to access these websites. Shopping within social networking platforms, where everything from product research to checkout takes place, is referred to as social commerce, a subset of eCommerce. Brands can now sell through their social media networks thanks to social commerce. To set up the native selling features available on social networking networks, one does not necessarily need to create and optimize an eCommerce website. However, online merchants with a website and an online store can also profit from driving traffic to it. Social selling and social commerce are occasionally confused. However, social selling is establishing connections to close a deal later. Social media platforms are the most common venue for social selling, whether offline or online. [table id=51 /] How Does Social Commerce Works? Since the pandemic has accelerated online buying, social media sites are creating and testing their commerce services. Companies can create a store on social media platforms and sell on Facebook and sell on Instagram. This may be the simplest method of reaching a new audience who already utilises these channels. Buyers gravitate toward their hobbies and what excites them, so you want to have an organic presence on social media sites so that potential customers may find your products naturally. Paid advertisements attract new clients to your brand and items, who purchase them on these platforms or your website. You can use demographics and interests to target a particular group of people through paid ads. Using social media sites, retailers can build up their online stores. Choose whether you want customers to finish their purchases on your website through a direct message or using the social media platform's checkout feature. Let's use an example of a customer reading through his Instagram on the "Recommended For You" page to illustrate the customer journey on a social media platform. First, he finds images of "apparel." Then, as he scrolls, he sees a stunning image of a t-shirt that looks like something he's constantly wished for. To take a closer look, he taps the post. The image has been shared on the clothing company's Instagram account. It has a tag with the price, the image, and information about the t-shirt. When he clicks the tag, a store where he can see this particular item is opened. He has the choice of being taken to a website where he can buy the t-shirt right now, and then he buys that t-shirt which will get delivered soon. This Instagram user, who has now become a customer, wasn't in the market for a new t-shirt. He was only casually browsing his social media feed. But Instagram recognised a chance for a personalised purchasing experience based on information from his recent activity of looking up and adding t-shirts to his wishlist, and it effectively recommended a purchase. This is how social commerce works. [contactus_lilgoodness] How Do You Benefit from Social Commerce? Social commerce is all about facilitating easy transactions. By allowing users to finish their purchase while still on the platform, the chance of confusion, cart abandonment, or price comparison is reduced. Still, have doubts about the feasibility of establishing a social media store? The following list of benefits supports social commerce. Better Ranking On Search Engines Source Social media interaction can result in more than simply straightforward business deals. Social media commerce has enhanced website traffic, eventually affecting your ranking in search engine results. A great strategy to get visitors from social media users is to share links to information on your website on social media. Additionally, it enables them to interact with your content by commenting, liking, or sharing it with others. Eliminate Friction View it, select it, and buy it. Social media stores make the consumer journey less complicated, making it simple to proceed from discovery to purchase. The item is present. There is only the checkout to go. Ultimately, each mouse click is a chance for potential consumers to change their minds. This is a lot of time to lose their interest if they have to navigate from your advertisement to your website, add the product to their shopping cart, and enter their payment card information. Remove the unnecessary steps and let people shop while they are social. Expand Your Target Audience 57% of the world's population, or 4.59 billion individuals, utilise social media now. By 2024, this number is anticipated to reach 5.17 billion. Social media offers more opportunities than ever to connect with a worldwide audience. Additionally, many social media users are beginning to shop on these sites. So if the 18 to 34 age range is your target market, they have already started scrolling and are prepared to make purchases. The majority of social network users who have made at least one purchase through a social channel are members of Generation Z and Millennials. Gather Audience Data Customer information is primarily found on social media channels. Future product development and marketing activities can benefit from this insightful data. Instagram Insights offers demographic information, such as gender, age range, and location. In addition, marketers can learn more specific information about their target audience using audience insights. An overview of demographics includes information on age and gender distributions, occupations, marital statuses, and educational attainment. Additionally, brands can learn about consumers' interests and pastimes. Retailers can create highly targeted ad campaigns using this data to get their goods in front of the right customers. In addition, brands now have an opportunity to reach highly targeted consumers with their products thanks to social commerce, which is impossible with traditional eCommerce platforms. Organic Traffic and Engagement An excellent initial step to finally making conversions is aggressively trying to increase your social media audience. The engagement and reach businesses may obtain whenever they publish content is one of the most important advantages of social commerce. Regularly appearing in a follower's updates feed allows you to take advantage of a potent branding opportunity. People are more likely to suggest a firm if they interact with it frequently. Social commerce promotes two-way contact between customers and businesses. This allows clients to interact with your company and use social media as a helpful customer service channel where issues may be resolved. In addition, the sharing and reposting content on social media encourage interaction, website traffic, and increased brand awareness. Customer Retention and Loyalty You want to sell and advertise your goods and services when you use social commerce for business, but you also want to cultivate positive relationships with people. A business can create and maintain relationships that strengthen trust and loyalty by taking advantage of this opportunity to interact with prospects. This results in clients who are pleased or satisfied with your service and inclined to continue as clients and make repeat purchases. First-time and repeat customers are equally valuable, so treat them both with respect. Disadvantages Of Social Commerce Although we believe that social commerce's advantages outweigh its drawbacks, there are a few reasons why some firms are hesitant. Let's examine a couple of social commerce's disadvantages from the viewpoint of brands. Loss of Customer Control by Sellers While social commerce gives businesses many opportunities, others are worried about who owns the customer. As a result, the influence of both large and small shops is being eroded as social networks increasingly control the purchasing process. When consumers purchase Instagram or another platform, customers' information is saved by the social media site, not by the retailer. Because of this, it becomes more difficult for businesses to get to know their clients and provide them with more individualised online and offline experiences. In addition, some business owners have raised concerns that social networks would sell this consumer information to third parties, undermining the public's trust in the brand or that the information might be used to send customers to rival websites. Loss of Control Over Products and Pricing by Sellers There is a risk that social networks will control both the customer and the price. Some retailers worry that Amazon might alter their product prices without permission as it transitions from being just an online marketplace to including elements of social networking. However, Amazon does not need to turn a profit on the goods it sells; it only needs to generate sales, and it is unconcerned if shops using its platform experience lower profit margins. There is Limited Reach On the other hand, if you underestimate the power of social media, you should be cautious. The pandemic has caused a sharp increase in social media usage, with 43% of users aged 16 to 64 spend more time on the platforms, but there has been no growth in the number of active users. Moreover, people who haven't already started using social media will refrain from doing so now since the market for social media is saturated. Of course, younger generations are more likely than older generations to use social media. Still, the significant rise in the number of new users won't occur until there is a concerted effort to improve smartphone and internet access in developing nations. So there is still a long way to go, even though this is slowly but surely rising. Limited Possibilities Retailers would discover that not all social media users are eager to make purchases on their platforms, even if social commerce could help them expand into new markets. Even if social networks are fantastic for social connections, most individuals still prefer to purchase online from businesses' websites or marketplaces. In the USA, eMarketer discovered that 34.6% of regular social media users have never made a purchase straight from a social media post. In contrast, the Global Web Index found that only 13% of individuals said that a "buy" button on a social network would enhance their likelihood of making a purchase. So before people trust social networks to store their credit card information, there is a lot of work to be done. Top 10 Strategies to Leverage Social Shopping in 2024 As you can see, engaging in social commerce has a lot of advantages. But, on the other hand, it might be intimidating to venture into unfamiliar ground. Still, our top advice has been highlighted for you to consider whether you're new to social commerce or have been using this model for some time. Then, examine the suggested best practices to ensure that your brand is prepared for success in social commerce right now. Know Your Audience Match your social media target audience with your social commerce strategy for the best possible connection. Then, choose products and marketing based on this particular consumer segment rather than simply copying and pasting what is currently on your website. You may stay informed as your audience expands with a social media analytics tool. For example, customer personas by platform might be informed by social media profile reports that include demographic information about followers. To decide which goods to list and how to place them, use these in conjunction with post-performance data. Invest In the Appropriate Channels People utilise various social and digital platforms daily, but brands only have a limited amount of money and resources to devote to digital advertising. The more familiar you are with your target market, the easier it will be to identify the channels on which to concentrate your marketing efforts. Which platforms do they employ for content browsing and sharing? How often do they use those channels? What kinds of content are they most interested in? Finding the answers to these and similar inquiries can help you develop a successful social commerce strategy for your company. Generate User-Friendly Content Just keep in mind that your shopping profile is only intended for customers. Therefore, why not show them what their friends say about the company? User-generated content is helpful in this situation. Integrating user photos into your social shop is a bright idea. It's simple to gather pertinent user-generated content (UGC) from social profiles, make it shoppable, publish the shoppable UGC gallery on a website or share it on social media. It is the ideal method for combining places of inspiration with points of sale. Users' material acts as an element that fosters trust, display social proof, establishes legitimacy and encourages more purchases. Maintain Consistency in Your Content Your social selling plan will be more successful if it generates awareness and engagement. How would you market your items if people weren't aware of you? Content is the best tactic to increase social media's reach, awareness, and interaction. Maintaining consistency with your content will increase user engagement and attract new users. Doing this can drive the most traffic to your shoppable content streams or social network shopping pages. Create Shorter and Seamless Paths to Purchase Convenience is vital when it comes to modern retail. The brands that can most engage with browsers and turn them into customers can design an end-to-end purchasing process with as few frictionless steps as possible - across all critical channels. You'll need a seamless, omnichannel social commerce approach based on your customer data and analytics to ensure you capture the appropriate people, in the right place, at the right time. Utilizing social checkout capabilities, developing eCommerce, shoppable social feeds, and fusing your online and in-store experiences are a few examples of this, but it's not limited to these. Related Article: What is Omnichannel Fulfillment? Utilize Social Checkout Features Source The last thing a brand wants to do is put any obstacle in the way of a customer purchasing once they discover a product they are immediately inspired by while browsing through their preferred social media feed. This situation used to force manufacturers to send the consumer to a link in their bio, which would then lead them to their mobile site, where they would have to look for the item they had just seen to buy it. But unfortunately, many customers would have given up when they got there. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have features that allow brands to seamlessly sell products from their organic or paid social posts by giving brands the ability to add product tags to their posts to streamline the path to purchase. This helps to improve social shopping experiences. Showcase Shoppable Content and On-Site Social Proof Source Companies shouldn't merely make it simple for users to "shop the look" on social media. One effective way to increase online engagement and sales is by including visible and practical social proof in your eCommerce strategy. Customers are six times more likely to buy a product if the page has images from social media. Create a social media interactive lookbook or visual catalogue, and then include "Buy Now" calls to action to direct them to check out sites. Create Meaningful Experiences Throughout the Buying Process Most marketers who use UGC and influencer content do so exclusively on organic social. Still, this powerful social proof may also help develop authentic experiences at all stages of the buyer's journey. UGC may be utilised to generate outcomes across your platforms and campaigns, provided you have permission from the content creators. For example, use it as new creative in digital, social, and print advertisements, include it in promotional and community mailings, use it as social proof on all your websites and mobile applications, show it on your eCommerce pages, or even use it on in-store signs or live event displays. Mobile-First Strategy Mobile devices are designed for social media. Therefore, adopt a mobile-first strategy if you want to use social media to sell successfully. Sharing material of the highest quality and optimised for mobile displays is part of the mobile-first strategy. You must ensure that your social media buying gallery is configured with appropriate layouts and style to be mobile-responsive, particularly for social selling on websites. Related Article: How to Improve Mobile Shopping Experience in 5 Easy Ways in 2023 Learn and Improvise When you dangle a toe in the social commerce realm, the best thing you can do is measure, measure, measure. As you scale your plan, knowing what's working might help you replicate your success. It may also reveal new possibilities that you would have otherwise overlooked. To manage performance, keep an eye on your social metrics. Don't forget to tag your postings to provide you with a more detailed understanding of what is and isn't working. When you pair these with UTM parameters, you can dive deeper, determine which posts generated sales, and modify your plan to make your posts more effective. To stay on top of this process, you can schedule report deliveries weekly or monthly. Conclusion Social media has significantly revolutionized how businesses and their customers interact, and social commerce is by far its most popular use. The moment has arrived to be flexible and open to change. Social commerce can expand more quickly the earlier you try it. Social commerce is still in its early stages but will gain popularity quickly. Brands of all sizes can now experiment with social commerce and utilise it to grow their businesses, unlike in the past when only more prominent and worldwide brands could afford pricey campaigns. In the end, many of the most successful companies have a solid omnichannel strategy that integrates all online and offline business channels to produce a dependable consumer experience. Social commerce is the solution to expanding your brand outside the standard eCommerce platforms and improving the consumer experience. The marketing trend that has opened the way for more sales and conversions is the jewel in the crown of the marketing system. How WareIQ Streamlines Social Commerce Fulfilment?  When your business grows, don't let the complexity of social commerce fulfilment scare you away from the modern market or prevent you from gaining market share. With tailored guidance in setting up a social commerce fulfilment, WareIQ can help you expand into new sales channels. Working with WareIQ allows you to track inventories in real-time from a single dashboard, easily automate order fulfillment across social commerce channels, and save time and money by outsourcing logistics to experts. The eCommerce distribution process is improved by WareIQ's warehouse and fulfilment network, which includes inward inventory processing, intelligent inventory placement, real-time inventory tracking, quick fulfilment, and automatic dispatch. When you collaborate with WareIQ as a fulfilment partner to help you improve your logistics processes and optimise your supply chain, you have access to a national fulfilment network, cutting-edge technology, and first-rate customer support. For instance, to make each of the supply chain projects listed below better, WareIQ can assist with them all: Real-time inventory tracking along the supply chain includes: Choosing the most efficient means of product distribution.Provide shipping rebates via reputable regional and national carriers.Extend your consumer base's reach by utilising a vast network of fulfilment centres.Operations are improved by having access to cutting-edge data and reporting analytics technologies. Social Commerce Frequently Asked Questions What is social commerce?Social commerce uses social media platforms for advertising and marketing goods and services. For example, it promotes and permits users to make purchases within social networking sites without visiting another browser. How is social commerce carried out?Social commerce fully incorporates online purchasing into social media. As a result, customers may locate, browse, and buy things using their preferred social media networks without ever leaving the site.Social media platforms' built-in shopping features, like Facebook Shops, are essential to social commerce. Ecommerce interfaces with systems like Shopify are another option available to them. Why is social commerce important?Brands can sell products directly on social media platforms thanks to social commerce. It's a successful sales approach since it makes online purchasing easier when it begins on social media networks. While using social media, many consumers find goods they like. A quick and straightforward process that lowers the possibility of abandoned shopping carts is to enable customers to click through to the checkout without leaving the social network. Why will social commerce replace traditional trade online?Social commerce encourages two-way communication between customers and enterprises. This enables customers to communicate with your business and use social media as an efficient avenue for customer service where issues may be resolved. Why is social shopping popular?By being where your customers are spending their online time, social commerce gives them a convenient purchasing experience. In addition, social commerce reduces any friction that can cause customers to abandon their purchase by making it simple for them to find your products and finish their transaction.

September 16, 2022

What are eCommerce Product Tags and Why is Product Tagging Important for eCommerce Businesses in 2024? 

What are eCommerce Product Tags and Why is Product Tagging Important for eCommerce Businesses in 2024? 

Maintaining the efficiency of your eCommerce company requires tracking products along the supply chain. Product tags, commonly referred to as "hang tags," are one way to accomplish this. eCommerce product tags can be used in warehouses to keep inventory well-organized and documented. Product tags can still be useful for online companies even if they are typically used for products sold in traditional retail stores. This article will discuss eCommerce product tags' functionality as well as the types, benefits, and important elements involved in product tagging for eCommerce. What are eCommerce Product Tags? eCommerce product tags are descriptions that designate a product's category in the vendor's digital product catalogue. Everything you require to know about the product such as colour, size, type, brand, use, sale, etc. - is provided on the tag. The use of product tagging for eCommerce by sellers allows customers to traverse their website and filter products depending on the categories they want to explore. Tags also assist in making the search feature feasible and accurate. ‍Stores are able to enhance their filtering, product discoverability, and overall customer experience by having consistent, accurate, and relevant product tags. ‍Manual product labelling, however, can be incredibly cumbersome. For retailers with an extensive requirement for inventory management, where product labelling can go on forever, it is much more challenging. This is why product tagging for eCommerce should be used alongside technology to automate some of the more demanding aspects of it. [contactus_gynoveda] Types of Product Tagging for eCommerce Using automated technology or manually filling in information are the two options available. Learn the distinction by reading on: Manual Product Tagging The traditional method of product labelling is tagging. This implies that the owner or staff member of the online store physically tags the images in the product catalog. ‍When manually identifying products, human mistakes can occur easily, just like with other manual procedures. Manual tagging can result in jumbled supply chains, a protracted digitization process for new items, and inappropriate search results that negatively impact the consumer experience. These issues can range from overlooked attributes to misspelled terms and wholly incorrect tags. ‍The catalog information needs to be clear and organized, with precise product data to prevent these issues. It may be hard to accomplish this if the retail tagging process is carried out manually. ‍Fortunately, there is a significantly quicker option. Automatic Product Tagging Automatic product tagging, as the name implies, is an automated variant of manual product tagging for eCommerce. Automatic product tagging is a technique that groups and tags product images based on specific criteria using AI algorithms. The tagging procedure is automated and carried out effectively without requiring human involvement thanks to the sophisticated image recognition algorithms that make use of deep learning. For catalog assets, the automatic product tagging procedure automatically creates information. It scans the picture and identifies patterns that correspond to specific keywords. ‍As they are used more frequently, tags created in this way can gather information about not only the catalog data, but also about who is searching for them, where they are being used, and how they relate to other tags. How do eCommerce Product Tags Increase Effectiveness? Using eCommerce product tags will help your marketing initiatives and website marketing become more successful. This is due to the fact that product tags make it possible for buyers to locate what they are looking for, even if they are unsure of how to phrase their search. When a site visitor searches for anything, the more varied the relevant product tags are, the more relevant search results will appear. It is preferable to use identifiable headings, tags, and item names in marketing campaigns so that customers will understand what you mean and be able to recognize the product later. Increases The Average Order Size The holy grail of extremely successful eCommerce websites is getting customers to spend more each time they use your website. Product tagging aids in this by automatically connecting various things depending on the tags and showing your customer those connected products. Let's say you're buying a projector that is tagged with "Projector" and "Home Theater." The website will also suggest that you buy projector mounts and HDMI cables—items the customer may not have realized they needed—because those products are also tagged with "Projector" and "Home Theater." Reduces Online Shopping Cart and Website Abandonment Price, the absence of the desired item, or the simple realization that the chosen item wasn't exactly what they were looking for are common customer pain factors that lead to people abandoning an eCommerce shopping basket. Product tagging is a widely utilized tactic to assist in reducing losses caused by these issues since it might offer the buyer similar but less expensive alternatives, different product brands or related products. Making sure your product tags are updated with the terms being used in searches is a crucial component of product tagging. If a prospective customer visits your website and inquires about whether you sell hybrid cars but you haven't updated your tags to include "hybrid" or other pertinent keywords, no search results will appear and the visitor will assume you don't. Additionally, it is critical to update the tags if a search term's characteristics change. For instance, if everyone started typing "tennis shoes" instead of "tennis boots," you should ensure that all of the products that suit that description are categorized as such. Helps Customers to Locate the Products They Want Customers can find your goods while they are looking for a different but related product by adding more pertinent product tags. This is especially accurate for products that have been replaced by others after being discontinued. You can tag your product with the component number of a discontinued product if a consumer searches online for a projector lightbulb that has been discontinued but your lightbulb is also compatible with what they are searching for. The consumer can see that your lightbulb is compatible with their system when it appears in a search for a discontinued one and buy it. Your lightbulb wouldn't appear in searches without the proper product tag, the consumer wouldn't know they could use your lightbulb instead and you would have missed out on that transaction. 5 Important Elements to Include on Product Tags in 2024 One of the main advantages of product tagging for eCommerce businesses is its ability to instantly convey information, whether it is to a warehouse worker picking up an item or to a client looking for information about the product. Here is a list of components that should be on a product tag in 2024: Product Name This displays the product's true name. Tags might aid in separating your products if your company gives them distinctive names. One straightforward illustration is the title "red shirt" for a red shirt. This enables customers to easily identify what the product is by the name itself. Product Information This comprises a summary of details about the product, such as the components it is constructed of, its dimensions, product descriptions, the core principles of your business, and more. Since they are frequently brief and to the point, customers don't have to read them for very long. Source Barcode For the retail supply chain to track products, barcodes are necessary. It is simple to track how much inventory you have on hand and where in the warehouse it is situated by attaching a barcode to a product tag that can simply be scanned to reveal all the important information about that product. Source Price Consumers can learn how much an item will cost by seeing the price point on the product tag. A DTC brand probably won't require a price on the tag. However, it's advised that you have pricing on the tag for in-store use if you're thinking about filling B2B orders. Source SKU Number Your eCommerce warehouse, production, and customer service teams will gain by adding an SKU number to a product tag. Your staff will be able to easily locate a product by its SKU number to look into problems or further track where products are situated. Consider including the SKU number on your eCommerce product tags if your online business has a large number of different SKUs. Uses of Product Tags For eCommerce Businesses eCommerce product tags that convey specifics and information about an item might aid in maintaining product organization. They not only make inventory management simpler, but they also serve as a fantastic marketing tool for your company. Here are some of the most important uses of product tagging for eCommerce companies: To Organize Inventory eCommerce product tags provide detailed information about each item. This makes it easier to distinguish between products and maintain organization in fulfillment centers and warehouses. Maintaining jeans with jeans and shirts with shirts may seem simple for garment businesses but as your company expands, this gets harder to track over time, especially if you have a higher SKU count. You can make sure that all of your products are stored properly by using product tags. To Keep Track of Products Adding a UPC (universal product code) barcode on eCommerce product tags is another technique used for businesses to be able to monitor SKUs throughout the supply chain. This method makes it easier for companies and logistics partners to track products. It may be less necessary to manually keep track of how much of a product you have in stock and where it is by adding a barcode to your product tags. To Successfully Market Products eCommerce product tags can be used as a marketing collateral as well. Customers frequently scan product tags to learn more about a product if they visit your physical stores. Anything from a brand catchphrase to a message from the founder can be included, provided that there is room for it. You may also include social media accounts to entice clients to keep in touch after making a purchase. Benefits of eCommerce Product Tags Improves Search Engine Rankings Your search engine rankings will improve by including eCommerce product tags on your listing pages. A product with tags attached will appear higher in search results than those without tags when someone searches for it online. Because they appear to be more relevant to their search query, potential consumers are more inclined to click on those results first. For instance, you would want your leather boot collection to show up higher in search results than websites selling plastic boots if someone searches for "leather boots." Attracts Customers Customers like to make purchases from websites they can rely on and when they are confident, they will find what they are looking for more easily. Product tagging for eCommerce makes sure that clients are aware of the products you sell, their prices, and all the information associated with them. They will find it more convenient to shop at your website because all the information they require is readily available. Saves Time and Money You save time by using eCommerce product tags because updating data on a single page is quicker than manually updating data on each page, updating data using HTML code, or updating data using programming languages. Because it makes updating product information simple and accurate for staff members who aren't familiar with HTML or programming languages, it is cost-effective and ultimately results in increased productivity and lower expenses. Conclusion In a nutshell, eCommerce product tagging is a useful tool for improving inventory management and making it simpler to obtain details about your products for both your staff and your customers but there are subtler advantages that you might not be aware of, such as improving your SEO rankings, increasing product visibility, offering customers a better experience and much more. Your website's content can be customized to better appeal to clients using the information that your eCommerce product tags tell you about customer preferences. If you need assistance with fulfilling the additional orders brought about by using eCommerce product tagging, WareIQ can be the solution for you. WareIQ is one of India’s fastest-growing eCommerce fulfillment companies. We provide a wide variety of eCommerce services such as inventory storage through a nationwide network of fulfillment centers, a custom WMS that can help you track and organize your inventory across multiple fulfillment centers, ultra-fast same-day and next-day delivery through our partnership with more than 20 shipping companies and much more. eCommerce Product Tags: FAQS What are eCommerce product tags?eCommerce product tags are a term used to identify products on websites or in a warehouse. They provide a focused, nuanced product search and are used to sort products according to various characteristics. If you sell clothing, for instance, and want to make tags for T-shirts, you may use words like "t-shirt," "cotton," or "polo." Why is product tagging crucial?Product tagging makes sure that clients are aware of the things you sell, their prices, and where they can get them. They find it convenient to shop at your website because all the information they require is readily available. Do product tags assist with SEO?Product tagging is another word used to arrange products on your online store, not to be confused with product tags used for inventory management. Utilizing the product tag in the URL, you may organize your store's products to improve SEO. This enables search engines to recognize the type of products you are selling, making it simple for customers to use product phrases to locate them on your website. How are product tags created?The procedure of creating and setting up product tags is rather simple. When you add products to your online store, you can tag them using similar tags that are mentioned on major eCommerce platforms. In order to better manage which tags need to be utilized and which ones are out of date, you can keep track of all your tags in a spreadsheet.

September 13, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to eCommerce Accounting Software and 10 Best Accounting Softwares for eCommerce Companies in 2024

The Ultimate Guide to eCommerce Accounting Software and 10 Best Accounting Softwares for eCommerce Companies in 2024

You are able to keep track of all your transactions with eCommerce accounting software, which can also produce financial reports. You may already understand how crucial this is to any company, but eCommerce brings some unique accounting difficulties. Depending on your internet business, you might need to keep track of a large number of online transactions. This could easily become overwhelming if you were using a paper bookkeeping system and trying to handle everything yourself. By integrating with your seller platform and automatically uploading transaction data into its system, eCommerce accounting software reduces this administrative burden.  These imports can speed up bookkeeping while lowering the possibility of data input errors during the transmission of your data. In the odd event that you are subject to a government audit, that accurate data is useful. Opting for the best accounting software for eCommerce operations is crucial for your business if you want to save endless hours of data entry and be ready for tax season. What is eCommerce accounting software? Software for accounting in eCommerce is different from standard accounting software. It includes everything connected to online stores and e-commerce so that your firm is properly taxed. It is advisable to select accounting software that offers features advantageous to e-commerce enterprises while making this decision. [contactus_gynoveda] Methods to Lower Your Audit Risk By selecting the appropriate eCommerce accounting software, owners of eCommerce businesses can overcome a number of problems. It all boils down to comparing essential characteristics when choosing the best solution. You may be astonished to learn that some basic capabilities might not be included, even if you would believe that every eCommerce accounting software includes all you need. The key characteristics are as follows: Platform Integrations Your eCommerce platform, such as Squarespace, Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce, should be simple to link with your eCommerce accounting software. It should also be simple to integrate with other third-party applications, like those for managing contracts, staff expenses, and other aspects of your business. You can automatically update your inventory levels, taxes, payments received, and more with the help of these integrations. Suggested Read: How to sell with Shopify? Comprehensive Reports Most popular accounting software packages provide simple reporting. You will require advanced reporting if you anticipate significant growth for your eCommerce business, especially with inventory reporting, which you should receive weekly and monthly. Sales Tax Configuration Sales tax can be particularly complex for internet retailers. It should be as simple as possible to charge and record sales tax in your accounting software to mitigate any errors and discrepancies while calculating it. 24/7 Support When your company's backend accounting is handled by a single program or application, round-the-clock support is required. To determine how well a software company's customer assistance performs, it is crucial to read support ratings and reviews. How to Choose the Best Accounting Software for eCommerce Operations? You can begin to choose the best accounting software for eCommerce by asking yourself the following questions: Which characteristics are crucial to fulfilling your business needs?How significant is usability?How much knowledge in bookkeeping do you already possess?What does your time mean to your company?Do you mostly sell goods or services?Do you market in a few or several locations?Would having direct access to professionals help you make more informed business decisions? As you begin to eliminate possibilities, using the answers to these questions can assist you in doing so until you are left with just two or three options. Then, select which aspect is most important to you. For instance, does top priority go to direct connectivity with your eCommerce platform, or do you need to make the most of your savings? Of course, the needs of the present are crucial but don't forget to consider your company's future as well. After putting in the initial work, you may not want to switch to eCommerce accounting software anytime soon, so you should pick a system that you can expand with. 10 Best Accounting Software for eCommerce Companies in 2024 QuickBooks Online Source One of the best eCommerce accounting software solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises is called QuickBooks. With capabilities including expense tracking, tracking bills, due dates, and reporting, it offers both on-premises accounting software and cloud-based versions. You will discover that QuickBooks provides all the capabilities you require to accurately handle your inventory, taxes, expenses, and more. These features are all created to serve eCommerce enterprises. Because it offers native connectors for well-known eCommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce, QuickBooks should be on your radar. Pros Provides assistance with a variety of integrations and add-onsExtremely flexible reporting frameworkSimple to set upOutstanding payroll supportCalculates hybrid sales taxes Cons Customer service could be betterLimited mobile app functionalityNew users may find the dashboard to be a little cluttered Wave Accounting Source Owners of eCommerce businesses can benefit greatly from Wave, a complete eCommerce accounting software solution created specifically for small companies. Wave is a fantastic option if you're looking for a comprehensive solution to optimize your financial accounting, tax filings, and invoicing. It is the ideal accounting program for business owners that need fine-grained control over their accounts. The dashboard allows you to handle payroll, invoicing, and prepayments through a centralized platform and provides you with precise information about your spending and income. Professional invoice creation is possible with Wave at no additional cost and it syncs with your Shopify or WooCommerce online store very quickly. The accounting software and the invoicing system are two separate Wave product lines. Pros Use is freeDouble-entry accounting is usedExcellent user interfaceSupport for multiple currencies Cons Templates have restricted usabilityThe mobile app's functionality is limitedCustomers cannot receive discounts through Wave's restricted time-tracking tools Xero Source Xero is a web-based eCommerce accounting software for small and developing enterprises. Small business owners may instantly gain insights into their financial situation thanks to Xero, which connects them with their trusted advisors. Xero can be accessed from any device with an active internet connection because it is a web-based solution. Small businesses can examine their cash flows, transactions, and account details from anywhere thanks to Xero's sophisticated accounting tools. All bank transactions are imported automatically and coded. You can better manage your incoming expenses and finances by using online bill pay, which also strengthens connections with the suppliers of essential business supplies. Pros Reasonable pricesSimple to useConnects to all significant banksReports are simple to view and adjust Cons No telephone help as customer service is provided by emailResponse from support may take more than 24 hoursWhen automatic reconciliation fails, you must manually review the transactionsTeam members need their user permissions to be expanded more Bench Accounting Source Bench is an all-in-one eCommerce accounting software service that provides the same visual reporting as the other programs on this list, with the added benefit of a professional bookkeeper that you can contact whenever you need to. Bench integrates with your preferred bank accounts and payment processors, as well as major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and even Amazon. Since Bench not only handles importing transactions but also manages the administrative side of bookkeeping, you'll achieve the same accuracy as the other key players while saving much more time. Pros Integrates with multiple eCommerce platformsProfessional help whenever you need itSimple dashboard layout Cons Prices can be high compared to other solutionsLimited mobile app functionality Freshbooks Source FreshBooks began its life essentially as an invoicing program, but it has now evolved significantly. FreshBooks still works better with service-based eCommerce businesses like bespoke crafts, online coaching, or other individualized online businesses, even if it now covers the majority of accounting functionalities. To save time and improve accuracy, FreshBooks, like QuickBooks, can connect to your bank account and payment systems to automatically import transaction data. Even the most important financial reports are available, including cash flow statements, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets. However, FreshBooks' project management tools are its greatest asset. You can create projects in FreshBooks, keep track of the time you or your team spend working on them, and then easily export that data into invoices after the project is complete. If your eCommerce company sells made-to-order goods or hourly services, this capability can be great. Pros Provision of project management toolsIntegration with your existing payment platformsCustomizable invoice templates Cons A learning curve is required for most business ownersIt does not provide automatic sales tax changes based on the location of the buyer or inventory managementIt lacks native eCommerce platform integration, making it a bad choice if you sell physical items Kashoo Source A significant portion of accounting activities in smaller firms is automated by the outstanding eCommerce accounting software solution, Kashoo. It automatically classifies and arranges transactions, which can help you save a tonne of time and money. Additionally, Kashoo offers a smart inbox that tracks and prioritizes emails from merchants you frequently do business with. The smartphone app from Kashoo scans receipts, turns them into digital copies, and then classifies them automatically using OCR technology. This is significant because it eliminates the possibility of duplicate entries in your system. Kashoo also automatically classifies payments in accounts that are frequently inspected, so you won't have to worry about paying more in taxes than you should when the taxman comes knocking. Pros Regular updatesAdequate for tracking income and expensesThe free version is available for smaller organizationsGood selection of templates Cons There is no typical dashboard; instead, everything is separated into tabsAndroid app development is ongoingThere are only a small number of integrations Zoho Books Source The Zoho software package was created with all types of businesses in mind. They provide a selection of productivity tools geared for marketers and entrepreneurs. As you might expect, their small business-focused financial services offering is called Zoho Books. For business owners who currently use Zoho for their eCommerce platform, integrating Zoho Books into their system is a breeze. It provides practical tools for managing payroll, invoices, estimating, tracking expenses and many other tasks. Zoho Books is a great option if you want to automate workflows in your accounting division. You don't have to worry about executing such time-consuming duties on your own because Zoho Books offers an end-to-end accounting solution, from tracking deals to sales orders. Not only that, but Zoho Books also offers handy reporting capabilities that let you see a clear picture of how your company is doing. Pros Assistance with all the popular payment gatewaysTracks time taken to perform various tasksRenowned in the commercial sector for their assistance servicesProvides extensive form customization and administration tools Cons Payroll features are not accessible nationally or internationallyThere are only a few choices for integration Sage Accounting Source Sage Accounting is one of the most feature-rich systems out there. For those who don't know, Sage is one of the most recognizable brands in the market for eCommerce accounting software. Sage is remarkably simple to grasp if you are an accountant. Sage frequently gives the impression of being a tool designed more for accountants than for small business owners. However, there are some functions that are absent that you would often find in other systems, such as time monitoring and order management. Sage provides you with a number of registration tools as soon as you join up, allowing you to easily configure your tax return settings as well as your sales and expense options. It uses double-entry bookkeeping, which is an advantage for accountants and the user experience is quite simple and uncomplicated. However, a common complaint about Sage is that, when compared to other well-known brands like Zoho Books or QuickBooks, the user interface appears a little dated. Sage also provides reasonably well-made mobile apps for iOS and Android, in addition to other services. Pros Really simple to set upStreamlined interfaceProvides choices for project trackingDecent mobile applications on both iOS and Android Cons The UI appears datedNo timekeepingLimited report customization options Netsuite Source NetSuite cloud financials and accounting software, which is intended for large businesses, assist finance professionals in designing, transforming, and streamlining their procedures and operations. Core accounting and finance operations are combined with effective compliance management in NetSuite. This combination lowers back-office costs while increasing financial close efficiency and company performance. It would be wise to look into NetSuite if you are in charge of a sizable company with international activities. Pros Top software for huge businessesProvides a variety of capabilities not seen in other accounting software and supports global accounting if your business operates internationallyProvides compliance support for ASC 606, GAAP, SOX, and other standards Cons Due to cost, this is not a good option for small to medium-sized organizationsIf you want all of NetSuite's functionality, you'll need multiple of their software solutions Free Agent Source Small business owners can handle invoices, expenses, payroll, tax returns and other accounting activities using FreeAgent, a cloud-based accounting solution. It also lets you set up recurring invoices that can be sent automatically, customize expense categories to paint an accurate picture of your accounts and measure and track all your data in one centralised dashboard. Pros Simple to useFree pricing strategy is offeredUpdates frequently with new featuresOutstanding tax reporting capabilities Cons Pricey compared to rivalsMore template choices are requiredLack of round-the-clock assistance Conclusion For owners of online stores, using good eCommerce accounting software is crucial now, more than ever. When it comes to filing your taxes, you don't want to be rushing at the last minute. Having all reports on hand when you need them is always a good idea. Any of these 10 excellent solutions will work fine as accounting software, so choose the right one for your requirements. If you require even more insights into your business operations and performance, you can use WareIQ’s custom WMS. WareIQ is a rapidly expanding eCommerce fulfillment company that provides solutions to a variety of eCommerce requirements such as order fulfillment, inventory storage, first-mile delivery, last-mile delivery, and more. We offer a custom WMS that can track and update inventory in real-time, across multiple fulfillment centers and can integrate with more than 12 eCommerce selling platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, and more. You can track and analyze historical data to better understand how your business is performing and where you need to make improvements. eCommerce Accounting Software: FAQs Why is accounting for eCommerce crucial?It is crucial because it gives a more accurate picture of your monthly business income, additionally, taking into consideration your current and upcoming financial responsibilities, enabling you to make more precise financial estimates. How does accounting for eCommerce operate?eCommerce accounting is the process of gathering, examining, classifying, and disclosing financial information about assets and business transactions inside an eCommerce business. What accounting software does Amazon use?Amazon marketplace sales, cost of goods sold, and FBA inventory management accounting processes are automated by the use of A2X Accounting by Amazon sellers and eCommerce accountants. It automatically displays Amazon settlements and gives you a concise breakdown of revenue, costs, and other information.

September 13, 2022

Landing Page Optimization: Importance, Benefits, Procedure and Best Practices of Optimising Landing Page for eCommerce Companies in 2024

Landing Page Optimization: Importance, Benefits, Procedure and Best Practices of Optimising Landing Page for eCommerce Companies in 2024

Landing pages are created by marketers to generate leads and they need to be optimized. They make excellent test beds for experimentation and optimization. They are usually specifically targeted and more managed in terms of the traffic that is received each month, whether they are created for SEO (search engine optimization) or paid advertising marketing campaigns. As a result, it is a fantastic place to discover what works and what doesn't. Consider that if you can reduce your customer acquisition cost by 1% while increasing your landing page conversion rate, it allows you to extend your efforts across multiple campaigns and keywords by reinvesting in further paid advertising or even more landing pages. Efficiency is the key to success. We will take a look at the importance of eCommerce landing page optimization, elements involved, steps to achieve it and 14 best practices to enhance your landing pages. What is Landing Page Optimization? The act of enhancing or improving each component of your landing page in order to enhance conversions is known as landing page optimization. You can use statistics and anecdotal evidence rather than redoing the entire page based simply on a gut feeling. Before your landing page ever goes live, you can gather the necessary data. You can have a better understanding of what your audience wants and expects, for example, by surveying them. You won't, however, produce the ideal landing page right away. Instead, you need to make adjustments after your website is live while you evaluate the data and track your conversion rate. [contactus_gynoveda] Importance of Landing Page Optimization Campaigns for online marketing often include landing pages. A landing page is a web page created specifically to increase sales or gather leads. Many monetary resources are used to direct people to landing pages, which are frequently the focus of paid online marketing campaigns. Since landing pages are designed to increase conversions, optimizing their effectiveness can significantly boost business outcomes. By conducting landing page optimization, you can ensure that the visitors that view it convert at the maximum rate feasible. You can increase the value of your ad spend, increase client acquisition, and decrease customer acquisition costs using eCommerce landing page optimization. Elements of eCommerce Landing Page Optimization Descriptions Write material that is compelling and straightforward to encourage your readers to take action. Develop your relationship with them by being clever and original. Before introducing the features, highlight your advantages and describe what you can offer your customers. Make it simple to read and understand your headlines and body material by using easy-to-scan bullet points, stressed words, sentences, sub-headlines, etc. Do not undervalue descriptive landing pages. Today's marketing relies more than ever on content, but for some reason, many marketers don't give it enough attention. Call to Action (CTA) Make a call to action (CTA) that is distinct from the rest of the copy and design. Using contrasting colors or enclosing the CTA button in white space to set it apart from other elements is typically a smart idea. Think about various shapes, sizes, arrangements and patterns. It is crucial to choose the proper shape and size since you want it to be inspiring and attractive without being excessively enormous, which could overwhelm the rest of the space. In terms of language, selecting the appropriate words can significantly impact conversion performance. Don't settle for generic, uninspiring "submit" or "send" call-to-actions; instead, be clear-cut and detailed. Testimonials and Reviews Display gratifying testimonies, relevant recommendations, reviews, successful case studies, well-known client logos, credentials you've attained, honours you've received and so forth. Numerous case studies involving landing pages have already demonstrated the advantages of utilizing social proof components. Increase your credibility while easing any anxiety or decision-making constraints. Assist the prospective buyer. Additionally, be genuine and real by posting copies of emails with positive feedback, real images of your clients and tweets from customers. One of the most powerful selling tactics you can use on your landing page is social proof, even if it can be difficult to obtain, especially for new brands.  Source Hero Shot The "hero shot" is a graphic depiction of your service or product that is displayed in a prominent location on the page and is targeted to the right users and audiences while supporting the headline and overall messaging. A powerful hero shot can foster empathy and increase interest in your product. A picture of your actual product or staff would be more credible than one taken from a stock photo. Keep in mind that happy customers could boost conversion rates. Suggested Read: How does eCommerce customer feedback can boost conversion rates? Source List of Benefits Include a thorough justification of the advantages of your offer. It is always a good idea to group the benefits into bullet points rather than one long paragraph for ease of reading. A problem's description should be concise and free of superfluous adjectives. Keep your message simple and direct while communicating with your prospects. 4 Easy Steps to Optimise Landing Pages in eCommerce Step 1: Identify the Driving Components Finding out what drives visitors to your landing page and what they hope to gain from your website is the first phase in eCommerce landing page optimization. Marketers must discover who is visiting their landing page and why in order to do this. To find out who is visiting a website, one common approach is to look at website analytics; a companion option is to set up an on-page survey to ask visitors their names and reasons for visiting. When a company from a particular case study that deals with divorce services began poring over Google Analytics data, they discovered that: Many visitors came from direct searches and clicked through from the main online homepage to the section that they were looking forBy a wide margin, visitors who moved from the homepage to this second page had the best conversion rates of all homepage visitors.This product received far more interest than any other on the website, even the DIY options Step 2: Identify Roadblocks Preventing Conversions Focusing on the factors stopping visitors to a particular landing page from converting is the second step in landing page optimization. What turned them off, alarmed them, or irritated them enough to have them leave? Two effective tools that can assist you in tracking the precise behaviors of actual (anonymized) visitors to your website and determining their browsing patterns are session records and heatmaps. You will begin to see trends after listening to a number of these recordings that show when and why folks didn't convert. Step 3: Identify Reasons That People Convert Finding out what motivates your consumer base to act is the third and last element of the CRO program and landing page optimization. You can decide what to increase your efforts on by being aware of what is currently attracting conversions. One method is to use post-conversion surveys or polls that ask respondents directly about the factors that led them to convert. After analyzing the data, you can categorize the key factors depending on how frequently they appear. Reading website evaluations and the transcripts of user discussions is another technique to find hooks.  14 Best Practices for Landing Page Optimization in 2024 Make Your Offer Clear If you want to increase your conversion rates, use this knowledge on your landing pages. When you are first developing your optimization approach, consider how you may encourage the customer to feel good. You want them to feel informed, valued, motivated and enthusiastic. Consider the precise objective of your target audience before creating a headline.  Simplify Your Landing Page Although it may seem paradoxical, a very straightforward landing page eliminates visual clutter. Your call to action is the prize you want website visitors to concentrate on. Take Dropbox as an example. The business makes fantastic landing pages that say a lot in a few words. While implementing landing page optimization, make sure to highlight aspects that you would want your customers to observe so that they are more likely to proceed further. Use Contrasting Colors The contrast in color and clarity has been used to great effect on the best landing pages in the industry. Calls to action can be highlighted in bold, dynamic colors to encourage customers to click it while the actual content can have light, modern colors that are easy to read. Keep the Important Section Above the Fold Newspapers are where the phrase "above the fold" first appeared. To encourage readers to buy the paper after seeing the headlines, the most alluring stories were published on the front page, above the standard newspaper fold. You can achieve eCommerce landing page optimization by keeping your landing page elements above the digital fold or the point at which a visitor must scroll to see more content, which may achieve the same result.  Since more people are utilizing smartphones and tablets, this is more challenging than ever. The good news is that you can maintain your headline, a few sentences of body copy, and a CTA front and center while using a scroll map to quickly determine where the average fold appears on various screens. Use Scarcity Techniques "Limited time" and "limited quantity" are among the most popular marketing catchphrases for a reason. Using this tactic in your landing page optimization makes customers feel like they are compelled to act immediately by the sense of scarcity because they fear missing out if they wait. Even large-scale retailers such as Target employ it.  Create a limited-time deal or offer a lead magnet, like a live webinar on your own website to get the same results. A countdown clock can also give scarcity a visual component. It provides a deadline for visitors to respond to an offer. Keep Your Call-to-Action Buttons Straightforward A call-to-action button shouldn't make the reader anxious or perplexed. Make your offer simple, direct, and understandable. You'll see that most businesses avoid using flowery language or complex offerings in their landing pages. The following words are the most commonly used: Sign up to DownloadTry for Free HereSign Up Now Add Contact Information There are many various methods by which you can give your website visitors your contact information. Your landing page can include your phone number, email address, or contact form. Links to other companies' support pages can also be provided, including your marketplace or other subsidiary companies that you own. Customers are already aware that help centers contain contact information, responses to commonly asked issues, and tutorials. Try Different Headlines In a world dominated by images and videos, the text of a landing page is still important to achieving landing page optimization. Make sure your target audience will be interested in reading what you publish. On your landing page, experiment with A/B testing different titles. Run A/B tests and make changes to the body copy to observe how those components fare. Be Consistent With Your Brand Image While the brand-consistent message is crucial now more than ever, conversion rates can also be greatly affected by aesthetic consistency. Consider that if you run a Facebook advertisement that directs users to your landing page, you would want the landing page to reflect the text, photography, and other components of your advertising. They ought to have a similar outward appearance and make the same pitch. If not, your potential consumer will become frustrated or perplexed. Add Testimonials to Convert Leads Customers really like social proof. People should be aware of other customers' interactions with a company. One of the finest methods to do this is through testimonials. You will have an advantage over the competition if you can persuade your clients to record a video testimonial. As long as you provide the customer's full name and ideally, a headshot, quotes also perform nicely. Experiment With Forms Sizes Some marketers think that the best forms are the shortest possible. "Only request the email address," they advise. Anything more would be excessive. However, that is not always the case. A lengthy form may be better if you want to qualify leads for a costly good or service. Although you may receive fewer leads, they will be of higher quality. For a web design company, for instance, finding out the potential client's budget can save you a ton of time. If your minimum package starts at Rs. 20,000, a client searching for an Rs. 500 design is unlikely to use your services. Optimize Your Landing Page for SEO Every day, people use organic search to locate landing pages. Perhaps one of your landing pages serves as your home page, in which case it should — at the absolute least — appear when someone searches for the name of your business. You can also achieve rankings for keywords associated with your industry through landing page optimization. To choose the most appropriate terms for your landing page, use programs like Ubersuggest or Semrush. Use the suggested keywords in the body text, picture alt text, headlines, and other places. Try an Exit Popup If a visitor tries to leave your landing page, an exit popup shows on the screen. It is an additional chance to generate a conversion. They are less intrusive than popups that start appearing as soon as a person enters the site or just starts to browse. To entice readers to click, use attractive visual graphics, a persuasive title, and CTA text. Consider offering a special discount or another incentive to encourage the exit popup. You can develop A/B test versions as well as exit popups for specific pages on your website using a tool like Hello Bar. Aside from receiving a lot of helpful information, you'll also learn how to attract people who opt to stick around thanks to your timely promotion. A/B Test Every Aspect of Your Landing Page Your data gets more accurate the more A/B tests you do. Every A/B test should have just one modification to one variant, like your CTA. This will help you understand if your landing page optimization is successful or not. If you alter several variables, you won't be able to tell which one affected the conversion difference between the two types. After gathering data and getting to know your audience, you can put what you've learned into practice with a redesign and use A/B testing to confirm that it increased your conversion rate. Conclusion Landing page optimization requires the utmost attention because it generates the majority of new leads for your company. Take into account the aforementioned details, alter these lead generation sites as needed and raise conversion rates as it will result in more sales and increased growth for your company. If you need assistance with fulfilling orders generated through your landing pages, consider partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is one of the leading eCommerce fulfillment companies in India. We provide a variety of services and provide access to advanced technology to our users. Some of the facilities we provide include: A nationwide network of fulfillment centersA custom WMS that can track inventory in real-time across multiple fulfillment centersIntegrations with more than 12 online selling platformsUltra-fast delivery through a choice of more than 20 shipping aggregatorsA custom app store with a variety of downloadable apps Landing Page Optimization: FAQS What is required for landing page optimization?You will want a landing page optimization tool if you want to properly optimize your landing pages. With this tool, you can test modifications you make to your landing pages to see if they improve conversion rates. What does not work well for optimizing landing pages?Avoid rambling and stay on topic. Your landing page should draw in potential consumers and turn them into paying ones. They are not to be confused with volumes of a copy. Choose your major selling points and stick to them when communicating with your customer. Which actions are most likely to increase the conversion rate of a landing page?The landing page conversion rate can go up by as much as 35% as a result of modifying the form title and giving the button's CTA more relevance and value. The ideal strategy is to concentrate on the significance and value for the visitor. The visitor isn't given much information about what they'll get from "Submit" because it is so ambiguous.

September 06, 2022

What is eCommerce Customer Service? 10 Best Practices to Improve eCommerce Customer Support in 2024

What is eCommerce Customer Service? 10 Best Practices to Improve eCommerce Customer Support in 2024

For decades, eCommerce has been a growing market. Because of the Covid-19 outbreak, online buying has seen a major increase. It now plays a larger role in more people's lives than ever before. Of course, this is wonderful news for online enterprises. However, they cannot just sit back and relax. Within the niche, competition is still fierce. Customer engagement ideas and methods are still necessary to win individuals over from your competitors. Consumers have high expectations. It is important that you provide exceptional eCommerce customer service, customer support, and other features that enhance the user experience otherwise online buyers may look elsewhere. So, what can internet retailers do to assure excellent customer service to their customers? That's one thing you'll discover if you keep reading. You will also learn the importance of eCommerce customer support, 5 techniques to help you automate your eCommerce customer service, and much more. What is eCommerce Customer Service? eCommerce customer service is assisting online customers in a variety of ways from making smarter purchasing decisions to resolving concerns, all while offering a cohesive customer experience across many touchpoints. If your online clients have issues when making a purchase or require post-sales assistance, your customer service representatives must be able to respond quickly. eCommerce customer service issues include difficulties completing the checkout process, being unable to add items to the cart, invalid coupons, etc. These things when done right results in positive customer feedback. [contactus_gynoveda] Importance of eCommerce Customer Support According to Microsoft's "State of Global Customer Service" survey, 54% of consumers have already raised their expectations for the level of eCommerce customer service they receive. As a result, there is no substitute for providing excellent eCommerce customer support. The following are the most important aspects of customer care in eCommerce: Increases Sales Velocity 83% of online buyers need help placing an order. Customers can make faster sales decisions if you can provide real-time support via live chat or by employing an eCommerce bot. This will help resolve their queries instantly so that they can continue shopping or make the payment for their order. Improves Client Retention The expense of acquiring a new customer is seven times that of retaining an existing customer. You can enhance client retention by providing timely eCommerce customer service and resolving customer problems in real-time. This will ensure that they have a good experience with your brand and will return to make repeat purchases and provide positive feedback to other potential customers. Cultivates Consumer Loyalty A well-executed eCommerce customer service plan can assist in retaining existing customers, acquiring new customers, reducing attrition, building customer loyalty, and boosting revenues in multiple ways. Customers will not need to search for other brands since they will be aware of the excellent eCommerce customer support provided by your brand. 5 Techniques to Automate Your eCommerce Customer Service Automation in eCommerce is software solutions that handle repetitive administrative activities and reduce the need for manual data entry. And practically every step involved in running a business can be automated. However, the most beneficial automation techniques in an eCommerce customer service context are listed below: Self-Serve Widgets These widgets are shown on your home page and act as a portal to your help desk. It is the same as a retail assistance representative approaching you in a physical store and saying, "I'll be over here if you need me." They provide a vast range of functionalities to assist with eCommerce customer support. Autoresponders Setting up autoresponders might save your eCommerce customer support team a lot of time. If a customer sends a message inquiring about cancellations, refunds, or how to use your product, the automation tool recognizes specific phrases in the message and delivers an automatic response outlining the further steps the customer should take. Chatbots Chatbots are a type of conversational commerce tool that is changing the way online retailers create consumer experiences. In order to assist online clients, these automated bots examine and evaluate incoming communications before simulating human dialogue. They can be used to route users to their desired product, answer typical customer concerns or gather pertinent information before transferring them onto a live agent. Macro Responses  These are pre-written answers to the most frequently asked eCommerce customer service inquiries and concerns. Any of the macros can be selected and customized by a professional communicating with the customer, allowing them to provide clear and concise information while still offering personalized care. Automatic Ticket Assignment Automatic ticket assignment is a method of automating and organizing eCommerce customer support by specifying which agents should handle specific queries and tickets will be automatically assigned to the appropriate representative so that every customer has a representative that will assist them with their queries or issues. 10 Best Practices to Improve Your eCommerce Customer Service in 2024 Want to improve your consumers' online purchasing experience but don't know where to begin? The following are the top 10 best practices in eCommerce customer support to consider: Interact With Customers on Channels They Prefer An ever-expanding eCommerce business should leave no stone unturned in providing customers with different service channels. If you confine your contact channels to phone or email, your clients may eventually flee to your competition. According to Statista, 65% of customers believe it is simple to contact a firm by phone. However, a sizable proportion (39%) find it more convenient to contact a company via social media.  Keeping up with a wide range of communication choices can be difficult for any organization. This may have an impact on the response time of your team. In fact, many online retailers may find it difficult to train multiple representatives for different platforms. As a result, the greatest solution would be to directly ask your customers. You can send them a poll in which you ask a question such as, "Which customer service channels do you prefer?" The responses will help you understand your clients and their preferences better. Make Proactive eCommerce Customer Service Your First Line of Defense The majority of online retailers prioritize reactive help, acting only when a consumer experiences a problem. For instance, companies only acknowledge a shipment delay when their clients request an update. You must foresee customer issues and address them before they become more serious if you want to provide wonderful eCommerce customer service. Proactive customer assistance is a strategy that should be your first line of defence against client complaints or requests. A few ways to provide proactive eCommerce customer support are listed below: Inform Customers of Issues Before They Become Apparent: It is crucial to be open with your clients. Declare difficulties as they arise rather than waiting for clients to approach you for assistance.Follow-Up With Clients: Even after a customer's concern has been fixed, stay in touch with them frequently. Create an automatic email inquiring if consumers are experiencing the same problems repeatedly.Express Regret Your Errors: Let's face it, mistakes will inevitably occur since businesses are not run by superhumans. However, you can change the course of events if you admit your error and solve it as soon as possible. Optimize Your Online Store for Live Chat Do you recall the last time you were browsing an online store and wondered if there were any discounts available or when an item would be available again? Prospects may be unsure of how to receive answers to their questions while browsing your eCommerce website. A live chat window that provides immediate assistance can be effective. High rates of customer satisfaction can be achieved through using live chat in your eCommerce customer support. When compared to other communication methods, live chat is preferred by 92% of clients, according to a study. A few reasons why are listed below: Customers can get real-time assistance from your live chat agentsThey can actually manage numerous chat sessions at once, which is not achievable through other channels like phone supportThey create chances for cross-selling and upsellingThey maintain client engagement for a connected and customized experience Design Honest Product Catalogues  A salesperson will walk you through the features and costs of products in physical stores whereas product catalogues provide all this information for an online store. When they believe that important information is missing from product descriptions, many customers will contact your company for assistance. Some people might not think the product photos are enough, while others could remove items from their shopping basket because a discount coupon code doesn't actually work. About 87% of online buyers go through product descriptions for at least a minute before making a purchase from an eCommerce website. Simply by making your product catalogues better in terms of content and style, you can eliminate a sizable portion of eCommerce customer support requests. You can use the advice below: Provide accurate product details and pricing informationPut several "Call to Action" buttons in strategic locations such as Share, Contact us, Add to cart, Add to wishlist, Remind me when product is back in stock, etc.Add pertinent HD product pictures that were taken from various anglesShare sincere product evaluations to assist customers in making wise purchase decisions Suggested Read: Catalog Management in eCommerce Contact Customers on Social Media More people than ever are using social media to interact with brands. They don't only share photos from dinner parties or vacations; they also talk about their interactions with their favourite companies. A Microsoft study found that 50% of customers between the ages of 18 and 34 have gotten in touch with companies on social media. Social networking is a necessary component of any eCommerce customer service strategy. Leading social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others have developed into effective tools for assisting current clients and luring in new ones. Encourage your team to monitor online brand mentions made by customers. Your company will develop a solid brand reputation if you address its issues publicly. Additionally, wishing clients a happy birthday or anniversary and tagging them can greatly increase client loyalty. You can also hold contests as part of your social media strategy, rewarding winners with unique presents or money-saving vouchers. Empower Online Shoppers With Knowledge Customers do not always have the time or zeal to ask a human to fix their problems in the busy 21st century. When you can complete the task yourself and much more rapidly, why wait for an agent to return your call or text? After all, being able to handle a problem on your own gives you a sense of empowerment. You can set up a specific knowledge base or online help center that provides details on things like shipping costs, return policies, refund policies, anticipated delivery dates, and much more. Numerous online vendors may have registered on your website for your online business. You need a page specifically for sellers in your online knowledge base for efficient eCommerce operations. For instance, the online marketplace for crafts and other handmade goods, Etsy, has designated sections for both vendors and buyers. You can incorporate self-help blogs, FAQs, or news about your upcoming items for a wonderful self-service experience. You can also add instructional films to your website to help clients use your items more effectively. Automate Your Customer Service Process Being an eCommerce customer service representative for an online retailer isn't always easy because of the countless support difficulties, ongoing deadline pressures, and challenging clients. An automated customer support procedure can assist you in overcoming tedious, time-consuming manual operations in this specific situation. Everyone benefits from an automated workflow, including customer service managers, agents, and customers themselves. The good news is that big data analytics and artificial intelligence don't require you to spend a significant amount of money. You can automate your procedures and please your clients by using a straightforward support desk program.  You can automate the process of creating and assigning tickets with the correct help desk technology. By doing this, it is guaranteed that all incoming support requests are instantly turned into individual tickets and assigned to the appropriate agents.  To save your agents from repeatedly entering the same responses, you can create thousands of prefabricated responses. Additionally, you can program automated emails to be sent to clients whenever an issue has been handled. With the aid of such emails, you can practice immediately collecting client feedback and giving customers the choice to review your service. Personalize Every eCommerce Customer Service Interaction One element unites all positive eCommerce client experiences - personalization. Personal attention can be the secret to a positive customer support experience, whether it takes the shape of product recommendations or something as basic as giving your customers offers on special occasions. A lack of personalization caused 33% of clients to end a business relationship last year, according to research by Accenture. But is it feasible to offer individualized support on a large scale? Yes, it is, as you can teach your staff to personalize every client connection and make every support session important. Here are some actions you can take to get going: Share product recommendations with clients on a regular basis through newsletters or while they are browsing your website. Request that your agents address customers by name when speaking on the phone or in a live chatTo recognize and reward your recurring customers, establish a loyalty programSend personalized cards of gratitude along with the packaged goods Target First Contact Resolution First Contact Resolution (FCR) is a phrase that most eCommerce business owners must be familiar with, but only a small number of them truly understand its significance. FCR is the percentage of customer concerns that are handled by your team during the very first contact with the client. This applies to live chat and phone assistance, meaning that the customer's request is satisfied before they hang up the phone or end the chat session. A few reasons why FCR is important are listed below: Saves Time for Everyone: Your agents will deal with fewer escalations and follow-up interactions when more issues are resolved during the initial engagement. All parties benefit from the time savings.Enhanced Effectiveness: FCR directly impacts how effective your eCommerce customer service team is. With fewer staff members, more client issues can be handled.Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: FCR is regarded as a major factor in determining customer satisfaction. For your expanding online business, addressing customer problems during the initial conversation is a home run. Take Customer's Opinions Into Consideration Without listening to clients, nothing spectacular in any company has ever been accomplished. You can learn more about your industry, prevent bad situations from growing worse and enhance your eCommerce customer service operations by actively listening to your consumers. To get client feedback, you can send regular surveys to customers shortly after a support encounter. To find out how pleased your consumers are with your service, conduct a customer satisfaction survey (CSAT). You can also distribute a Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey to gauge how devoted your internet audience is to your business. Conclusion By continually providing a superior customer experience, you can develop your eCommerce business by keeping your present clients satisfied and attracting new ones. A company's aim, according to Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, is to provide legendary customer service rather than just the best. We hope that this article has provided you with some concepts that you may use to enhance your company's eCommerce customer service. If you need help with enhancing your customer experience by providing them with a speedy and seamless fulfillment experience, consider partnering with WareIQ. WareIQ is one of the leading eCommerce fulfillment providers in the country. We provide multiple eCommerce services including a nationwide network of fulfillment centers, a custom WMS that can provide real-time inventory updates and integrate with multiple eCommerce marketplaces, ultra-fast delivery through a partnership with more than 20 shipping aggregators, and much more. eCommerce Customer Service: FAQs What makes customer service crucial for eCommerce businesses?Higher sales, higher client retention, a higher level of loyalty and trust, better recognition and brand awareness, and fewer returns or complaints are just a few of the advantages that successful customer service offers. What does eCommerce customer service entail?eCommerce customer service is a method of offering customer assistance to consumers who make purchases from online merchants (often called eCommerce customer service). How do you collect client feedback?There are various methods for gathering client feedback. After they make a purchase, you can program an automatic survey to appear, possibly with the extra offer of a discount on their subsequent purchase. Alternatively, you can monitor traffic on your online website and determine what's generating the most interest using the eCommerce customer service software application. Additionally, you may read client reviews, reply to them and monitor comments on your company's social media pages. What does consumer experience in eCommerce mean?The experience a customer has when making a purchase from or interacting with your company is what is meant by the phrase "eCommerce customer experience."Every stage of the purchase process should be planned and executed to make acquiring your goods or services simple, quick and informed. Your customer support team will be swamped with returns and exchanges if people buy your goods without fully understanding what it is. Giving clients the knowledge they require to make quick, stress-free and informed purchases that will meet their precise needs is the key to delivering a positive customer experience.

September 03, 2022