If you told somebody in 2019 that by the end of 2020, the global economy will be in the worst crisis it’s ever been in, you’d have been called crazy. And yet, here we are. 2020 is slowly moving towards its long-awaited end, and the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and well.
But while the pandemic has forced many industries to decline, some branches have experienced significant growth. And one of the best examples is the e-commerce industry.
According to Salesforce, global revenue from online sales skyrocketed in the second quarter of 2020, going up 71% year-over-year. Interestingly, two branches that have witnessed the most significant increase are baby products and food and beverage.
However, the increase in online shopping has forced businesses to fight for customers. In fact, competition has never been more fierce, allowing companies who specialize in e-commerce training, like SalesHood, to thrive.
And how to turn the change in customer behavior to your advantage? You’ll find the answer in the following guide.
Improve Your Website
A well-designed website is the strongest weapon in your e-commerce arsenal. If your online store provides its visitors with an excellent customer experience, they’re more likely to make a purchase. And more importantly, to come back for more.
You need to make your online store easy to navigate and fill it with high-quality content. That’s not all, though. Optimizing your page also requires enhancing its loading speed and overall performance.
It does sound like a lot. Fortunately, it’s not something you have to do yourself. All you need to do is use the services of a reliable SEO agency.
SEO, which stands for search engine optimization, is a set of tools to increase your page traffic quality and quantity. And the higher the traffic, the more customers you’re likely to interest in buying your products.
Use Social Media to Build Brand Awareness
There are over 32 million businesses in the United States alone. It means one thing. You have to stand out if you want to grow. And you won’t attract any consumer if people don’t know who you are.
That’s why building brand awareness is essential if you wish your business to succeed. Fortunately, doing that has never been easier. All thanks to social media, which have revolutionized digital marketing.
With the use of Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you’ll be able to attract more new customers and maintain a great relationship with existing ones.
However, to maximize the use of social platforms, you have to make your posts regular and high-quality. The most effective practices also include adding as many photos, videos, and infographics as possible.
Know Your Customer
Attracting new customers is one thing. The other is ensuring they’ll become your clients. And to make that happen, you need to know their shopping habits and preferences.
Many retailers believe that a well-designed website and fantastic product is enough to keep their consumers. Such a statement has merit only if competition in the industry is low. If it’s stiff, your company has to find other ways to stand out.
The best way to achieve that is by maintaining closer relations with your consumers. Use social platforms and email campaigns to get in touch with your consumers, and use their opinions to build a better client profile.
Improve Customer Service
One of the most significant advantages of physical stores is that you can immediately complain and get in touch with shop personnel. However, consumers would love to have the same opportunity even when shopping online.
With that in mind, you have to consider your consumer service. Make sure your clients can get in touch with your company effortlessly, and through various communication channels.
Many business experts consider consumer service to be one of the most important marketing tools. It attracts new customers and plays a crucial role in building their loyalty to your company.
Reconsider Your Delivery System
Ensuring your delivery system is efficient is essential in retail, especially during the coronavirus crisis. Many stores have failed to stock properly or reconsider their supply chains, leaving their customers in a lurch.
To avoid making the same mistake, you have to take care of your supply chain. The best practice is to get in touch with your suppliers in advance and keep monitoring the situation.
Check your data regularly to see which products are in-demand, and make sure you always have them in-store.
That’s not all, though, as you also need to ensure your shipment and delivery work efficiently. You can also consider free shipment to positively impact your consumers’ shopping behavior and boost customer experience.
Final Note
As you can see, it’s still possible to grow your business despite the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. With the use of e-commerce, you’ll be able to take advantage of the current situation and ensure your business continuity.
Of course, it won’t be easy, as it requires skill to implement digital marketing techniques effectively. Unfortunately, you don’t have time to learn everything from scratch.
Our tips may come in handy. However, if you’re not sure which one of the e-commerce models to implement in your operations, it’s best to contact specialists from digital marketing agencies.
With a little help from experts, you’ll be able to attract new customers, build their loyalty, and improve your sales.
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