We can safely assume that every online store should want to increase traffic and conversions, but achieving it is easier said than done. Even after you've put together a simple strategy, it can still be challenging to settle on which marketing tactics to implement.
In this article we will explore the concept of
e-commerce marketing
and the key steps to implement a successful e-commerce strategy.
What is e-commerce marketing?
In simple terms, electronic commerce or e-commerce is a business model that allows organizations and individuals to buy and sell things/products/services over the internet. E-commerce operates in all four major market segments: Business to business [b2b], Business to consumer [b2c], Consumer to consumer [c2c], Consumer to business [c2b]
Ecommerce marketing
is the practice of using different promotional strategies to drive traffic to online stores, converting traffic into paying customers and also maintaining those customers post-purchase.
Now that we've understood what e-commerce is, let us know how it can help drive online sales:
1. Define your Goals
Do you want to increase sales, grow your traffic, or expand your audience? Different goals require different approaches and can only be achieved faster and better via various channels. For example, providing customers service with relevant information, branding the company or its products, generating revenue through advertisements, or improving business processes, whatever the goal may be, it is always better to have a clear picture in front of you.
2. Make sure you have a clear vision of your Buyer Persona
A target market is anyone who might be interested in your products or services. A
buyer persona
is a fictional representation of your ideal customer. Understanding your personas, their challenges, what pains they are trying to solve, what motivates them to purchase, are essential elements in order to increase the effectiveness of your communication. You can also narrow down your target audience by conducting informal market analysis; segment the audience into groups etc.
3. Draft a Basic SEO Plan
Search engine optimization
is vital as it affects how search engines rank your e-commerce website. If you want to reach a wider audience, it's crucial to get the hang of the latest trends in the market; this is also a way to set your business apart from others. Your plan should include proper keywords, titles, product descriptions, etc.
4. Write High-quality Content
As the saying goes, ‘Content is King’
and is critical when communicating with your audience. A well written and drafted content gets your message across the customers quickly the very first time. It displays information about your work and shows your expertise, and informs customers. You can write blogs, whitepapers, articles or any other format for future buyers of your services.
5. Enhance your Online presence
Today the internet is the talk of the town. Registering your company on a few social media platforms will benefit you in every way. There are millions of visitors across the world active every day on social media. Engaging in a conversation with customers about your services, answering their queries, studying their responses, etc., helps you promote your brand via word-of-mouth.
The world of e-commerce is changing rapidly and will continue to grow in the coming years. It is important that all businesses, regardless of size, have an e-commerce strategy in order to continue growing in the future.