If you’re a small business owner, tapping into online selling can seem is probably a necessity. But you might wonder how to distinguish your products in a sea of competitors who are already doing really well. Or you might be feeling a little unsure on how to leverage digital marketing to draw more eyes to your brand. This blog goes through some practical, tried-and-tested tips that can boost your presence on e-commerce platforms and help you secure more sales.
It’s not necessarily the easiest time to be a small business in the United States. Since the Covid-19 pandemic and other world events disrupted supply chains and caused increases to shipping prices, the cost of everything has gone up. You’ll feel this keenly as a consumer, and perhaps even more so if you own a small business too. And the uncertainty of market demands together with the stresses of high costs can all feel like a bit too much to get a handle on. Recent research shows that lots of small enterprises are grappling with these issues, and this is affecting their bottom lines and operational capacities.
If you’re a small business owner, it can feel like it’s always bad news. But this recent period has also seen a surge in online shopping. You might find the economic climate tough (many say it’s tougher than it’s ever been before) but it’s also giving small businesses an unprecedented opportunity to reach a wider audience. On top of this, you might have noticed that e-commerce and digital platforms are becoming smarter and more innovative, with extra features that can actually help small businesses do really well. But even on e-commerce platforms there can be a decent amount of competition. So how can you secure your business more sales through these sites?
Partner with an E-commerce Specialized Agency
If you’re serious about your presence on e-commerce sites, you could work with an agency that specializes in e-commerce sales. Who you work with depends on your platform(s) of choice, but an Amazon advertising agency can help with your sales on Amazon. This could be solely on the US version of Amazon, or on Amazon sites for countries across the world. An agency brings a depth of knowledge and expertise you’ll be hard pushed to find elsewhere. They can tailor your approach to fit your specific needs, niche and market. They can also enhance your product listings with SEO-optimized content to ensure your products appear at the top of search results, manage targeted advertising campaigns to attract the right audience, and analyze data to refine marketing strategies. Additionally, an e-commerce specialized agency can help you with the complexities of platform-specific regulations and fees, ensuring your business remains compliant while maximizing profitability. This will increase your visibility among potential customers and improve your overall sales performance on these platforms. You could also work with an agency for a while until you get familiar with an e-commerce platform, and then take over the daily running yourself.
Optimize Your Listings with Quality Images and Video
Your product listings mean everything on e-commerce sites. If the quality isn’t there, you won’t convert browsers into buyers. High-quality images and engaging video content can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your products. Remember, online shoppers can’t physically touch or see your products in person, so your visual assets need to do the heavy lifting. Invest in professional photography to capture your products in the best light and consider adding videos that show your products in use. This not only helps to reduce purchaser hesitation but also improves your listing’s visibility in search results. Detailed, clear, and descriptive images and videos can provide a comprehensive understanding of your product, leading to higher customer satisfaction and fewer returns. Test the content you want to publish for your products on real people in your target market for honest feedback. It’ll make your product listings better in the end. Also incorporate user-generated content, such as customer photos and reviews, to further boost credibility and trust in your brand.
Use Social Media Marketing
You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but social media platforms can genuinely be a game-changer for small businesses looking to expand their sales on e-commerce sites. With billions of users globally, social media offers a vast audience for your products. Create engaging content that resonates with your brand’s voice and showcases your products creatively. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to drive traffic to your e-commerce listings. Implement targeted advertising on these platforms to reach potential customers who have shown an interest in products similar to what you offer. Interact with your followers through comments and direct messages to build a community around your brand. Get your tone of voice just right to sound human, knowledgeable and trustworthy. This will increase your visibility and nurture loyalty among your customer base, potentially converting followers into buyers. Track the performance of your social media campaigns and adjust your strategies accordingly for the best results.
Get Into Inboxes
You might be tempted to put all your marketing efforts into the newest platforms and technologies. But don’t underestimate the power of email marketing. You’ll be able to communicate directly with people who have already shown an interest in your products or your brand. Personalize your emails to make your customers feel valued and special. Include exclusive offers, early access to new products, and valuable content that isn’t just about making a sale but also adds value to their day. Be consistent but not intrusive. You want to be in their inbox with something worth reading. Regular but well-spaced emails keep your brand at the top of their minds. Use segmentation to send tailored messages to different groups within your audience, making your emails more relevant and effective.
Small businesses can do incredibly well on e-commerce platforms. But it does take a bit of know-how. Focus on these tools to gradually improve your sales to get a more reliable income.