The world is moving to electronic commerce. Whether it’s small-scale businesses with limited revenue or large retail giants, almost everyone is trying their luck out in an online market space.
According to research, there are more than 12 million e-commerce websites in 2020, and this figure is constantly growing.
Whether it’s about home-based customized products like scented candles or branded Harley Davidson Jackets for men, you can find almost everything online today. That lends a great opportunity for business owners to start and run their businesses online.
But establishing a profitable online business isn’t as easy as it may sound. The competition is already aggressive, especially after the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of brick-and-mortar stores are moving to a virtual world to sell their products.
But, it’s not all bad news…
There are several trends you can follow to keep your newly built or already established business alive in 2021.
Make sure you go through this post till the end as we’re going to reveal some of our best e-commerce success secrets in the following sections.
1. Build a Mobile Responsive Website
More than 3.5 billion users use smartphones in 2020. And, this figure is going to reach over 3.8 billion in 2021. (Source: Statista)
If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you won’t be able to target those customers who are always on the go. Especially if your store deals in products that target millennials, you have to get this step right to keep your online business alive in the coming year.
2. Offer Impeccable Customer Support
Customer service is key to your business growth and success. Since the online buying experience doesn’t allow your customers to feel and touch products just like physical shopping, you have to make an extra effort to keep your customers satisfied.
From setting up a live chat option to curating a detailed FAQ section, make sure your website has everything that can keep your customers happy.
Bonus tip: Give your VIP customers a reward or a discount from time to time so that they’ll stay loyal to your brand and also recommend your store to their friends and family.
3. Leverage Social Media Marketing
There’s no other online activity as popular as social media usage. In 2020, more than 3.6 billion people were using social media platforms.
Today, almost all big brands have a social media presence. People love to spend their time on these networks. They not only use these channels to socialize with their friends and relatives but also skim through different stores to find out their desired products.
If your e-business doesn’t have a social media presence yet, it’s high time you set up your business pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to attract more customers and increase sales.
4. Pay More Attention to Your Content Marketing Strategy
Content is still the king of SEO. That being said, it’s imperative than ever to create a foolproof content marketing strategy for your business that can build engagement and help your e-business survive in the coming days.
From homepage content to product descriptions and blog posts to your privacy and returns and refund policies, make sure everything is optimized and relevant to target the right audience.
Present-day customers prefer brands that offer great value besides providing them with premium products. This is why it’s essential to create a content marketing strategy that can drive more conversions for your e-commerce store.
5. Reward Customers
Customers are the most valuable asset for any business. To help your online business survive, you have to implement both customer acquisition and customer retention strategies.
As mentioned above, keep your loyal customers happy by rewarding them with a little discount, a free delivery offer, or a small cashback benefit so that they stay loyal to your brand.
You can also host contests and announce giveaways to help your prospects convert.
The idea is to convert as many potential customers as possible. And this is not possible without offering them the right value for their money.
6. Integrate Live Chat Support
While integrating chatbots can keep your customers informed all the time, it’s still better to invest in a dedicated live chat support team to give a human touch to your store’s communication.
7. Make Engaging Videos
Videos and high-definition professional images will breathe new life into your product pages. Create tutorials and how-to videos to help your customers understand the true benefits of your products.
Just ensure you keep the tone and overall look of your videos professional and in line with your branding and niche.
8. Start a Facebook Store
If you think you have many customers who’re active Facebook users, then you may consider setting up a Facebook store for your business.
Post high-quality images with interesting descriptions to increase engagement on your Facebook store.
9. Beta Test Your Products
Whether you’re a new business or planning to extend your current product range, it’s important to beta-test your products before you officially launch them in your e-store.
This enables you to get an idea about how your product range will be received by your target audience.
10. Build Credibility
Last but not least, no online business can survive without building trust and credibility. Your products, offers, deals, and policies should reflect that you’re a trustable brand.
There you have it – 10 Ways to Keep Your E-Commerce Business Alive in 2021.
So are you ready to take your online business to new heights of success in 2021? Let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear back.
