In a time where e-commerce continues to grow and plays such an enormous role in modern-day life, it is easy to see why so many people are starting to wonder how to create a shopping app. While many go on to enjoy high levels of success with e-commerce and compete at a high level, you will find that most businesses struggle because they do not know how to stand out in a competitive industry. There are a few key things that you will need to find any kind of success when it comes to e-commerce, so keep reading to find out what these are and how they will help.
Products In Demand
First and foremost, you need to sell products that are in demand. It is impossible to achieve any level of success if people are not searching for your products, so first, you need to figure out what to sell by looking at trending products. Crucially, you need a theme for your store to have a target market to sell to. A few current themes that could work well include:
- Health and fitness
- Home improvements
- Alternative medicine
- Mother and baby
- Fashion
- Tech and gadgets
Strong Brand Identity
When you operate in a competitive industry with businesses selling the same products as you, it is vital that you find ways to stand out, and this is what strong branding can do. You need to create a brand identity for your business that will appeal to your target customer, stand out and be memorable. You might want to work with branding specialists to develop a brand name, logo, and identity that will help you to find success and compete at a high level.
Easy-To-Use Store
Much like a physical store needs to be attractive, welcoming, and easy-to-use, you also need to develop an online store of the highest quality and not frustrate users. You should be able to navigate the store with ease, browse products, search and have a smooth checkout process that will give visitors a simple and easy experience when visiting your store. It is also important to optimize the store for mobile use.
Strong Online Presence
Following this, you also need to make sure that you have a strong online presence so that you are easy to find online. It is worth using a range of digital marketing practices such as SEO, PPC, content marketing, and email marketing to create a strong online presence for your brand. You should also be active on social media and use social media ads to reach your target customer.
Strong Amazon Presence
In addition to your own online store, you also need to make sure that you have a presence on Amazon – 46% of all product searches take place here. As such a competitive marketplace, it is not always easy to develop a strong presence on here for your online business, and this is why it is worth working with an Amazon agency like Nuanced Media. They will be able to work closely with you and use their expertise to develop a strong presence, attract your target customer and boost sales.
Great Customer Service
Great customer service is important in every industry, with e-commerce being no exception. People will often have queries about your products, so you should use a chatbot to provide 24/7 and instant customer service. You should also be willing to go the extra mile, offer personalization, and develop strong relationships through small touches like thank you notes with orders.
Fast & Affordable Shipping
Shipping is another key area for any e-commerce business and will have a huge bearing on your sales and brand reputation. One of the main reasons people abandon shopping carts is the cost of shipping, so it is important to offer affordable shipping and free shipping if possible (free shipping on orders over $X amount is smart). Additionally, people are used to next-day delivery, so it is advantageous to offer this as well.
These are the main things that you will need to find success when it comes to e-commerce. Many businesses struggle in this industry as it can be so competitive, but the above will provide you with the foundation to find success. It is then a case of getting your online store noticed, attracting your target customer, and providing high-quality products and a smooth customer experience.
About Ryan Flannagan:
Ryan Flannagan is the Founder & CEO of Nuanced Media, an international e-commerce marketing agency specializing in Amazon. Nuanced have sold 100s of Millions online, and Ryan has built a client base representing a total revenue of 1.5 billion dollars. Ryan is a published author and has been quoted by a number of media sources such as BuzzFeed and Modern Retail. To connect with Ryan, check out @Ryanflannagan on Twitter or via LinkedIn.
