Do you know the advent of eCommerce and its future? The advent of online shopping and the future of eCommerce is a topic that has been discussed for years, but few people can predict what the result will be. With more and more predictions on how to get ahead in this new era, it is essential to understand some tips on how you might want to prepare for this change. Will we see people driving less? Will we stop using cash and credit cards? How will our homes look with so much technology around us?
And most importantly: What should I do about my business now that eCommerce is becoming such a larger part of society than ever before? These are all questions that entrepreneurs need answers to. Here we are dedicated to giving you the best information possible
The world of eCommerce is constantly expanding. More and more people are turning to the Internet to find items that they need. This trend is expected to continue on a steady upward trajectory for years to come; analysts predict that an incredible $4 trillion will be spent via online retailers by 2020.
As such, there has never been a better time to start up an eCommerce platform than right now.
In the past, people would go to stores and buy products in person. Nowadays, more and more people are turning to online shopping for their needs. This trend has been on the rise since the 1990s when many companies started selling their products online. Since then, it has only gotten bigger as time goes on, with over $1 trillion spent last year alone!
The future of eCommerce is bright, but there are still some challenges that need to be solved. E-commerce has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade, but it is not without its problems.
However, it is not going to get any easier. With the sheer number of platforms available out there, how can you ensure that your business has what it takes to compete with the big boys? Here are several tips:
Pick one demographic
One common mistake made by fledgling e-businesses is trying to appeal too broadly says RemoteDBA.com experts. In reality, it is far more effective to hone in on a specific area of interest. Whether you cater to vegetarians, pet owners, or retro game enthusiasts, focus your attention on that smaller subset and carve out an identity for yourself there. It is much easier to dominate a niche than fight with the likes of Amazon for market share!
Invest in tech tools
As businesses grow, so does their reliance on Internet infrastructure. With most transactions now taking place online, companies are increasingly dependent upon robust networks and well-designed websites; as such, they invest significant chunks of capital into the platforms they use.
This is something that should concern you if you are running a small outfit. While it might be tempting to cut corners by going with a cheap hosting provider, the consequences can be severe. A website that stalls or fails to load will see your bounce rates skyrocketing and potential customers fading away. With eCommerce sites being judged on their customer experience as much as functionality, this could be disastrous for your business.
The solution? Invest in a reliable web design company with a good reputation. That way, you will benefit from ultra-fast servers and highly functional software – which should help improve both conversions and turnover.
Try and beat Amazon
It might seem like an impossible task but try not to be intimidated by industry giants. While it is true that some of them have millions of users, if you are selling similar products, then it is still possible to compete against them.
As with any business, the key to success is offering a better service than your competitors. Try and find ways to cut down on waiting times or reduce delivery costs – even if it is just for specific customers. This could help you entice potential buyers away from sites like eBay and Amazon, which often offer lower prices but less personalized service.
Do not forget about mobile
According to projections, there will be around 8 billion mobile phone users by 2019. With so many people looking at their phones throughout the day – they check them 150 times a day! – it is crucial that your eCommerce platform caters to them too.
There are many ways that your site can do this; for instance, you should ensure that your platform is responsive to allow for mobile browsing and make sure that key features like login and account pages are easily accessible. With well over half of all adult American smartphone users now using their devices to shop, you must meet this growing need.
Do not be afraid to ask for reviews
Finally, we recommend asking customers for feedback about their shopping experience – even if they have not bought anything. This does not have to constitute a binding contract or anything; send out an email every so often to find out what people think of your service.
If there is one thing that we have learned from Amazon, it is that maintaining a positive brand image is crucial when it comes to e-commerce success. The site built its reputation upon excellent customer service, and as a result, it has become one of the biggest names in the business.
With this in mind, you should always try and keep your customers happy – even if it means giving away a little extra. It will ensure that your brand is seen positively, which could eventually lead to increased sales!
Wrapping things up
The advent of eCommerce has changed how we shop and interact with brands. As a result, the future of eCommerce is going to be an exciting ride that will depend on many nuances such as technology advancements, continued improvements in customer service, and what innovations come along next. E-commerce marketing can help your brand stay relevant now and into the future by utilizing these changes to its advantage.
Of course, eCommerce will not be around forever, but these tips should help you stay competitive for at least another 5 years!
