Lead generation creates interest for your business or product based on what people search online. Many small businesses have also adopted the platform as an effective way to reach younger consumers. These in-app stores allow you to purchase items directly from your Facebook account without leaving the platform. Facebook eventually acquired Instagram and Whatsapp, expanding its potential market even more. A significant downside of traditional e-commerce marketing strategies is that they rely on customers being engaged enough to switch channels.
Gillette has put together products from their GilletteLabs product line on this board, with rich media-like elements to show shoppers how these products differ from other traditional razors. They have also added a QR code at the bottom of the board, which offers a deeper and more informative shopping journey. In-store aisles can quickly become overwhelming when searching for a specific product or category, discouraging shoppers looking for efficiency with pre-planned purchases. These shoppers are also often the ones who have dietary needs, allergies, or are making specific lifestyle choices.
Unless you’re a well-established business, chances are you won’t have a photographer, copywriter or social media manager on hand, especially if your business is just taking off. As a small business owner, you’re likely wearing many of these hats yourself. Just as it’s important to choose a niche market, it’s also a good idea to narrow down to a niche product. This can help reduce the competition and give you more opportunity for growth. The beauty of ecommerce is that anyone anywhere can join in on the action. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large enterprise, there are endless opportunities to go digital with your business and get a piece of the pie.
Consider what markets where you already have a presence or a passion, and go from there. Utilize tools like Google Trends or Google Ads Keyword Planner to see what products and services are trending and how big the market is for your niche.
Without a product and brand your customers can relate to, you’re essentially running your business on an empty tank. Crafting a recognizable and memorable brand means you’ll need to put in the time to research and truly understand your target audience. Your brand should speak to your potential customers in a way that both resonates and compels them to come back. While it’s ideal to offer free shipping, keep in mind that you’ll have to absorb the cost and potentially build the shipping cost into your product pricing. Another option is to use real-time rates provided by the shipping company so that you don’t under- or over-charge the customer. Unless your business solely sells digital products, you’ll need to have a plan in place for how to calculate shipping costs and get products to your customers on time.
If a website appears to be selling designer clothes or jewelry or electronics for considerably less than the usual retail price, ask yourself if it’s too good to be true. NPR’s Ari Shapiro talks with The Atlantic’s Amanda Mull about the convenience of online shopping and how it can lead to buying things you don’t really need or want. In one of the studies, results extended to decisions involving three attributes, such as brand, product, and price.
The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. Analysts project the platform’s income will increase to about $13.8 billion by 2026. Acquired by Facebook last 2012 for $1 billion, it now contributes a staggering $20 billion in revenue to its parent company. Starbucks has acknowledged that an increasing number of shoppers are concerned with sustainability and has utilized promotional banners to appeal to these shoppers while inviting them to find out more via QR code.
Being passionate about what you do will not only help carry you through hard times, but it will also aid in crafting a brand message that speaks to people in a way that is meaningful, authentic and engaging. Your product or service doesn’t necessarily need to be a huge, complicated endeavor — it can be quite simple, yet exceptionally effective. Get free online marketing tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Skip lengthy third-party activations and go from setup to selling in one click.
“Radical transparency,” Everlane founder and CEO Michael Preysman calls the approach. It’s inevitable—there will be a time when you’ll shop online for something and come across a site that looks…not quite right. If you’ve ever encountered a site that sets alarm bells ringing, trust your instincts.
