E-commerce: A guide for new startups
One of the most powerful sales channels that new startups have at their disposal is E-commerce. When it is possible to add this online sales platform to its business model, the startup has at its disposal a direct, practical, and least expensive channel to reach customers and new markets.
When e-commerce is well planned and integrated into a digital marketing strategy, it becomes a very important growth factor for new startups. So here are 5 fundamental e-commerce tips to help you outline your strategy.
1# Structure and guide your business plan well
Before writing a business plan, you surely know from the start if e-commerce will be a sales channel for your startup. But it is when you’re writing the business plan that you really understand its importance and how to get the most out of it, just like the importance of creating the business model, the goals of this sales platform (measurable and real metrics), the markets in which it will operate in the first phase and Next, it establishes the entry strategy in the target markets, the online and offline distribution channels, the key partnerships, estimates sales and costs and necessary investments. This is the starting point for a successful e-commerce platform.
2# E-commerce and digital marketing strategy hand in hand, always
In the digital marketing strategy, understand the path of your target audience until the moment of purchase. If previously they would talk to a friend who would advise him on a product or a brand, today they actively search the internet for that product or brand. They compare and analyze them until they find the best offer.
Understand this path, define the channels where your brand should be and how it should be. The most searched keywords, product categories, the way you communicate with your customers, the ads you publish, social networks, loyalty programs, customer support. Everything must be clear and forward to your e-commerce.
3# Pay close attention to User Experience
A beautiful design may not be an efficient design. A customer must immediately understand what he can do to buy a product on e-commerce.
If the customer experience on a sales platform is confusing or complicated, the tendency is for them to give up on making the purchase.
Make everything clear: call to actions, buttons, shopping cart management, forms, shipping costs, etc. Whenever you have doubts about providing the information, simplify. From there, you can make your e-commerce more appealing and in line with the style and positioning of your startup.
And don’t forget the payment methods: Paypal, Credit Card, Apple Pay are the most functional. Bank transfer or against payment the opposite. But, once again, when defining payment methods, you must consider your target audience.
4# Mobile. Mobile. Mobile.
This could be an unspoken point in User Experience. But its importance is such that it deserves a point of its own.
Your platform must be mobile-friendly, otherwise the user experience is greatly impaired, and it is through the smartphone that most users make their purchases online.
5# Valuing your product
E-commerce lacks the touch, scent, or taste that we can experience in a conventional store. You must be able to value your product in another way. Here are 4 key points:
– product quality photos or photos that demonstrate the service: shoot all relevant angles to communicate the product; in the case of a service, give preference to real photos of your facilities, staff, and service; image quality and treatment must be flawless.
– videos: when applicable, make videos of the product or service available directly on the e-commerce platform.
– descriptions: all products/services must be described from the perspective of what the customer is looking for and within the style of the new startup; from here, you must adapt with the keywords and planned digital marketing strategy.
– reviews: peer to peer is the best advertising you can get, and e-commerce platforms are no exception. Just put a comment section on each product.
Make e-commerce more tangible with a Pop-Up Store
Finally, a tip to reinforce trust in the product/service you sell and increase your customer list.
Imagine that your new startup is targeting the fashion/clothing market or the vegan market. By participating in an event on these topics and exposing your products, you are strengthening the relationship of trust and proximity with your customer while exposing your brand to potential customers.
Likewise, you can choose to open Pop-Up Stores (temporary stores) in malls, for example. The objective is the same, to have a physical point of sale that allows the customer to see, test and buy products on the spot that normally can only be purchased online.
