If you own a physical store then one of the ways you can grow your business is through e-commerce. This means setting up an online store through your website.
Some online stores have never had a physical location where customers can visit i.e. Amazon, and others have moved to be online only ~ think bookstores.
While e-commerce websites do have their disadvantages like anything else, there are several advantages that business owners will inherit by going online.
In this article, we go through the top 8 benefits you will inherit by establishing an e-commerce website.
Geographic location is no longer a barrier
When it comes to e-commerce websites, your customers can live under a rock. So long as they have a mailbox from which they can collect their purchase from, you can serve them. Brands such as Amazon, eBay and Alibaba successfully serve an international audience without having a physical location. When it comes to domestic brands then The Iconic, Aussie Bum and The Music Gig are examples of brands that perform well on a national scale as well.
Search engine visibility helps new customers find you
As the source of 90% of traffic across the entire internet, search engines are probably the best way to attract new customers. Whether you opt for paid advertising or search engine optimisation, search engines will bring in new customers that are more likely to be ready to make a purchase.
Lower overheads
A no-brainer. It costs less to establish and maintain a website than it does to a physical store. This goes beyond building costs and involves staffing, plus other costs as well. With an e-commerce website, you can further lower your costs through marketing automation for tasks such as check out and inventory control. Also, you can cover existing costs by generating traffic through search engines and other advertising channels. Finally, having an e-commerce website means that you don’t have to have a physical location at all, meaning the overheads inherited by running a physical store may not be relevant to you at all.
Streamlined sales
Just about every e-commerce website out there has search functionality. This means that customers can find exactly what they’re looking for with the click of a few buttons. Additionally, they don’t have to interact with anyone while doing so either. Additionally, with an intuitive website design, you can lead customers to your website as quickly as possible.
Targeted communication
The world of marketing has drastically evolved and its world-leading e-commerce websites that use some of the most innovative techniques to make sales. Re-targeting through the use of cookies, Facebook pixels and capturing customer information are some of the most popular methods among e-commerce websites when it comes to attracting new or repeat customers. For example, let’s say you’ve gone to an e-commerce store such as Amazon and subscribed to their newsletter. Chances are, shortly thereafter receive emails about products and promotions on their website. You were never a customer, but you gave them some sort of information with which Amazon could re-target you to try and turn you into one.
Open 24/7
Another no-brainer. Still worth mentioning, though. With an e-commerce website, there are no closing times. This means that your customers can shop at their own convenience. Therefore, in a way, you can earn money while you fast asleep.
The ultimate value in one place
Unlike with a physical store, there’s no limit to the amount of information you can provide customers with via an e-commerce website. If you’re reselling another brand’s products then most of this information will be provided by the supplier and won’t actually cost you any money.
Another value-adding initiative that you can add to your e-commerce website at the click of a button is deals, bargains and coupons. Additionally, customers can take advantage of these promotions at the click of a button as well.
Finally, another way you can provide your customers with value when they visit your e-commerce website is through comparison shopping. For example, if you sell similar products from multiple suppliers then you can help customers find the best price right on your website.
Breakthrough in niche markets
If you sell niche products then it might be difficult for customers to locate you in the physical world. Though, online it’s quite the opposite. Search engine marketing helps customers find you through relevant search terms. What’s more, it’s often easier to get found if you’re in a niche market rather than selling everyday products.
Convinced that your business might benefit from an e-commerce website. Request a quote and see how much it could cost you.