The coronavirus pandemic has brought about some dramatic changes as is evident in our, social, hygiene and shopping behaviour. Consulting and research firm Technomic states that 52% of consumers are avoiding crowds and 32% are leaving their houses less. Now is the perfect time to look at ways to increase sales, reduce business operating costs, increase profits and to offer “no contact” products and services, the solution may well be an ecommerce website.
Buying and selling online has become a lot easier and quicker as a result of the increased popularity of the internet and social media. Technological advancements mean that users no longer have to be at a desk computer to access the internet; instead it can be accessed via laptops, cell phones or tablets. The internet has allowed businesses and people to do more and access more while selling products and making purchases.
Convenience and reduced costs are driving consumers to online shopping. Ecommerce websites allow businesses to use a range of marketing and sales techniques that give the consumer extra reason to stay on the website and buy products. An ecommerce website also offers businesses the chance to tell consumers about your business, display your products or services and take online payments.
In 2019, South Africa was the 36th largest market for eCommerce with a revenue of US$3 billion, contributing to the worldwide growth rate of 13%. New markets are continually emerging, and existing markets are continually developing.
Owing to the rapid growth of the online market and the changes COVID-19 has brought about, here are some reasons to get in on the action and start selling on an eCommerce platform:
- Overcome Geographical Limitations
eCommerce has overridden the limitations of geography, making the whole world accessible. Businesses can be run from anywhere, with easy access to emails, the internet and telecommunications.
· Gain New Customers with Search Engine Visibility
Online retail has the benefit that traffic that is driven from search engines. As potential customers spend more time on the internet, they are bound to come across your site if you have manged your keywords correctly.
- Lower Costs
A major benefit of a ecommerce website, is lowered costs. The cost of setting up your ecommerce website is much lower than establishing a physical business, potentially saving on staff, salaries, electricity and rent. The money saved, can be allocated to the website, advertising, marketing, social media and product offering.
- Faster, Easier and more Convenient
eCommerce websites offer the option for customers to search for the specific item , which is far more efficient than wondering down shopping aisles looking for products. Online stores are also available every day, all day, so customers can visit and use the website 24/7, increasing the number of orders you receive. Customers are looking for an experience that is interactive, flexible and offers convenience.
- Elimination of Time and Costs
All your customers need is a device and they can visit your store virtually, cutting their time and travel costs.
- Comparisons
Online services allow customers to find the best price by comparing different ecommerce websites.
- Bargains, Promotion Codes and Sales
eCommerce websites can attract more consumers by offering promo codes and discounts. This is a simple process to manage and can be implemented at the click of a button. Promotions can also be linked to Social Media platforms that will drive potential customers to the site.
- Providing Information
eCommerce websites make additional information available to consumers, helping customers know more about what they are buying and from whom.
- Marketing Opportunities
An ecommerce website is a very effective marketing and brand building tool. With effective Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), pay per click advertising, email and social media marketing, traffic can effectively be driven to the website.
- Broaden your brand and increase your reach
eCommerce can take a brick and mortar store to a business with an online presence, integrated with social media, customer service, blogs and ever-expanding product range. The accessibility of the internet offers global opportunity where relevant. Compare the reach of an online presence through an ecommerce website versus the exposure you will receive from a brick and mortar store with local advertising and there is no doubt that an ecommerce website makes sense.
- Scalability
eCommerce websites allow you to grow your product range and reach more audiences as the business grows, meaning you can scale your business for consumers requirements, adding different payment options, products and shipping options. This will allow you to grow your business in terms of sales, profits and customer base.
- Measuring and Tracking
E-commerce websites are measurable and trackable through systems such as Google Analytics, providing statistics on how many orders are processed through your site, average cart total, cart abandonment rate and the percentage of total revenue your website has achieved at regular intervals.
If this article has sparked some entrepreneurial interest in you, Take Note Reputation Management would love to assist you with our ecommerce package of set up and management. The package consists of SEO | SM integration | Web hosting | Web maintenance | Mobile responsivity | Copywriting | Email Integration | PayFast Integration
We will offer:
- Design
- Copywriting
- Development
- 2 (or 3) full reverts
- Email Integration
- Social Media Integration
- PayFast Integration
- Accounting software integration
- Customer communication (welcome emails | order confirmation | delivery confirmation)
- Privacy Policy
- Refund Policy
Contacts us for a 30 minute no obligation Zoom consultation.
Email: info@take-note.co.za
Call: 031 564 8338
