Break into eCommerce
With unprecedented growth in the last decade, eCommerce has become a monster in consumer-based revenue. Traditionally, smaller businesses were out of these markets, but small businesses have flourished, thanks to users consuming and creating content geared towards exposure and recognition.
Over the last two years, small businesses have gained a foothold in the eCommerce industry, with most advertising on TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram, as a way to gain exposure and push traffic to their eCommerce, local, or hybrid businesses.
However, even with this positive increase, it is estimated that only about 26% of small businesses have an eCommerce store. A saddening statistic that lends to the notion that most small businesses may not survive the current recession or be able to withstand the next digital revolution.
Remembering that not everyone is savvy enough to build their own website, we’ve listed two ways to give small businesses a platform that may help increase exposure—also, jumpstarting growth and revenue.
Online Marketplaces
Online Marketplaces or 3rd party platforms are excellent places to set up virtual stores and sell products. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and even Walmart allow sellers to create their own accounts, take orders while tracking inventory, and allow shipping, ultimately giving them their own eCommerce store.
From a marketing standpoint, Amazon regularly promotes items and has different ways to have products from sellers featured. Based on previous searches or other demographic information, they also suggest items to members. And as the biggest online retail platform, with over 50 million monthly users, Amazon has come up with other programs that allow influencers, TV personalities, and more to review, post, and advertise products listed on Amazon.
Through the symbiotic relationship, businesses get an eCommerce platform along with helpful marketing, unlimited exposure, and increased revenue. The hosts gain a hosting fee and additional commission fee on sales. And the products are able to reach new audiences without restrictions.
eCommerce Platforms
eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, and Magento Open Source offer business owners the ability to build their online stores from scratch without personally utilizing complex code.
Most have drag-and-drop features. This allows minimal website customization, page and content management, and other easy-to-use tools that can help with a business’ scalability and even optimize layouts for mobile usage.
In addition, these websites come with various tools, plugins, and extensions that can be added to the website at a cost. They also make email remarketing, retargeting, and personalization possible in your brand strategy.
But, perhaps one of the best features is that these sites offer resources. They make sure that the eCommerce website has security implemented and help with SEO optimization, which is key to getting a website discovered. They also offer out-of-the-box payment and shipping options that make supplying your customers easier.
Their social media integration tools also make advertising and sharing more streamlined for users. Creating a simplistic experience that makes gaining and keeping customers fairly easier.
However, every pro has a con. And the biggest drawback of using these platforms is that they are time-consuming to manage and offer limited customizations.
That’s why hiring an eCommerce developer is the way to go. They build and monitor your site to ensure that your online business is always running at its best. Most importantly, a developer means code. Code ensures the ability to customize your eCommerce business to the smallest detail. Giving you the individuality and brand differentiation needed to stand out.
In closing,
The only way forward is digital. By shifting into a hybrid or fully eCommerce business model, a small business can see immediate and continuous growth. With the right advertising and marketing, of course. Which is great for the economy and the business owner.
At Jola, we are always striving to bridge the gap. And we hope that your journey forward leads you to a bright future. As eCommerce specialists, we’re here to answer any of your questions. Reach out today!
This post was updated for clarity and relevance on 8/10/22
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