If you want to succeed in the race you have to keep up with the pace. Online shoppers, young and old, are the new generation of consumers. The new trend of using Mobile devices to buy products or services online is here to stay. The generation we live in is increasingly becoming controlled by technology. Therefore, many businesses are creating apps to make life more convenient for their customers. Are you ready to get up to speed with this latest trend?
Statistics showing the growth of online shoppers
The growth of online shoppers will have a big impact on traditional shops. There is nothing wrong with having a bricks and mortar shop. Many of them do quite well. However, if you want to reach a wider audience and possibly sell globally, you must be online.
It’s evident from research that information technology has influenced consumers.
“The recession has induced many shoppers to buy online rather from traditional stores. The fact that internet search is comparatively easy and predictable has made online retailing very attractive for a wide range of products. Retail focus on the growing use of mobile technology is an additional factor in making online retailing attractive and convenient.” Source
Online sales in the U.S. are forecast to grow from $349.20 bn [�215.38 bn] in 2015 by 14.4% to reach a total of $399.48 bn [�246.39 bn] in 2016. Canada’s online sector is comparatively small, but is forecast to grow from US$17.14 bn [�10.57 bn] in 2015 to reach $22.96 bn [�14.16 bn] in 2016, an increase of +34.0%. Source
Your business needs an online sales channel
First, your business must be online. Second, you need to be eCommerce ready. Your website is similar to your shop front. It’s what people see when searching online. As a result, it is the place where you should sell your products. Your existing or potential customers can browse and shop at their leisure wherever they are.
Consider this… internet access is widely available globally. And so, if you sell products or services you will lose money by not providing an online sales channel.
Take advantage of this new and growing trend to reach online shoppers, increase sales and reach more customers, globally.
Sell, even when you’re asleep
This is more than ideal. Your business can take orders while you’re asleep. Imagine not having to stay up late taking orders. They will come in without you having to answer the phone. In addition, using secure payment methods such as PayPal or widely used credit cards will also take away the stress. You know that customers who buy are paying without you having to chase for payment.
If you’re willing to ship abroad, customers from other countries can buy from your eCommerce store when it’s convenient for them. Your online store is your connection to people who can’t come to your physical store.
Low maintenance costs
Adding or setting up an eCommerce website won’t break the bank. There is various free website platforms and software to get you started.
Maintaining a virtual store is far cheaper than running a traditional store. For a start, there are no overheads such as electricity, rent, or other utility bills to worry about. But do think about the hosting and other related costs. Also, unless you’re tech savvy, you will have to pay a website developer to keep on top of things such as maintaining and managing your eCommerce site.
Track data
- Use analytics to track data on your website. You will be able to find out where your traffic comes from, search terms they use, bounce and conversion rates.
- There are free plugins are available for tracking data. Google has an Enhanced eCommerce Analytics plugin.
- This valuable information will help you plan and keep control of stock.
- This is also a useful insight for you to see which products are not selling well. Moreover, which are the most popular ones.
Stay in the race with your competitors
Don’t get left behind and drive your customers to buy from your competitors. Take a peek at what they’re doing by looking at their websites. Be one step ahead and do better. Got the extra mile.
Send out regular surveys to check if your customers are happy. Don’t take them for granted and presume you know what they like or dislike, or they may wander over to your competitors.
Conclusion
Embrace the internet, step out of your comfort zone and take your business to a new level. Put an eCommerce store on your website ready for online shoppers. Keep an eye on new and emerging market trends. Adapt when necessary. Always make sure your customers are catered for at all times, however. They are your bread and butter.
