Jennifer Manz, Mannix Marketing
By Jennifer Manz
Today, consumers are bombarded with options to research and buy. With faster internet speed, iPads and smart phone mobile device usage exploding, it is now easier than ever for consumers to research and buy online. Because of this, there are a lot of benefits to get in front of a consumer with an e-commerce solution on your website. This will give you another stream of business your way and put your brand and products in front of your audience.
E-commerce simply involves a transaction online. It allows the consumer to exchange goods and services electronically across the internet. E-commerce is beneficial for both B2B and business to consumer.
Below are some of the reasons why a small business could benefit from an e-commerce solution.
Low Cost to Set-up and Maintain: Instead of having to have a huge brick and mortar shop and all the staff and expenses to maintain, the cost of a website with an e-commerce solution would be significantly less. The staff requirement would be much more minimal with an e-commerce shopping cart since the transactions would be handled electronically.
24/7 Accessibility: With an e-commerce solution, consumers can browse your inventory, research and purchase online at anytime, anywhere. This keeps your store hours open around the clock! For consumers, this is also much more of a convenience for them as they would not have to leave their house to purchase exactly what they are looking for. This also widens your consumer base as the customer does not have to be located in your locale; with an e-commerce solution, you can reach consumers across the globe.
Better Customer Loyalty: With an e-commerce shopping cart solution, you can include as much detail as you want about the products. This is very helpful for a user – they can get information about your company, about the products, how your products are unique to other competing brands, add reviews, video demos, and more. This all lends itself to providing great customer experience. There are also solutions out there that allow customers to set up an account with your website, thus keeping track of all their past purchases and information, making it easier for them to purchase from you again.
Excellent Customer Data: You can collect incredible amounts of data about your customers, the products they like, their email addresses (to remarket to them) and more with an e-commerce solution. You can use this information to know what products are your best sellers, who your repeat customer is, consumer buying habits, what customers were searching for when they found your website and more.
Level the Playing Field: With online e-commerce, if you have the right search engine optimization (SEO) on you website to get your store found for keywords related to your product, you can compete with other competing brands – even national / multi-national brands. Search engine optimization is extremely important and needs to be a big factor when searching for the right solution. Afterall, your e-commerce will not be successful unless consumers can actually find your website on the internet.
Jennifer Manz is director of digital marketing at Mannix Marketing in Glens Falls. She can be reached at 743-9424 or at www.mannixmarketing.com.