eCommerce is the future of business. Every business must have an online presence. Customers are now becoming more demanding. Shopping is made 24/7. The convenience of making purchases online, in the comforts of one’s home is the most appealing trait of eCommerce. Some traditional methods of running a business do not apply to an online business. Here are some productivity tips to make your eCommerce business better.
Mail shots
Make sure that your email marketing is sent on a regular basis. Not being able to sustain this marketing effort will leave your business and your clients hanging. If a weekly newsletter is too much for you, settle for a bi-monthly or monthly newsletter. Do not force yourself to do something that you know you will not be able to sustain. Make sure that your message is clear and targeted. For example, “50% off on Ladies’ Wear this coming Friday from 10 am to 10 pm” is better than “50% off sale on Friday”. The first message is directed towards ladies and they know exactly what’s on sale, (in this case, clothes), on what day and from what time. The second message is too vague.
Shipping
What do you use to prepare your shipments? Are you still processing them by hand or worse, do you still go to the post office everyday to line up and have your mail processed? You are wasting a lot of time and a lot of sales. Invest in a franking machine. By using a franking machine, you can finish preparing your shipments in seconds. You can even use the envelopes as a secondary mail shot. Print your company logo and your promotion directly on the envelope. As your products get delivered, you also introduce new products to your clients. Plus, this is a targeted mail. You already know that this client has purchasing power. It is worth your while to advertise to this client because of the high probability of sales in the future.
Advertise on social media
You must have a Facebook fan page and a Twitter account. This way you can keep in touch with your clients. You can announce sales and promotions. You can hold contests to gain more followers.
You can also advertise on these social media sites to acquire new followers. By doing this, you get more exposure for your brand and your products.
Targeted promotion
Promote wisely. Research where your target customers usually hangout. For example, if you have beauty products, advertise on beauty blogs. Most cosmetic buyers refer to blogs first for a review of the product. If your clients like to hang out in the local coffee shop, make a tie up with the shop to advertise your products or services. For example, “Get a free coffee for every $100 purchase.”
Quality information
Always provide your clients with useful information. Pictures are not enough. Give a short description of the product that will help them proceed with the buying process. You can put measurements, sizes, colors, types, etc. in the product description.
Keep customers updated
Every time there is something new and exciting going on in your company, make sure that your most loyal clients know. If there is a new product, why not promote it first to your best customers. Let them have first dibs on your products. On the other hand, if you are experiencing some problems with supply management, tell them that a product will be out of stock soon and that they should buy while supplies last or delivery might be delayed, etc. Whatever it is, just keep in touch with your customers.
eCommerce is fairly new. There are still some aspects that need to be refined and developed. Apply these tips and you are sure to be on your way to a successful eCommerce business.
You can also save on postage on every item you send with the use of a franking machine. Since you print postage directly you are entitled to large discounts on your postage costs. There are many different types of franking machine available. For franking machine prices, be sure to check out www.comparefrankingmachine.co.uk
