Are you happy with your current E-Commerce business?
Have you wondered how your competitors are growing in a shorter span of time when ideally you established your business before them? Sleeknote proves, 21.8% of the World’s population buys online, and in 2021, the number is expected to rise to over 2.14 billion.
If you are still reading this, you need to realize that you have shut yourself inside a limited box.
Let Statista explain to you:
This means that you haven’t even covered half of the 1.92 billion buyers at this very moment which directly puts you and your brand at risk.
So what can you do about this?
You have tried every tactic online, yet you are not able to see the result.
And that is where Limecall enters the picture. Think of it this way, if your business has to grow, what is the one crucial factor it requires for the process?
‘GROWTH’.
The more your business grows, the better you end up achieving. Appnova.com claimed, global retail eCommerce sales will grow from $1.3 trillion in 2014 to $4.9 trillion in 2021.
Which means if your business isn’t growing now, chances are you will get crushed by your competitors in the near future.
To avoid such consequences, it is essential to nurture and grow your e-commerce business the right way. And that is exactly how this article will help you.
As you scroll down the blog, you will be able to cover:
To avoid such consequences, it is essential to nurture and grow your e-commerce business the right way. And that is exactly how this article will help you.
Neil Patel, Founder of Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and KISSmetrics brilliantly states in his online video:
‘’You want to grow your E-Commerce site, but you know what? The way you that you think your going to grow your E-Commerce site, isn’t the real way to grow. You don’t have to be selling millions of products like Amazon to do well’’.
But before we jump into the facts, let’s first understand why do you even have to conduct this action?
You are the owner who is selling your products or services online.
Since your business functions in the online world, there is no need for you to shell out extra expenses on renting a place or buying additional physical assets.
For instance, if you want to set up your business in a physical store, you would have to spend a lump sum of money on the following:
This is very costly because say for example if your customer visits are slow and less in your store then these costs become a higher burden for you. Hence if you’re not able to run good sales, you will, unfortunately, have to shut down your shop.
On the other hand, E-Commerce lies more on a cost- effective technique, which means instead of physical stores, all you require is a website.
Your website will act as a magnet to pull a specific type of audience towards your product. However, apart from the below, you need to ensure that your website loads the information you’re selling much quicker because Neil Patel states, 40% of people abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load.
When you plan to create your website, the following should be displayed:
When you have such a cost effective technique in hand to start a business why won’t like minds like you commence their goals from here?
For owners like you, creating a website shouldn’t just be simple. A website is the only way for you to capture and convert your leads and you might as well do it right.
Let the below examples give you better insights to begin with:
The main agenda of this website is evident. They sell shoes and have directly explained it. So for instance, if you are looking for wool shoes, when you land on this website it becomes easy to understand. They have mentioned the description of the shoes and what size and colour are available.
This classic website is a great idea because it triggers your customers to make an instant purchase.
Recommendation: Ensure your website is short, crisp and to the point.
This website has added the right touch of colours which ensures that its customers take a glance twice. It’s content phrases, ‘There’s A Mask For That’, attracts an inquisitiveness to understand what the brand is referring to.
In the below description to it hits the spot for what exactly this mask is referring too and adds a call to action to clear all its customers’ queries.
Recommendation: When adding colours to your website ensure it doesn’t hit your customers’ eyes or appears as too powerful.
This website brilliantly speaks about its new arrival. It is short and crisp and lets its customers understand the main thing about its website, its arrival of new spring collections. It also retains its customers’ interest by showcasing a few glimpses from its collection.
This compels customer’s to actually take a look.
Recommendation: Making your customer’s curious as it helps to retain and attract their attention for long.
Today, the online world lets you access any product you like from numerous vendors available from the other side of the world too. This proves to be a huge advantage as owners like you can capture such audiences no matter where they reside.
The best example here is Amazon. Tune mentioned Amazon in its article:
‘’The company boosted its stock price by $123 billion from June 2015 to 2016, is now up over $1,000/share with a valuation approaching $500 billion, sells more clothing to millennials than any other retailer, and recently hit a $14 billion annual run rate in its cloud business.
We use Amazon to find anything and everything we require. Today your customers can easily buy their favorite pair of shoes from any brand in the world without even having to travel to that place.’’
For instance, via Amazon, you can buy a Rajasthani shoe with just one click without having to travel to Rajasthan, E-Commerce has made it this simple.
Since you don’t have any location limitations this proves to be an advantage as you can offer multiple choices for your audience.
For instance, say a customer is looking for a branded bag that is not available in any physical stores, he or she can always find that product on any E-Commerce site due to its global presence.
Your business also gets an opportunity to grow into a wider community which helps you expand your E-Commerce business more vastly.
For instance, if you sell velvet sofas online, you can connect and partner with vendors who have the same business. This works in favor of both as:
This approach allows your conversion rates also, to hit the roof quite high.
Rand Fishkin, Founder of MOZ states:
‘’One of the biggest decisions first-time retailers make is choosing which E-Commerce platform to pair up with. Having a solid understanding of what platform is best suited for their business will ultimately shape the success of the company’’.
This approach allows your conversion rates also, to hit the roof quite high.
Let’s understand this better with a real example:
Tasty an international brand conducts online videos showcasing food recipes made by them. They have partnered with Walmart to use their fancy looking equipments.
Here both the parties are benefiting as both sides are being promoted.
Oberlo stated, Mobile ecommerce is expected to account for 67.2 percent of digital sales in 2019.
From paying your bills to tracking your deliveries online, your smartphone serves the purpose of more than just making a phone call.
Investing in mobile apps allows you to cover almost 9 out of 10 customers who use their smartphones to track and grasp relevant information.
In 2012, Shopify spoke this evident truth about the rise in mobile commerce:
With a number like this, if you fail to cater to your customers’ smartphone experience then there are chances that you could lose that customer and Oberlo has proved this, users who have a negative experience on a mobile website are 62 percent less likely to purchase from that business in the future.
62% isn’t a small number. This just shows that if you really want to keep your customers happy, indulge into creating a seamless mobile experience for them to buy from your business.
For instance, via your mobile app, allow your customers to track their deliveries, check out their refund status and shop whenever they feel like.
Let’s understand this better with the most widely used mobile app in India, Amazon.
With Amazon’s app:
Taking an example of Amazon, you can now clearly understand what made this brand the most popular and trusted shopping app for millions of users.
Sleeknote claims, 59% of 16-36 year-olds Head to Amazon Before Any Other E-Commerce Website because Amazon makes this that simple. If you see an ad for a product, you can easily just click on the Amazon app and buy it with in seconds.
In most smartphones, Amazon is one of the built-in apps. This means that customers have the liberty to shop anytime they feel like with just a click of a button.
Customers like less complicated processes and with a smartphone in hand, you need to walk the footsteps they prefer.
Let’s view some vendors who offer a great app experience for their online customers:
As you can see Shoop lets you login or create your own account instantly. It showcases the discounts available which trigger your actions to click on it. You can easily make payments the same way just like how you would when you visit this brand on your laptop.
MallFit has all its customers requirements categorised in one scroll. From jackets to cardigans, you can easily access your favourite categories with just one click. They also have an option to add your favourites which you can come again and buy.
They have also brilliantly showcased their sales prices by scratching out the old ones and placing the new ones for its customers to understand the difference.
Since you have records of your customers purchasing choices, what they prefer, what they order and what makes them pick a particular product, this works as a good research measure to understand your customers buying patterns better.
Bigcommerce brilliantly explains this topic in depth for you to understand.
In E-Commerce, this works well for your business since you are able to customize and attract those customers with more choices from their preferences which are a good sales technique to adhere here.
For instance, if your customers prefer your handmade wallets more, you could personalize your website display page with its new collections and discounts. This triggers your customers to take a glance at it.
As explained above, your customer data lets you sell personalized products that would win your customers attention to purchase and at the same time impact your revenue count.
Deloitte proves this, 72% of companies believe they can use analytics reports to improve the customer experience.
Let’s understand this with an example:
Mary is Abdul’s regular customer. Before becoming an existing customer, Mary had shopped once in Abdul’s online store. Abdul wanted to convert Mary into a regular customer because she gave him a better sale count.
He knew that if Mary becomes his regular customer, his business can cater to many more people like Mary. So with the help of data analytics, he was able to learn what types of products Mary likes to see.
In his case, Mary had ordered many handmade wallets and bags from his store. Seeing this, Abdul released a collection offer of handmade items that contained not only bags and wallets but also clothes, shoes, and household items.
Seeing this Mary was drawn towards purchasing from Abdul since that day. Abdul gave Mary what she was seeking and in return, he won her loyalty.
The online E-Commerce business has more potential in the eyes of customers when compared to physical stores because they bring convenience with their service. Oberlo proves this, the number one reason people shop online is that they’re able to shop at all hours of the day.
From functioning 24/7 even during public holidays to offering a range of wider options to choose from, E-Commerce businesses are serving comfort in a cup.
Waheeda Khatoon on quora explained her opinion on what she believed about the E-Commerce industry, she stated:
‘’Because the Internet is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, your business never closes. An e-business can literally be making money while you are fast asleep’’.
For instance, you can shop for clothes even at 3 am and in case your favorite shop was closed you can directly order your choice of items instantly online.
It’s 2019, a lot has changed over the years including customers’ expectations with businesses.
As you now have the reason why your E-Commerce business should step up its game in 2019, it’s time you start implementing factors that will help you to understand the essentials on how to grow an E-Commerce business.
Is your target audience the right one?
Many businesses without understanding their type of audience which could match their products, sell to the wrong customers.
For instance, say your calling clients for the purpose of selling them your live chat services. Now your target audience should be such clients who are looking to increase their lead engagement online. If you are going to see to clients who already are using a live chat service, then the chances to make a sales becomes very less.
You might sell with the aim thinking that you can convince them to try it out but it backfires on you because in 2019, customers’ are well aware of what their needs are.
Thanks to the E-Commerce data information which you collect, this process becomes easier.
How?
Since you are able to track and identify your customers buying patterns and preferences, you are able to reach out to the right kind.
For instance, let’s take the above example itself, you run an online coffee business. As you have a data count about your customers’ you realise that many of them prefer filter coffee when compared to the rest.
So what you do is, you increase the availability of filter coffee. This helps you to satisfy your existing customers as well as pull the interest of new coffee lovers who prefer filter coffee as well.
The only way you can connect with your customers more closely is through your personalized website page. E-consultancy Realities of Online Personalisation Report found, 94% of businesses believe that personalisation is ‘critical’ to current and future success.
For instance, your website page could have online reviews, suggestions and a way to communicate with you. It could also have new offers and discounts and information about the new products.
Make your website convenient and easy for your customers to find what they are looking for.
For instance, don’t crowd your website with multiple information. Keep it in such a way where your customers can easily understand what you’re selling.
Let’s understand this with an example:
As you can see, Etsy explains what it actually does in 3 simple steps. It is crisp and attracts its users to find what their needs through their products. They also have categories above to help its users to find a specific product they are looking for.
It also provides a ‘recently viewed’ option where its users can see what others are buying and may view that as well.
Also remember, sometimes your customers would prefer interacting with you with regards to any of their queries with reference to a product, ensure that you have a good customer support to help them.
For instance, you could place a chat service or a contact us option. Place such a tool where your customers’ can contact you soon.
Adding recommendations and suggestions also help to personalize your page. This tool is important because its like your conversing with your customer. You’re helping them by taking them through the bestsellers and suggesting which would be the ideal fit for them.
This step is crucial since your dealing from an online business. It is important that you strength a good bond with your customers.
Another way to personalize with your customers’ is by making them feel your product.
For instance, You are a vendor who is selling women’s office bags. In order to connect with them, you could show how nice it would look on any outfit a woman wears.
For the benefit factor, you could display how spacious the bag by including all the items a women generally carried. For example, a book, pen, makeup items, wallet, charger, and many others.
You could even use nice subtle colors that would attract the attention of your target audience such as you could place the bag on an office table.
Also using the write content lines make an impact when connecting with your audience. For instance using phrases such as ‘Carry your world’, ‘The perfect match for independent women’.
Let’s view few personalized websites below:
This website is crisp and to the point. Its headline ‘Select your shining moment’ attracts multiple eyes to check this out. Instead of displaying their mixed collections, they are making it convenient for their customers’ to choose what their mood prefers today.
Here the vendor directly targeted what the customer is seeking. It speaks the evident that its sells boots. It’s lovely background and perfect graphics invites customers to visit the website and learn more about it. It even develops an imagination for the customers to view upon with reference to how it would look on them when purchasing.
You are well familiar when I tell you that customers tastes and preferences change with the new trends.
For instance, previously, long dresses were the trend when stepping out for a late lunch or dinner, today we see many ladies who wear short dresses to such occasions.
There are many products in the market which are traditional and have now chosen innovative ways to sell their products in order to capture the attention of different types of customers in the market.
The perfect example would be Bru coffee.
Bru coffee in India was sold as a normal coffee choice. In recent years, it has introduced many flavors that would suit every customer preference such as filter coffee, super strong coffee, roasted coffee and many more.
Bru coffee products today suit every individual coffee lover need. From just serving normal coffee they are assisting the needs of those who love filter coffee or who prefer stronger coffee.
Never stop learning about your customers, you will be surprised at your results.
Your customers will access your website in their free time, so it could be even at 6 am in the morning or at 1 am in the night, understanding this, you need to provide a good customer support approach to help them out.
Because if you don’t Oberlo proves, 80 percent of people stop doing business with a company because of poor customer experience.
Customers while shopping will have few queries and when you assist them on the spot, you have likely scored yourself a sale.
For instance:
With Limecall, your customer can reach out to you within 28 seconds or if they are busy they can also schedule a call to talk to you.
Your customers need your assistance and they want it easy and quick, with a 24/7 business, your investment in customer support should be high.
Social selling will be your strongest asset to sell your products and make them aware in the eyes of your audience.
Investing in such platforms help advertise your products better as well as capture your customers attention highly. As bigcommerce.com proves, online stores that have a social presence have 32% more sales on average than online stores that don’t.
Let’s understand this better with visuals:
1. Instagram
With Instagram, you can create a page about your business. When your customers view your products post, they can visit your website which you can mention on your bio. Instagram is one of the most widely used platforms now to promote businesses.
2. Facebook
With Facebook business page, you can easily promote your product. Your brand will appear as a sponsored post where it will be evident that is an ad. As seen above, you can choose to post what appears in your brand so that it compels your customers’ to click.
3. Blog
Another way to enrich your product in the eyes of your customers is through your constant blogs.
Creating a blog page too can help your customers to understand your products and your overall brand much better. They will be able to learn how you brand helps to provide a solution, what do you’ll focus on and the type of solution you sell.
For instance, let’s view Limecalls’s blog page for a better understanding:
In order to promote your blog, you can use the help of an SEO tool. A tool like Linkio will help you with building your online presence by suggesting the right anchor text and percentage based on your competitors in your link building activities for your business.
This tool helps in pushing your blog on top whenever your customers use the words which define your product.
It will look something like this:
Neil Patel, Founder of Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and KISSmetrics claims:
‘’Create a simple word-of-mouth campaign that you’ll share across multiple social networks. Design 2-3 visually appealing graphics to share on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Google Plus. Highlight your product, specific ways it stands out above the rest, and how it solves the problem of potential buyers.
Now let your connections know about your exciting news by sharing how they can support you. Tell them the “why” behind your business and the story surrounding your product or service. People want to get to know you and gain a better understanding of what you’re all about. Let social media help you do this!’’
When you’re constantly active on social media platforms, customers notice you more and eventually they develop the interest to learn more about you.
Oberlo proves consumers are most likely to trust a business that makes it easy to contact people at the company.
Here is when your mobile app comes in handy.
For instance, with a mobile app, you can let your users be notified of your new arrivals, discounts, track their delivery order as well as let them shop anywhere and at anytime.
View digitalcommerce360 analysis report about Amazon’s mobile commerce results.
As a business owner, it’s important for you to be in places where your customers prefer to shop, a smartphone is one of them. Google proves, 59% of smartphone users favor businesses with mobile sites or apps that enable them to make purchases easily and quickly.
Let’s understand this with an example:
Pauline is a shopaholic. She always likes to shop whenever she spots any discounts or new arrivals. But for the past few months, Pauline hasn’t been able to shop due to her busy schedules.
The once upon a time shopaholic Pauline, now finds it difficult to shop from her favorite store across the street. As she shared her distress with her friend, she was asked to download her favorite brand’s mobile app.
Ever since that day, Pauline went to her usual shopaholic self, thanks to the mobile experience.
With the mobile app, Pauline was always notified when the discounts were out and when her favourite items had a sale. She was also able to place orders whenever she got free which was usually after 11pm.
She was even able to keep a track of her order as well as check out her refund status in case she wanted to return. The best part during her break hours was with just one tap she was able to add her cart with things she wanted to buy.
This convenience made Pauline a happy and loyal customer for her brand.
If your website or mobile page takes a lot of time to load, then don’t be surprised if your customers walk away.
The last thing that your customers expect from you is to not stare at a buffering screen. No one likes to wait and that is why you need to work well with your website and mobile page with reference to loading your business page quickly.
Keep the necessary information that would be valuable to your customers.
For instance, you could display your new collections or the discounts you’re offering. If you don’t have any offers, you can categorize your products for your customers to easily understand what you sell.
If your going to crowd your making it difficult for your customers to find what they’re looking for.
If you don’t make them understand the product your selling in less than 10 seconds, then they have already walked away.
Let’s understand this with an example:
What’s wrong in this?
What’s wrong in this?
Remember you have less time to impress your customers and so it is important you do it right.
Let’s understand this with an example:
As you can see in this website, Asos has segregated its product collections into categories, making it easy for its users to select from. The website explains what it offers and the discount list, which makes it easier for its users to identify.
Due to this, Asos is able to serve its customers in a more easier way as well as bring convenience for them to fulfill their needs.
To view, similar examples visit hubspot.
Your customer will not stay even one minute on your website if they don’t find the benefits your product is selling.
No one likes to scroll further if they don’t catch your benefits list in one glance it’s as simple as this.
For instance:
If you’re selling a briefcase, you need to explain what benefits it holds such as:
Doing all this triggers your customers’ to either try it out or purchase it. The best example to explain this point is apple. View how they explain each of their products in a unique and attractive manner.
Oberlo states, nearly half (48 percent) of online shoppers simply head straight to a large E-Commerce marketplace.
Which drives your chances to showcase how much you have grown towards delivering and satisfying all your customers’ needs.
Before you head out towards your growth, let’s take a quick recap of what we’ve covered under this topic:
And also, Do tell us if we missed anything?
We would like to hear all about your E-Commerce journey and your personal opinion on what could be added to our 2019 version list.
Which growth factor are you planning to begin with? Do let us know by tweeting us.
