Ecommerce is an ever-evolving beast that you have to pay close attention to if you want to succeed. The challenge is there is no single pathway to get to a high level of customer engagement or sales. While this double-edged sword may seem appealing, we at OPMC wanted to provide a few tips to get you in the mindset for the new year. For many ecommerce small business owners, this will be a year of significant change. The whims of the current marketplace are consistently changing, and you will need to shift things around a little bit to keep up. These tips will give you a little headway to find how you can adapt your online store and grow your operations, so your sales never take an unwanted dip.
What to Expect in Ecommerce in 2024
The future of ecommerce is bright and exciting! Ever since the pandemic, there has been rapid growth in online sales of products and services. 2024 is no different with advances in augmented reality and artificial intelligence. You are likely to see customers demanding VR/AR applications of your products to test how they look.
In addition, data analytics and personalisation are going to take centre stage. Hyper-personalised shopping will make the difference between you and the competition. If you are not prepared for these changes, you will likely see a loss in revenue. Integrating these tools is where you need to start first. At the very least, be sure to leverage data analytics whenever possible.
Let’s move on to some holistic tips that will keep your ecommerce small business afloat for the coming years.
Top Tips for Ecommerce Businesses in 2024
1 – Get Completely Organised
Look, running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. To ensure business growth, you must wield time management software like a maestro. It’s not just about tracking your deadlines but integrating online communication with your team, ensuring everyone is on the same (web)page. Being organised is no longer an option—it’s a survival strategy.
If you’re unsure about using an app for time management, start small. Options like Time Doctor or Todoist are simple enough that you can better manage your various ecommerce tasks without sacrificing any team issues with communication.
2 – Automate Everything
From protecting your online store against pesky security threats to mastering the art of inventory management, automation is the name of the game. It’s about making sure your business runs smoothly, even when you’re sipping mojitos on a beach. Remember, it’s not laziness—it’s efficiency.
You’re going to want to look at the various processes your ecommerce store has in place to consider automation. We at OPMC provide a wealth of tools and plugins that can help you get started. For example:
- MYOB for WooCommerce for accounting automation
- New Zealand Post Shipping for WooCommerce when using international shipping automation.
- Security for WooCommerce to proactively protect against fraudsters.
- And many more.
3 – Make Purchasing as Smooth as Possible
Every added step between selecting a product and making a purchase is a potential lost sale. By using trusted payment processors and ensuring seamless tracking for physical products, you are, in essence, rolling out the red carpet for your potential customers.
Around 3 out of 4 people will make a purchase online. They don’t want a complex, multi-step process to actually click on that buy now button. You need to reduce these steps as much as possible, so when they decide to shop from you, it is as easy as can be.
4 – Leverage Marketing Trends
Did you catch that viral meme on Reddit? Or the latest buzz on Google trends? These aren’t just for giggles. They are windows into what your target audience is currently obsessing over. Jump on board and ride those marketing waves.
Not sure where to start? Check out your favourite social media platform and look at what is trending. Odds are there are sounds, music, content ideas, or subject matter that you can utilise in your own marketing channels to boost engagement.
5 – Craft Highly Engaging Content
Whether it’s crafting blog posts that readers can’t resist sharing, emails that readers eagerly open, or videos that go viral – quality is the magic potion. Your online presence is defined not just by what you sell but by how you tell your story.
Over 70% of online shoppers report that product content can make or break a sale. So, whip out those “how to” videos or unboxing pictures that feature your best products. You are crafting blog posts, emails, newsletters, case studies, and more to ensure your customers stay engaged with your brand.
6 – Focus on Customer Service
Remember, for every customer who complains, there are several who just vanish without a trace. Stellar customer service isn’t about putting out fires but building a loyal community around your brand. Cultivating long-term relationships means you aren’t just making a sale. You’re earning ambassadors.
We highly recommend utilising a chatbot or live support. For example, we have a Customer Service for WooCommerce plugin that helps with 24/7, 365 days a year live chat features that will improve your potential customers’ conversion rates. That goes a long way to boosting your online sales and business growth.
7 – Don’t Underestimate Emails
Sure, there are a zillion ways to reach out to customers, but good old’ emails? They’re the unsung heroes. Building segmented email lists isn’t just efficient. It’s the golden key to unlocking consistent online sales.
You don’t need to break the bank. Check out MailChimp and get a solid start with email marketing to boost customer service. This is one of the best practices for engaging your target audience where they live the most, in their email. This is the most cost-effective method of marketing to this day.
8 – Invest in Technology
Your website should be sleeker than a sports car and more mobile responsive than a cat on caffeine. Considering WooCommerce plugins? Great choice. Also, think about virtual try spaces – how cool would it be for customers to virtually test how a piece of furniture looks in their living room?
The point is your online sales are going to be directly related to the type of tech you use to attract small business partners, clients, customers, and B2B networks. Your online presence will grow the more you integrate modern tools that allow for competitive advantages.
9 – Emphasise How You Solve a Problem
Every ecommerce small business thrives by addressing specific needs. Lean into your niche. Show how your business isn’t just about products but solutions. That’s how you’ll not only catch the attention of your target audience but also hold onto it.
For example, Airbnb created an online empire by solving the problem of affordable vacation housing for those who don’t like staying in a hotel. That cultivated an entire social movement that is now moving through exciting growth stages business reporters around the globe are watching closely.
Conclusion
Navigating the high seas of ecommerce in 2024 isn’t for the timid. But with these tips in your arsenal, you’re not just sailing – you’re conquering the waves. Take your time and look at every aspect of your business to see where you can automate, integrate, and improve. Maybe set aside 20 minutes every couple of days for business growth studies so you can figure out where to move next.
Don’t forget to take advantage of our plugins. We make automation easy so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and cultivating long-term customer relationships.
FAQs
How can I promote my ecommerce business?
Harness the power of social media, engage in SEO best practices, invest in pay-per-click advertising, and don’t forget the might of influencer partnerships.
What are the 4 types of e-commerce?
They are B2C (Business-to-Consumer), B2B (Business-to-Business), C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer), and C2B (Consumer-to-Business). Every one of them can benefit from the list of tips and plugins we’ve provided.
How profitable is eCommerce?
Profitability in ecommerce varies based on niche, marketing strategy, and operational efficiency. However, with a robust strategy and dedication, it can be incredibly lucrative. There are businesses of all sizes, from the single-owned dropshipping company in California to the enterprise healthcare equipment provider in Australia, that are experiencing rapid growth.
