There is nothing quite like the thrill of success! Being a drop shipper requires a thick skin and never-ending determination to succeed. You will experience failure and challenges, but in the end, you can become a massive success.
Then – it hits. Suddenly, you go from a tiny shop selling one or two items a week to thousands of orders overnight. What happens then?
At OPMC, we want to do everything we can to help you along the path to ecommerce success, and that includes growing your dropshipping business in a healthy, automated, and sustainable way. Let’s uncover the secrets to taking your online store to soaring new heights. So, buckle up because the journey to dropshipping domination starts now!
Why Expand Your Dropshipping Shop?
Growth in the dropshipping business isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity. The statistics speak volumes and tell the story of many who have tried and failed. Approximately 23% of all online sales are fulfilled through dropshipping.
Manufacturers who embrace dropshipping earn 18.33% more than those who don’t. And here’s a staggering figure: ecommerce retailers who opt for dropshipping could earn 50% more than those who rely solely on onsite inventory.
With these numbers in mind, it’s clear that expanding your dropshipping shop is the way forward. No, this doesn’t mean you jump ahead and purchase a massive number of email integrations. You are simply preparing for things like:
- Seasonal boosts for your niche (Christmas for decorations, Halloween for candy, etc.)
- Going viral on social media or through the news
- Getting strong organic search results due to SEO initiatives
- Uncovering a solid social media audience or community
- Experiencing high demand due to practical solutions for your products
- And more
How to Expand Your Dropshipping Ecommerce Brand
1 – Always Plan Ahead for Scalability
Growth is the name of the game, and to succeed, you must think big. Whether your shop is experiencing a seasonal surge or has suddenly gone viral, proper planning ensures you’re ready to handle the influx of orders.
That means evaluating your current dropshipping model and assessing whether it can handle the increased demand. Remember, the ecommerce landscape can change in the blink of an eye, so being prepared to scale at a moment’s notice is crucial.
2 – Collect Customer Feedback First
Your dropshipping shop’s success revolves around your customers. They hold the key to unlocking your shop’s full potential. Reach out to them for feedback. What do they love about your store? What improvements would they like to see?
Their insights are invaluable in shaping your expansion strategy. This is not just about improving your products and services. It’s also about building a loyal customer base that will champion your brand as it grows. Utilize Google Analytics and email feedback forms that are automated for any new order.
3 – Base Your Decisions on Data-Driven Insights
Data, not guesswork, drives the best business decisions. Dive into your analytics to uncover trends, customer behaviour, and popular products. This information is gold when it comes to making informed choices about which direction to take your online store. Data is the compass guiding your ship to the shores of growth.
A good example is geolocation information. You may suddenly see a spike in drop shipped accessories for BBQ owners from South Carolina during the summer. That means you need to adjust your ad spend on areas with outdoor cooking needs.
4 – Leverage Omnichannel Branding
Gone are the days of relying solely on a single platform. An omnichannel approach lets you reach potential customers where they are, whether that’s on social media, marketplaces, or your own website.
Each touchpoint is an opportunity to showcase your brand’s unique value and offerings. By casting a wide net, you increase your chances of capturing a larger audience. This is critical because you want to “ride the wave” of your current audience engagement so you can grow faster.
5 – Automate Everything!
Time is your most valuable resource, and automation is your loyal sidekick. Invest in tools and systems that streamline order processing, inventory management, and customer communication.
The right dropshipping automation solution can free you from repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on the strategic aspects of growing your business. OPMC’s WooCommerce Dropshipping plugin is your trusty companion in this endeavour. This automates updating all your products by directly connecting them to source platforms like Alibaba and more.
6 – Reduce Costs Where Possible
Profit margins matter. Evaluate your expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising quality. Consider renegotiating terms with suppliers, optimizing shipping methods, or exploring cost-effective marketing tactics. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can reinvest in expanding your dropshipping empire.
As you grow, you must pay close attention to expenses. You don’t want to miscalculate your supplier’s inventory investment and then experience a sudden fall from engagement.
7 – Improve Customer Support
Exceptional customer service is non-negotiable. As your dropshipping business scales, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction becomes even more crucial. Promptly address inquiries, resolve issues, and engage with your audience on social media. Happy customers not only become repeat buyers but also brand advocates who spread the word about your stellar service.
This also rapidly improves conversions. The more you can leverage something like our WooCommerce Customer Support plugin for 24/7 live chat support, the faster your potential customers can get questions answered – leading to more purchases.
8 – Lean into the Marketing
Growth requires visibility. Now is the time to supercharge your marketing efforts. From search engine optimization to targeted social media campaigns, make sure your brand is front and centre when potential customers are on the hunt. A well-executed marketing strategy can amplify your reach and fuel your expansion like never before.
9 – Prepare Your Ecommerce Security
As your dropshipping shop grows, it becomes more attractive to potential cyber threats. Protect your business and your customers’ sensitive data by strengthening your ecommerce security. Implement robust encryption, regularly update your software, and educate yourself on the latest security best practices. A secure online store not only boosts customer trust but also safeguards your hard-earned success.
We use a WooCommerce Anti-Fraud plugin to automate checking for chargeback issues or blacklisting certain geographic areas known for fraud.
Conclusion
In dropshipping, there is no “one-size-fits-all” guidebook to get you by. You have to test and re-test everything you possibly can to nail down the perfect system for your unique ecommerce business. However, when you do strike it big, you want to be ready. Hopefully, these tips will help you along the way to become a dropshipping pro!
Connect with OPMC, and let’s transform your online store into a dropshipping sensation that leaves a mark on the ecommerce world.
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