By the year 2040, 95% of all purchases will be through eCommerce platforms. On average, more than 85% of people who are online, shop for products through the internet. So, you cannot deny the fact that buyers are getting more internet-dependent. Especially in times of the pandemic, consumer behavior has shown a strong shift towards shopping online. If you are a small business owner, it is the right time for you to know the benefits and effects of an eCommerce platform.
For a small business owner who is not internet savvy, moving to an online platform from conventional offline business can be a little challenging. However, with the help of eCommerce platform experts, the process becomes easier.
In this article, you will get to know the top five benefits of opening eCommerce for small businesses.
In the ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce, setting up an online store is just the beginning. To truly unlock the potential of your small business, consider integrating a print on demand order fulfillment platform like Gelato. This strategic move can revolutionize your operations by offering personalized products, reducing financial risks, and providing global reach with local fulfillment.
1. Online Reputation Building
75% of online businesses say online comments or reviews boost their reputational and financial status. The reviews are available for everyone and attract new customers with higher conversion rates. With online eCommerce platforms, your customers can share reviews and feedback on your social media profiles. To enhance your brand awareness, you can also start your business page on social handles, such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.
2. Flexible Timings & Reviews
Another benefit of running an eCommerce for business is to stay operational 24x7 which is not feasible for an offline store. Therefore, by online presence, you can get orders any time & no opportunity will slip away from you.
The “word of mouth” methods can help any business go viral overnight. However, in the case of brick and mortar stores, it is quite tough to gain customer reviews. Whereas, business is hassle-free and comfortable online! You can ask your clients to post a review & establish credibility by posting them on all social media platforms & other selling channels.
3. Increased Business Reach & Revenue
ECommerce for small businesses will widen your reach and your customer base will increase. This directly links to the number of sales and profits. You can also do investments in affiliate marketing. Moreover, with a high business reach, you can also grow trust and drive more traffic with advertising. For example, offering discounts on similar products can increase the upselling because customers tend to buy combinations of items put on deals.
4. Low Operational Cost
The operational cost of an online business is low as there is no need for physical outlets in all the areas you wish to sell services/products. With an online business platform, more is the customer access & less is the operational cost. Electronic selling eliminates human errors that run unchecked with man-made transactions. ECommerce helps your employees to focus on profit-making activities.
The money received from eCommerce transactions pays for the product, shipping software, and distribution, etc. The cost of maintaining storefront, displays, maintenance, and repairs is zero with an online business. Hence, the overall maintenance cost of a virtual store is far less than that of a brick and mortar store.
5. Automated Product Delivery Solutions
Efficient product delivery is another important factor for an online business. By connecting to any shipping platform or eCommerce logistics, you need to ensure your product reaches the customer safely. Using eCommerce automation, the right data flows systematically and you can keep promises with the clients. You will be able to provide services like 2 to 3 day shipping & on-time delivery.
ECommerce businesses also allow you to track products from inventory to the customer’s location. You can simply check & manage the inventory while you hand it to the fulfillment company. By clicking on the shopping cart, the customer gains easy access to track their order. Similarly, you can track your inventory and can restock the products accordingly.
Conclusion: Is eCommerce Platform for Small Business Useful?
A small business should consider several factors before launching an eCommerce platform. Perhaps the most crucial is Shopify SEO or optimizing your site to improve its search engine rankings. Key strategies include creating keyword-rich product descriptions, utilizing social media platforms to reach new customers, and posting high-quality content to engage potential buyers. You may also want to consider working with professional Shopify consultants who can help you identify ways to improve the user experience and increase sales over time. Ultimately, setting up an eCommerce platform for your small business involves a lot of hard work and ongoing effort. Still, if done right, it can be an extremely effective way to generate revenue and stay ahead of the competition. So if you're considering taking your business online, invest in Shopify SEO and other relevant strategies to make the most of this exciting new opportunity.
The benefits of eCommerce business are manifold. An online presence can save a lot of energy and time. Additionally, you can sell services and products to a large audience anywhere in the world with a single click. Comparatively, it costs less than other offline platforms. By reducing the operational damages & increasing the rate of sales by better reach, an eCommerce platform can be magical for your small business!
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