Ecommerce is becoming increasingly competitive. Since starting a business seems as easy as setting up a website, more and more would-be entrepreneurs are getting involved. So, in a hyper-competitive landscape, how do you stand out and take your business to the next level?
It’s going to take some time, some clever investments, and, of course, all the effort you can muster. But it can be done. Here’s how.
Streamline your shipping.
If you’ve ever purchased a product from an independent eCommerce site, chances are it took quite a while for your package to arrive. That is unless you paid a king’s ransom for upgraded shipping speeds. The sooner you get a quality product in a customer’s hands, the more likely you are to acquire referral business, positive online reviews, and increased brand awareness. Instead of relying on independent shipping that takes forever, think a little more like the business owner you are.
Partnering with a dropshipping supplier that works with big eCommerce sites is one of the smartest ways to streamline your shipping process. Dropshipping companies partner with entrepreneurs to help them fulfill eCommerce orders. Companies like Modalyst not only help you curate an assortment of high-quality products, but they also help with dropshipping and can easily integrate with your site. With added order tracking, it becomes that much easier to ensure that your customers are getting their products in a timely manner without you needing to stretch your budget too thin. Many of these services operate on a tiered pricing model that accommodates businesses of all sizes. This way, you aren’t limited to one price point and can also choose a higher tier as your business scales upwards.
Constantly improve your product.
While this section is focused more on eCommerce businesses that develop their own software products, the emphasis on constant growth and improvement applies to any business or product. Even if you have a killer app on your hands, if you’re not working to make it better you’re likely to get outpaced by your competition. By periodically releasing new features and patching and debugging existing ones, you’re developing a stronger product. You don’t have to manage every feature yourself, either, if you’re relying on companies like Split to help you with testing and debugging.
A great way to improve your products is through customer feedback. You can get feedback through customer experience surveys, social media posts, or even ask repeat buyers to tell you a bit about how they’re enjoying your product. This also works towards greater customer retention. Customers appreciate seeing their feedback taken seriously. If you’re looking to build stronger brand loyalty, it pays to show your customers that you’re truly listening to them. While it’s not possible to apply every single suggestion you receive, the ones you see most frequently are worth a second look.
Go mobile.
A mobile-friendly shopping experience is paramount these days. The value of mobile shopping continues to increase. Mobile search is one of the fastest ways to find relevant business results and shoppers are definitely taking notice. Customers who are able to research your product via smartphone are also more likely to convert and many of them expect a mobile experience.
This means that your website should fit comfortably on mobile devices and allow users to make purchases on the go. At some point, you may even want to consider your own app, depending on your products and the reach of your business.
With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to start working on growing your business and taking it to the next level. Stay current with important business trends, constantly work on your products and customer service chops, and find ways to make the buying process work more smoothly for your audience. With some hard work and dedication, you’re setting yourself up for success.
