“Ecommerce and mobile commerce have dramatically changed the way brands reach customers, making it faster and easier for consumers to make purchases on the fly while avoiding the hassles of going to the store.” – Hil Davis, co-founder of J. Hilburn.
Good day, South Africa. It’s time to put your products online if you haven’t already.
E-commerce offers convenience, without the limitations of time and space. And, online is the best place for your customers to be, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic – and after! It’s crucial to understand that the implications of the pandemic will stretch way beyond 2020 – and perhaps last well into the decade.
While people begin to come to terms with the changes in lifestyle, many sectors in South Africa have already seen a rise in online purchases. As the lockdown eases in the country, many other sectors will see a rise in online purchases too, so we predict. According to PayFast’s data, here are the sectors that are showing growth in online transactions:
Online shopping will become the norm
People may avoid public spaces and spend more time shopping online.
An e-commerce website may be key to keeping your business running effectively. Besides the nationwide lockdown, once this is over, many potential consumers may decide to limit physical contact with others. So, you need to be able to reach these people – and what better way than with an online store.
Online purchases and home delivery for various day-to-day consumables have become the norm by many companies. To minimise contact between people in response to Covid-19 and to continue maximising revenue, this is the way forward for many businesses.
3 Ways to make sure your online store is successful
Professional designs
Your online advertising platforms and your website represent your shop. When it comes to luring your customers “into” your online store, you won’t be able to use your sparkling personality and a creative storefront. You’ll need to use engaging designs, compelling copy and quality imagery on your website and other advertising platforms.
Great customer service
You need to keep in touch with and support your customers throughout their entire purchase journey on your website. From when they first inquire about your products and make a purchase to returns and post-purchase services. This way, you’ll build trust with new and recurring customers and build up great online reviews.
LiveChat or Facebook Messanger API offers your customers the opportunity to speak to you or a business representative in real-time. So, if they have any questions or need more information to help them close a sale, they can send you a direct message, while on your website.
Here’s how Live Chat works:
Link your online store to your Facebook platform
Connect your online store to your FacebookBusiness Manager to boost sales. Once this is connected, you can get your product catalogue synced up to your Facebook Shop and Instagram business profile. This will allow you to tag your products in your posts and run purchase campaigns and dynamic remarketing campaigns directly from your online store.
Digital marketing
Having a fantastic website is important. But now, you need people to visit it. Digital marketing puts your products in front of people who are searching for them or people who are likely to buy them.
E-commerce marketing is the practice of driving traffic that is likely to convert to your website. There are various online tactics you can use for your website, including SEO, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, email marketing and more.
Let’s help you put your products online and in front of your ideal customers. Fill in our contact form and we’ll contact you.
You may also want to read: COVID-19 Pandemic: Advice for small and medium business