Statistics show that individuals who shop using e-commerce on their PC and a Mobile or Tablet device are predicted to spend almost twice as much as those who only use a PC (RetailMeNot).
These multichannel shoppers have rapidly increased over the last few years. We have technological advancement to thank for that, including responsive design which effortlessly adjusts websites to suit any screen size and type. Additionally, with 76% of adults now owning smartphones, mobile technology has become ever more embedded in our lives. As a result, there are now more mobile users (52%) worldwide than PC users (Hosting Facts).
Here’s how your business can benefit from an online e-commerce shopping platform.
1. Establish an Online Presence
More than 80% of the online population has used the Internet to purchase something. Your customers expect you to be available, and this presence allows you to keep up with the competition. Otherwise, your audience will be flocking toward your competitors to make an online purchase.
2. Attract New Customers
Physical retail relies on branding and customer relationships, but online retail has the added benefit of driving traffic from the search engines. If a customer is doing a search for photo editing software, for example, they may land on your company even though they’ve never heard of you before.
3. Save on Operational Costs
Running an e-commerce store can actually save you money. With a web-based management system, you can automate inventory management and decrease the costs associated with it. Also, running an ecommerce store doesn’t come with the same overhead costs as a physical store. The additional profit that is made from reaching more customers will offset any initial setup costs.
4. Better Understand Your Customers
You can get a rough idea of who your customers are, but it’s based on your perception rather than actual data. With an e-commerce store, you have the ability to track your customers’ buying habits. What products are they most interested in? When are they likely to buy? What motivates them? All of this information can be used to sell more efficiently to your customers.
5. Boost Brand Awareness
E-commerce will help your brand get more awareness in the online landscape. As you develop more web pages, the search engines can index them and boost your placement. It’s important to use good keywords in your content that are optimised for your audience, as this is what will drive traffic to your site. As your site gets more visibility, people will become familiar with your brand and reputation.
6. Equip Customers with Information
When you have an e-commerce site, you can provide as much information as you want, which customers appreciate. From the product description to customer reviews to shipping charges, you can arm shoppers with the information they need to make informed buying choices, and you don’t need to provide the staff to answer these questions. This leaves you with more time for other tasks around the workplace.
7. Drive Conversions and Sales
When you open up your business globally without any geographical or time constraints, you capture new audiences that you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. With a well-designed e-commerce site, you can drive conversions and sales and experience a new level of growth.
Read more on E-commerce Website Development available at Internet Creation.
Source: hostingfacts.com/internet-facts-stats-2016
Internet Creation Ltd. specialises in Web Design & Development, Graphics Design and Digital Marketing (SEO & PPC). For more information on how we can help your business, email [email protected].