Commerce is a transaction between different entities, usually resulting in the sale of products or services of a Company. Thanks to technological developments, this transaction is now frequently done online. We then speak of e-commerce. The covid crisis has amplified this mechanism due to confinement and the impossibility of moving around.
Tips for succeeding in e-commerce
To succeed in this area, it is mainly necessary to opt for an attractive design for a physical store. The real difference, however, is in SEO. It is indeed necessary that the latter be good to have good visibility. In addition to that, consider having a responsive site, that is to say, whose interface adapts to all devices, including telephones, computers, and tablets. Be aware, however, that this revolutionary practice has both advantages and disadvantages.
What are the advantages of e-commerce?
This concept has come to revolutionize the field of sales and marketing. It has also changed the way customers consume. From the customer’s point of view, this practice allows consumers to instantly compare the services and products that interest them. Thus, it gives him some power over the Company. It also allows the buyer to save time. He does not need the intervention of a person to make his purchases. It has several means of payment:
- Credit card
- Electronic wallet
- Bank transfer
Online payment services are very secure. In addition, the customer can take advantage of home delivery if he wishes, which saves time and energy, particularly about purchasing furniture, for example. Shopping on the internet also limits the situations where one has to deal with stock shortages. In addition, you save yourself all the queues at the checkout. By buying online, you also benefit from exclusive offers not available in stores: companies offer many discounts on their sites.
For companies
This new mode of sale allows companies to reach more prospects. They can effectively broaden their field of action without geographical limitations. This positively affects the turnover in a big way. Companies will therefore be able to acquire new customers and set up retargeting campaigns for those who have not gone to the end of the purchase funnel. Most sites ask, before being able to navigate, to fill in certain information such as the email address. When you make an online purchase, you are automatically registered, allowing the Company to carry out campaigns to build your loyalty.
What are the disadvantages of e-commerce?
Like any activity that has advantages, it also has limitations and disadvantages. On the business side, e-commerce requires maintenance because, unlike traditional commerce, which closes shop from a specific time, the websites are always accessible. E-commerce, therefore, requires good knowledge of the web. Companies often entrust this kind of service to agencies since it can be a very heavy burden. Despite all the guarantees of payment security, some users do not trust it; this represents a break in the buying experience.
About the customer, other elements must also be taken into account. Buying online does not always guarantee the product’s authenticity on the site; it is impossible to check this point before purchase since you have no contact with the product. Finally, if you have a problem, you cannot contact the Company directly, and you will have to go through customer service. Their response time can be very long.
Also Read: 4 eCommerce Landing Page Best-Practices