Why SME’s Should be Embracing Ecommerce

British shoppers are set to spend a staggering £52.25 billion in 2015*, which makes the UK the most frequent online shoppers in Europe.

With the high street continuing to evolve, retailers of all sizes need to keep up with modern shopping habits to ensure business growth, drive revenue and keep customers coming back – whether this is in-store or online.

Nowadays customers have high expectations. They want to shop in-store, but they also want the option of looking online – whether that be on their laptop, desktop, mobile or tablet.

With this in mind, here are a few simple steps to guarantee success:

Simply Get online
An ecommerce website can be relatively cheap and is an effective way to reach a wider audience. Although there may be a lack of technical expertise and understanding, there are off-the-shelf solutions to purchase which can do it for you.

Enhance the online customer experience and journey

It is important to focus on the customer and understand what your customer base wants. Whether creating a website, mobile or tablet app, customers want to be able to recognise your brand, easily search for products and buy them without a hitch.

Prepare to go mobile
By 2016, 61% of web traffic will be driven by mobile so make sure you and your website is ready for your mobile customers.

Develop your operations and logistics systems

When orders start to take off, it’s important that solid logistics underpin your operations. Returns or cancellation policies should be built efficiently whilst ensuring customer satisfaction and providing return on investment.

Make sure your digital sales and marketing plan is effective

Building a successful multichannel sales and marketing strategy is the key to ecommerce sales growth and success. Social media can be key to digital strategy: make sure your messages are consistent across all channels, are tailored to specific audiences and remember to measure, test and learn.

Give them a reason to come in-store

When speaking to customers online and on social media, give them a reason to come into the shop. Whether this is a percentage discount or complimentary treat, it will drive footfall.

The high street and retail sector will continue to evolve and for those willing to go digital, there is a bright multichannel future.

Ian will be sharing his expertise and insights alongside a host of the top names in retail at the Internet Retailing Expo (IRX) between 25th – 26th March 2015 in Birmingham. Find out more at http://ift.tt/1guGNl6.

* http://ift.tt/15Bgy82

Why SME’s Should be Embracing Ecommerce