Oh, Crop! Killer E-commerce Mistakes You Need to Conquer

Published on: 10 August 2017 Last Updated on: 11 September 2024

One of the most lucrative and fast-growing industries is the e-commerce industry. It has risen in popularity over the years due to the convenience and accessibility it provides for the consumers, and even for the sellers themselves.

A lot of people have been trying to start their businesses from home, yet they don’t know where to start, and they have no idea about the wide variety of industries they can invest in or the right tools they should use.

Aside from knowing what to do with your new venture, you also need to know the common mistakes and blunders you can commit. Lapses, no matter how small, can be highly detrimental to your business. But as worrying as it all sounds, don’t worry.

You can learn how to spot, avoid, and remedy these mistakes with this simple guide. Without further ado, here are five mistakes you need to avoid to keep your e-commerce business bug-free and in full swing.

Mistake #1: Forgetting Your Market

One of the biggest and most common mistakes online entrepreneurs make is forgetting what their market looks like or who their target audience is. Aside from spending most of your time and effort in honing the perfect product, without actually creating a need for your customers, you also have to know your customer demographic.

Wouldn’t it be ideal to have customers before creating a product, rather than having a product beforehand and then looking for clients? All of your efforts will be rendered fruitless. Know how to target your audience or your buyer persona. A buyer persona is a representation of your customer’s demographics, such as age, gender, profession, and social status.

To paint you a clearer picture, if you’re a designer in the print industry, you need to know your target audience before you begin selling. You won’t sell cheap business cards to upper-class professionals looking to spruce up their portfolios just as you wouldn’t sell overly-priced prints for low-quality products.

Mistake #2: Lack of Social Media Presence

The regular person owns at least five social media accounts. And on average, we spend about an hour and 40 minutes browsing these sites. Can you believe that the number of online shoppers in the United States alone will reach 224 million in 2019! Numbers aside, the stats are telling us to leverage social media in getting our brand out there.

Say hi to social media. Brands are using social media marketing for some highly useful and practical reasons. Some even devise different loyalty program for their avid followers on social media channels. Some of these are because it provides:

Low-cost solution. Social media platforms are an excellent way to get bang for your buck advertising and brand exposure.
Customization. From Facebook Insights to Google Analytics, you can customize your pages to your heart’s content and receive detailed reports on your customers’ demographics and browsing behaviors.
Excellent customer service platform. According to a recent study by Venturebeat, 51 percent of the respondents say businesses need to be available around the clock. If e-commerce brands are now adopting customer service chatbots with 24/7 messaging services, so should you.

If you’re still not convinced, you can think of your social media accounts as your company’s very own affordable business cards, showcasing your brand and the services you offer virtually.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Mobile Optimization

Mobile is everywhere, and the world is accessing the internet through their smartphones. With 80 percent of internet users owning a smartphone, failing to recognize the need for mobile optimization, could mean losing half of your potential e-commerce market. Poor user experience can negatively impact your conversion rates.

If you shift your focus on creating the ideal mobile user experience for your customers, you can increase your brand reputation and customer retention, and avoid losing 61 percent of your clients due to the poor website experience.

As an internet-based entrepreneur, use whatever tools you have at your disposal to provide an optimized user browsing and shopping experience. Bank on your best assets and give yourself an advantage over your industry rivals.

Mistake #4: Faulty Shipping Flexibility

When you first decided to run an e-commerce business, I’m guessing you did for the flexibility it gave you in doing your daily tasks. You didn’t have to meet people face to face, and you could make your timetable to suit your needs. You can now do all of your work at home, and nobody would have to see you in sweatpants.

The same principle goes for your consumers. All customers like to have options, especially when it comes to shipping. According to research, only 1 in 4 online shoppers complete a purchase? 44 percent of cart abandonment cases are due to high shipping costs, and a whopping 93 percent of online shoppers say they’ll buy more if they got free shipping.

Free shipping can increase sales and improve customer loyalty. According to a study from E-tailing, 73 percent of purchasers consider unconditional free shipping as a decisive factor in shopping online. But like all other business aspects, weigh the pros and cons of your business before making a decision.

Mistake #5: Failing to Measure Performance

If you want to succeed in the competitive world of e-commerce, you need to know how to gauge and evaluate your performance. Take note of your business habits, particularly regarding expenses and marketing. Use your business plan as a roadmap to help you steer your way throughout your business venture.

Check your statistics regularly. Update your ledger and see if your business is thriving or failing. Look at your consumer insights and keep up with the masses’ latest trends. Be as specific as you can with your data. Don’t inflate your figures and understand the areas you lack to improve them further.

By monitoring your performance, you are helping your business achieve greater heights compared to passive management. And the good news is, there’s always room for improvement, be it for you or your business.

Takeaway

As John Sagel said, “What we do know now is that the ‘E’ in e-commerce doesn’t stand for ‘easy.’ Opening an e-commerce business can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking, but it can also be a highly worthwhile and profitable venture.

There is no guarantee of overnight success. However, you can set yourself up for the best chance at succeeding. To do so, grasp the basics, learn from seasoned entrepreneurs, and watch out for their mistakes to avoid committing them yourself.

Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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Marketing

From Zero To Hero: A Step-By-Step Guide To Building Brand Awareness

Imagine this scenario. You've launched a business. Your products or services are top-notch. Yet, customers don't seem to know you exist. This situation isn't uncommon. Today's market brims with choices. Brands compete fiercely, making it tough to grab the limelight. And with the digital age, there's an information deluge. Every day, consumers face a barrage of brand messages. Cutting through this noise feels daunting. However, there's hope. This article unveils strategies to skyrocket your brand's visibility. Soon, instead of being a face in the crowd, you'll become the talk of the town. With commitment and clarity, you can transition from obscurity to prominence. Understanding Your Brand’s Core Values Diving into brand building starts at the roots. First up, it's vital to grasp your brand’s essence. What do you represent? This involves defining your mission, vision, and values. These elements provide direction. They serve as a compass, guiding every business decision. Next, focus on standing out. In a sea of brands, uniqueness is gold. Here's where your unique selling proposition (USP) steps in. It’s not just about what you offer. It’s about why consumers should pick you over competitors. Think about what sets you apart. It could be superior quality, exceptional service, or an innovative feature. Lastly, weave a compelling brand story. People remember stories, not dry facts. Narratives evoke emotions. They create connections. Your story shouldn't be a sales pitch. It should be a genuine reflection of your journey and values. It’s about resonating with consumers on a human level. Sharing challenges, triumphs, and aspirations makes your brand more relatable. In essence, knowing your brand inside-out is the foundation. With a clear understanding, you position yourself for success in the brand-building journey. Leveraging Digital Platforms In today's digital age, online platforms are game-changers. They can propel your brand's recognition rapidly. Many businesses even turn to specialists like a marketing agency Bristol to help navigate the complex digital landscape. With expert guidance, you can maximize your online presence and ensure you're reaching your target audience effectively. Let's delve into how. Start with social media. It's more than just posting photos or updates. It’s about strategic engagement. Picking the right platforms is crucial. Not every channel suits every brand. Identify where your audience spends time. Then, maintain a consistent brand voice. Consistency reinforces recognition. Over time, your audience will identify with your messaging. Content marketing isn’t about churning out articles. It’s about delivering value. Craft content that addresses your audience’s needs. Make it relevant. Make it resonate. Consistency is key here too. Regularly updated content keeps your audience coming back for more. Lastly, there’s SEO, or search engine optimization. It might sound technical, but its impact is profound. Proper SEO ensures your brand appears when potential customers search online. It's not about stuffing keywords. It’s about crafting quality content that search engines deem worthy. The result is higher rankings and more visibility. In a nutshell, digital platforms offer vast potential. By harnessing them effectively, your brand can soar to new heights in awareness. Engaging With Your Community Building brand awareness isn't a solo endeavor. It's a collective effort. Engaging with your community amplifies your reach. Here's how to foster that connection. First, consider hosting brand-centric events. These could be webinars, workshops, or local meetups. Events provide face-to-face interactions. They help humanize your brand. Attendees gain firsthand experience. They see your passion, knowledge, and commitment. Such events also create buzz. When attendees share their experiences, word spreads. Next up, partnerships. Collaborate with influencers in your domain. They've already done the legwork. They have a dedicated audience that trusts them. By aligning with them, you tap into their follower base. You also borrow some of their credibility. Remember, authenticity is crucial. Choose influencers who genuinely resonate with your brand's values. Lastly, who doesn't love a good deal? Promotions and giveaways can work wonders. They not only boost short-term sales but also foster long-term loyalty. People love feeling valued. Offering exclusive deals makes them feel special. Plus, they're likely to spread the word. Community engagement provides the fuel for your brand's growth engine. By genuinely connecting, you lay the foundation for sustainable brand awareness. Monitoring And Adjusting Your Strategy In the brand-building journey, staying static isn't an option. The market shifts. Consumer preferences evolve. You must keep pace. So, how can you ensure your strategy stays fresh and effective? First, turn to analytics. Modern digital tools offer deep insights. They track metrics like brand engagement and reach. By monitoring these, you can assess your strategy's impact. It gives you a clear picture. You see what's working and what’s not. With real-time data, you can make informed decisions. Then, listen to your audience. Feedback is invaluable. Encourage customers to share their thoughts. Positive or negative, every piece of feedback is a learning opportunity. It sheds light on areas of improvement. With these insights, you can refine the brand experience. It ensures you always align with customer needs and desires. Lastly, flexibility is paramount. The market landscape is dynamic. Being rigid can leave you behind. Adaptability, on the other hand, keeps you ahead. Regularly review your strategies. As market dynamics change, tweak your approach. By staying nimble, you can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. To wrap up, a successful brand awareness strategy isn't set in stone. It's a living entity, needing regular evaluation and adjustment. Conclusion Building brand awareness is a transformative process. It moves a brand from the shadows into the limelight. The path from obscurity to prominence demands three things: a solid strategy, unwavering effort, and adaptability. Engaging with customers isn't just beneficial; it's crucial. Genuine interactions build trust. They shape perceptions and solidify brand loyalty. So, never underestimate this power. Additionally, the branding world never sleeps. New trends emerge. Technologies evolve. By keeping a finger on the pulse, you ensure relevance. Stay updated. Embrace the new, while staying true to your core values. Lastly, invest in growth. Not just business growth, but personal and team growth. Continuous learning paves the way for sustainability. It fuels innovation, insights, and improvement. By embracing this methodical approach, any business can rise. You can transition from being a whisper in a crowded room to the main conversation. Remember, brand awareness isn’t a mere checkpoint. It's the opening act in the customer’s journey with you. Ensure it leaves an imprint, setting the stage for a lasting relationship. Make every moment of recognition count. Read Also : How Personal Branding Online Can Help Your Job Search Why Every Business Needs Digital Marketing Building A Brand For Your Small Business

Best Marketing Strategies For Lawyers In Houston

If you are an attorney living in Houston, you need to make sure you are always collecting new clients. Your whole job is to make sure that your client wins their case so you can move on to the next one. The turnover is always there, and while you may get a lot of clients from word of mouth, you cannot rely on that alone. Marketing your practice is the best way to make sure that you are always generating business and growing your practice. There is a lot of competition out there, so making sure that you use marketing to edge over your competitors can only help you with your career goals. There are a lot of ways you can use marketing to promote your business. You can Google marketing for attorneys in Houston to find professionals that can help take your business to the next level or you can try marketing your practice on your own. At the end of the day, it is your call but asks yourself this: would you trust an amateur to represent you in court? Probably not. So, would you trust an amateur to market your business? Regardless of whether you decide to hire someone else or hire yourself for the job, there are a couple of different strategies your practice should try to get more clients. Here is a short list of some easy and simple marketing strategies you should try. Four Crucial Marketing Strategies For Lawyers: 1. Start a referral program You already have happy clients. Why not use them to help you find more. By starting a referral program in your practice, you can generate more potential clients. Maybe you charge a fee for your first consultation with a new client. Well, if they found you because of one of your other clients, then maybe you wave that initial fee or cut it in half for those referrals. And maybe your client that gave them the referral gets a little something too? I know I said not to rely on word of mouth for everything, but if you can market it in a way that will help you bring in more clients and motivate your already existing clients to tell their friends, then you have a successful marketing strategy. 2. SEO SEO stands for search engine optimization and it can be a successful long-term marketing strategies for your law practice. What it does is increase traffic and brand awareness for your company, or in this case, your law practice. Its goal is to help your website appear amongst the top ten, unpaid, search results on popular search engines. If you think about it, everyone uses Google to search for businesses in their areas. I know I use Google to search for certain kinds of restaurants, stores, and handymen in my area. If I did not already have an attorney in the family, I would use it to search for a lawyer if I needed one. SEO can help make sure those people out there looking for your specific service finds you quickly and easily. 3. Social Media Campaigns How often do you find yourself scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, or LinkedIn daily? You might even watch YouTube videos to pass the time if you are experiencing a lull in your day and need a break. Millions of people use some form of social media every day, so the more social media accounts you are active on, the more people will see you and your business. Get creative with your posts. Maybe make a law tip a day on Twitter to bring in people looking for law advice? Do a funny video of yourself in court on TikTok to generate even more traffic. Whatever you decide, make it fun and showcase what your law firm is all about. You can even use SEO to help your social media posts stay even more active. For more ways, you can implement SEO in your social media marketing, click here. 4. Paid Advertising through radio or television Whether we like to admit it or not, we cannot always rely on organic marketing to get the job done and that is okay. Creating a television commercial or radio commercial can help potential clients learn more about your business. You can give them all the information they need to know why they should choose you as their lawyer and how you can help them. This works great with your organic marketing strategies too. Maybe a potential client saw you through one of your social media posts or a search engine but was not 100% convinced yet. Then Bam! Your radio commercial pops up in their car and you just earned yourself a client! It can go the other way too. Someone could have seen your commercial on television one day and then found you via one of your organic marketing strategies. Both will work in tandem with each other to bring you the most clients. Read Also: Personal Injury Attorneys DenverWhat Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do?Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Criminal Lawyer

Deep Dive Into Project Management With Informative Podcasts

Project management is a critical skill for any organization, and it involves the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects to ensure their successful completion. However, learning project management can be challenging, especially if you are new to the field or lack experience. Fortunately, there are various resources available that can help you develop your project management skills, including podcasts. Podcasts have become increasingly popular as a means of acquiring knowledge on different topics in recent years. They offer convenient access to information that can be consumed at any time and place. Moreover, they often feature expert guests who share their experiences and insights on various aspects of project management. In this article, we will explore the benefits of learning project management through podcasts and provide recommendations for some of the best podcasts for beginners as well as experienced project managers. The Benefits of Learning Project Management through Podcasts The acquisition of project management skills through informative podcasts offers numerous advantages, including enhanced efficiency, improved time management, and increased productivity for individuals seeking to improve their professional careers. The importance of audio learning cannot be overstated as it allows listeners to absorb information while multitasking. Podcasts are portable and can be downloaded and listened to on the go, making them a convenient option for busy professionals. Furthermore, podcasts offer insights into various time management techniques that can help individuals prioritize tasks effectively. Project managers need to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously; therefore, mastering time management is crucial in ensuring project success. By listening to podcasts on this topic, individuals can learn from experts who have mastered the art of managing their time efficiently. Overall, the benefits of learning project management through podcasts extend beyond just acquiring knowledge; they also have practical applications in improving one's career prospects and enhancing workplace performance. Top Podcasts for Beginners in Project Management Novice project managers can enhance their knowledge by listening to these recommended podcasts, providing a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of project management. Several podcasts cater specifically to beginners in project management and offer valuable insights into basic concepts. One such podcast is The Project Management Podcast, which covers various topics like risk management, communication skills, and stakeholder engagement. The podcast also features interviews with experienced professionals who share their expertise and provide practical tips for managing projects. Another highly recommended podcast for beginners is PM Point of View, produced by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This podcast covers a wide range of topics related to project management, including leadership skills, team-building strategies, change management techniques, and many more. The program also includes interviews with experts in various fields who offer valuable insights into successful project management practices. Overall, these podcasts provide excellent resources for novice project managers seeking to learn new skills and improve their performance in managing projects effectively. Advanced Strategies for Experienced Project Managers Experienced project managers can elevate their skills and enhance their project management proficiency by incorporating advanced strategies that have been proven to produce successful project outcomes. One such strategy is effective risk management techniques, which involve identifying potential risks, analyzing their likelihood and impact, developing mitigation plans, and monitoring the risks throughout the project's lifecycle. By implementing a thorough risk management plan, experienced project managers can proactively identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Another important strategy for experienced project managers is stakeholder engagement. This involves building strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring that their needs are met throughout the project's lifecycle. Some effective stakeholder engagement strategies include regular communication channels, involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, and actively seeking feedback from them on progress made. These strategies can help ensure that the final outcome of the project meets the expectations of all stakeholders involved while also fostering a collaborative working environment. Navigating Agile Methodologies Navigating Agile Methodologies requires a thorough understanding of the principles and practices that underpin this approach to project management. The Agile methodology emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative delivery of products or services. An Agile team is composed of cross-functional members who work collaboratively to deliver value to customers through incremental product development cycles. To navigate the intricacies of Agile methodologies successfully, it is imperative to have strong knowledge of Agile team dynamics and Scrum certifications. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of each member of an Agile team is crucial for effective communication and collaboration among them. Moreover, obtaining Scrum certifications can help project managers gain a deeper understanding of Scrum framework practices, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, retrospectives, etc., enabling them to guide their teams toward successful project completion. With these skills at hand, experienced project managers can navigate complex projects with ease while delivering high-quality results on time using the Agile methodology. Leadership and Communication Skills for Project Managers Developing strong leadership and communication skills is vital for project managers to effectively guide their teams toward successful completion of projects. Effective delegation is one key aspect of leadership that project managers must master to ensure tasks are assigned appropriately and team members are empowered to contribute meaningfully. By delegating responsibilities, project managers can focus on high-level tasks while also ensuring each team member has a clear understanding of their role in the project. Conflict resolution is another essential skill for project managers as they navigate the complexities of working with diverse teams across different departments or even countries. Inevitably, conflicts will arise during any project, but effective leaders can identify underlying issues and mediate disputes before they escalate into larger problems. Project managers who possess strong conflict resolution skills can help restore balance within the team dynamic and maintain morale throughout the course of a project, ultimately leading to higher levels of productivity and better outcomes. Putting Knowledge into Practice: Real-World Examples and Case Studies Real-world examples and case studies are essential tools for project managers to understand how leadership and communication skills can be applied in practice. These real-world applications provide valuable insights into how successful project managers have navigated complex challenges, overcome obstacles, and delivered successful projects. By analyzing success stories from different industries, project managers can learn from the experiences of others and adapt their approaches to meet the unique demands of their projects. Case studies help project managers identify critical factors that contribute to successful outcomes. They also provide a framework for evaluating trade-offs between competing goals, such as cost, schedule, quality, or scope. Project managers can use these case studies to compare different approaches and determine which strategies work best in particular situations. Furthermore, they can also evaluate how well they communicate with stakeholders during each stage of the project life cycle. Real-world examples and case studies not only help project managers improve their communication skills but also reinforce the importance of effective leadership in achieving organizational objectives. Frequently Asked Questions How can I access these podcasts? One can access informative podcasts through popular platforms for podcast listening such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. These platforms offer a wide range of podcasts on various topics, including project management. Are there any costs associated with listening to these podcasts? Monetization strategies for podcasts include freemium models, where basic content is free but premium content requires payment. Whether there are costs associated with listening to specific podcasts depends on the individual podcast's monetization strategy. Can I earn any certification or accreditation by listening to these podcasts? Listening to project management podcasts can provide skill development opportunities, but typically do not offer certification. However, some podcast hosts may offer courses or resources that lead to certification outside of the podcast platform. How often are new episodes released for these podcasts? The frequency and availability of new episodes for podcasts on project management vary depending on the specific podcast. Some may release new episodes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, while others may have irregular schedules. It is important to check each podcast's website or subscribe to their newsletter for updates on new episode releases. Are there any opportunities to interact with other project management professionals while listening to these podcasts? Networking opportunities and collaborative learning are available through project management podcasts. Professionals can connect with others in the field through online forums, social media groups, and virtual events to discuss topics covered in episodes. Read Also: Using Project Management to Maximize the Holiday Season at Work 7 Common Construction Project Management Problems 7 Convenient Services Project Management Companies Offer Landlords

Oh, Crop! Killer E-commerce Mistakes You Need to Conquer

Mistake #1: Forgetting Your Market

Mistake #2: Lack of Social Media Presence

Mistake #3: Neglecting Mobile Optimization

Mistake #4: Faulty Shipping Flexibility

Mistake #5: Failing to Measure Performance

Takeaway

How to Get What You Want at Work By Strategic Negotiation

Transacting Safely In Craiglist

Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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From Zero To Hero: A Step-By-Step Guide To Building Brand Awareness

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Oh, Crop! Killer E-commerce Mistakes You Need to Conquer

Mistake #1: Forgetting Your Market

Mistake #2: Lack of Social Media Presence

Mistake #3: Neglecting Mobile Optimization

Mistake #4: Faulty Shipping Flexibility

Mistake #5: Failing to Measure Performance

Takeaway

Share this Article

How to Get What You Want at Work By Strategic Negotiation

Transacting Safely In Craiglist

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related