No matter what product or service you are offering online, chances are there is at least one other site trying to sell the same thing. In some cases, there are hundreds of eCommerce sites advertising the exact same product or service.
But wait! Don’t get discouraged by a little competition.
A solid marketing plan sets you apart from every competing site. Before you waste money on paid advertisements and free giveaways, read this article.
Below are a few helpful tips on selling any product or service online.
1. Develop an Overall Strategy
You would be surprised by how many individuals and companies fail to organize a marketing strategy prior to trying to sell. It can be very exciting to start advertising a product you have worked very hard to develop, but don’t rush into the market before you have a plan.
Ask yourself where you want to sell your products. Will you use just your personal website or work with a larger eCommerce platform?
If you are selling with a major retailer you will need to plan how best to gain devoted customers. Check out this article on how to optimize Walmart listings to learn more about working with a major vendor.
Once you have thought about all possible sales channels, narrow down which products (and all versions of those products) you plan to sell. If you are offering a service, like advice on a particular topic, create a specific description for exactly what you are planning to give to your future customer.
2. Prioritize Customer Service
Each year, hundreds of millions of people shop online. Selling to those people is the heart of your business.
From the moment a potential customer visits your eCommerce site to the time the product is delivered, you want to ensure that person has the best experience possible.
Make a user-friendly website that is not only informational but also interesting and aesthetically appealing. Remember to create and test your website on different mobile devices to test the appearance on a phone or tablet is still high quality.
Respond to customer questions in a timely manner, whether they come through the website or another form of social media. Engage with customers and assure them that their opinions are important to you, even if they are negative.
Create a delivery strategy with the customer in mind. Think about packaging, delivery service, and ease of handling returns. If a customer has a good experience the first time they order something, they are more likely to order again.
You can also offer incentives or sales to loyal customers to show your appreciation.
3. Build a Brand
These days it is not enough to just have a stellar product or service. You have to build a brand that highlights the important features of your product and you as an individual or company.
Customers rely on branding to determine whether they trust the product and/or the person selling it. So, without an established brand, you may lose customers.
There are many ways to build a brand, but social media presence is a great place to start. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn can help your product or service get discovered, but it can also build your reputation.
Allowing customers to post reviews will also help show brand authenticity and transparency, which potential new customers will appreciate.
Think about other strategies you may be able to use to establish and reinforce your brand. Think about partnering with a charity organization or a successful influencer to increase your brand and your online sales.
In order to draw more people to your eCommerce site, you could even start a blog. Post content that you think would be valuable to your customers and establish you or your company as experts in the field.
When building your brand, it is important to consider who your ideal client is. Tailor your messaging, content, and even the images you use to appeal to that demographic.
4. Diversify Where You Sell
Your initial marketing plan should outline where you plan to sell your products or services. However, if you want to grow and reach new customers over time you should consider new platforms for sales.
You can advertise and sell your product or service through your social media accounts. Using Instagram or Facebook, you can create a lead to your website to sell, or you can sell directly.
If you are struggling to meet your sales goals, try a different platform. Find out where your ideal customer spends time online and focus your energy on selling there.
Read More: 5 Critical Ecommerce Metrics That Can Help Measure Your Business’s Success
5. Never Stop Innovating
Maybe you met your sales goal this month, but what if you could double it next month?
When it comes to how to sell online successfully, you have to be willing to keep working. Media and marketing trends change over time, especially with the rapid progress of technology.
Do your research and stay abreast of new media trends you may be able to use to stay relevant in the eyes of your consumer. Be willing to try new things in order to optimize your brand and encourage additional sales.
This also applies to your product and services. If you consistently hear the same feedback from clients over and over again, take advantage of that advice and make adjustments where necessary.
Use These Tips on Selling and Prepare for Success
You have the potential to successfully sell your product or service online. If you follow the tips on selling outlined above, you will already have an advantage over any potential competitors.
Remember that at the heart of a successful eCommerce site is good customer service, innovative marketing, and a trustworthy brand. Invest your time and energy in establishing your product or service as the best available, and then deliver on that promise. If you’re looking for more helpful information on promoting and growing your business, check out some of our other useful content!
