Why eCommerce for my business?
(updated 12.14.2023)
Do you ever ask the question, “Why eCommerce for my business” Capstone Website Design can help you solve the riddle of online selling, better known as eCommerce. Our blog post below will give you a few answers.
Why eCommerce? What is eCommerce?
eCommerce, also known as electronic commerce, is the buying and selling of goods or services over the Internet. In recent years, eCommerce has grown in popularity and has become a preferred method of shopping for many people around the world.
Convenience
The rise of eCommerce can be attributed to several factors such as convenience, accessibility, and a wider range of products. Online shopping allows people to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own homes, without having to physically go to a store. This convenience factor has made eCommerce a popular choice for busy individuals who don’t have the time to go shopping.
Accessibility
In addition to convenience, eCommerce also provides accessibility to people who live in remote areas or have limited mobility. With eCommerce, anyone with an internet connection can purchase products from anywhere in the world, making it easier for people to access products that may not be available in their local stores.
Most physical stores are limited by store hours and days they are open for customers to visit, shop and buy. With eCommerce your store is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Customers can shop for what they want, when they want, and from anywhere they can access the internet.
Wider Range of Products
Another factor that has contributed to the growth of eCommerce is the wider range of products available online. eCommerce websites offer a variety of products that may not be available in physical stores, providing customers with more options and opportunities to find exactly what they’re looking for.
An eCommerce store is the perfect tool to sell a service online. Instead of “cold calling” potential customers, you can communicate services to your target audience. Your eCommerce store can gather information about the customer’s needs, schedule a service visit and if appropriate collect payment.
eCommerce FACT:
eCommerce is not just for selling products.
Capstone client Precision Driving School uses an eCommerce store for parents to “reserve” a seat in an upcoming Driver Training class for their student.
Benefits you receive from selling services online
Scheduling: Improve your scheduling process and smooth out “peaks and valleys” by showing customers available service times.
Inventory Management: More accurate scheduling with future planning capabilities make “Just In Time” inventory management possible.
Financial Management: If appropriate, you could collect fees upfront and have money available for inventory purchases.
Extend Your Reach, Build Your Brand: With a strong online presence you can reach more customers, offer business efficiencies and meet customer needs.
New Channel for Business
Why eCommerce for your business? eCommerce has changed the way businesses operate, providing them with a new channel to reach customers and expand their customer base. Businesses can now sell their products to customers around the world, without the need for a physical storefront.
New Opportunities to Interact with Customers
With a physical store your chance to interact with a customer is usually limited to the time the customer is in the store browsing your products and talking with store employees. eCommerce done right provides store owners with access to email marketing, chat, phone support, direct mail, and mobile marketing.
You can now gain customers’ “Permission” to help them learn more about your products, get new product updates and learn about important sales and promotions. Instead of requiring customers to visit your store during specific store hours, you can now interact with customers on their timetable at the most convenient time for them.
PRO TIPS:
- Get customers “permission” to communicate with them, using tools such as double opt-in email campaigns.
- Give shoppers real value with ebooks, educational blogs, landing page templates and more,
- Gain value by building long-term relationships, “One and Done” rarely wins the race
- Research where your target customer looks for information online and market to them there.
- Don’t waste your customers time
Conclusion
In conclusion, eCommerce is the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. Its rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors such as convenience, accessibility, a wider range of products, and a new channel for businesses to reach customers. As technology continues to evolve, eCommerce is expected to continue growing and changing the way we shop and do business.
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