In the last few years, there’s been a significant change in the industry: ecommerce is dominating the retail space. This is of course partly because of the pandemic. People couldn’t visit brick-and-mortar stores anymore, so they all flocked to online stores. And they still do. Because customers find online shopping more convenient than visiting physical stores. Plus, there’s more opportunities to compare prices when you shop online. In conclusion: Online stores are here to stay. And it might be a good idea for you to start one as well. Not convinced? Here are some of the ways an ecommerce site can grow your business.
It will help you understand customer behavior
The luxury of having an online store is twofold. First, you can collect data that will give you insights into problems. For example, did you know that 69 percent of online shoppers abandon their carts before making a purchase? Interestingly enough, nobody really knows how many people decide not to purchase when they enter a physical store.
Second, you can use WordPress plugins to help make your life easier. Plugins can automate certain processes that you’d otherwise have to do by hand. For example, the Abandoned Cart Lite for WooCommerce plugin will email a customer to remind them they were about to buy your product. Using a tool like this can help businesses recover 30 percent of lost sales.
It will allow you to advertise more effectively
Google is currently hosting 9 billion searches a day. With each of these searches, you have the opportunity to run ads that directly reach prospective customers. Targeted pay-per-click (PPC) ads for example directly reach prospective customers. And they’re cost effective, because you only have to pay for your ad when someone actually clicks on it. If you are in need of quick and targeted exposure, PPC is the perfect option.
There are several other effective ways to advertise online promotions to your customers. For example: Content marketing, social media, email marketing, and more. Simply put, when your store exists online, your advertising opportunities grow significantly.
It will help you grow your customer base
Another benefit of having an ecommerce site: It expands your customer base. People who never would’ve wandered into your physical location because they live too far away can now easily find your store online.
But in order to expand your customer base, you need to get your website higher in the search engine results. That way, when someone searches for something that matches your products and services, they’ll see your company pop up. And of course, the higher you are in the search results, the more likely someone is to click on your website. Think about it: When have you last clicked on page 2 of Google’s search results?
Search engine optimization
The process of getting your website listed higher in the search engine results is called search engine optimization (SEO). This video primer will get you started:
There are many different strategies to help with SEO, but one of the most effective ways to optimize your content is with the help of a plugin like Yoast SEO. Yoast will analyze the content you post on your WordPress site and give you tips on how you can make it more readable for search engines. There are only advantages to selling your products online in addition to keeping your retail store up and running. Having an e-commerce site allows you to collect new leads, advertise, and find new customers online. Not to mention, when your store is online, you allow your customers to shop how, where, and when they want. It just makes sense.
There are many different strategies to help with SEO, but one of the most effective ways to optimize your content is with the help of a plugin like Yoast SEO. Yoast will analyze your content and give you tips on how you can make it more readable for customers and search engines. It even lets you rank for more than one keyphrase.
Want to create your own online store?
Are you convinced? Wonderful! If you want to create your own online store, look no further. We know the first step to running an online business may be daunting. Which is why Bluehost and YITH created the ‘Online Store’ and ‘Online Store + Marketplace’ plans. They’re ecommerce solutions that make setting up your own online store super easy and quick.
Want to know more? Check our our WooCommerce hosting options today.
In conclusion
There are only advantages to selling your products online. Having an ecommerce site allows you to collect new leads, advertise, and find new customers online. Not to mention, when your store is online, your customers can shop how, where, and when they want. This will make them much more likely to return to your company!