Many entrepreneurs have found significant success selling products online. However, running a thriving ecommerce business takes more than just offering appealing items. In fact, one of the strategies to become a leading e-retailer is to choose the right technologies.
Of course, not all technologies are created equal. Therefore, it is important to be careful when choosing technical tools. So where to start? First, make sure your ecommerce business is taking advantage of the following types of technologies.
1. An all-in-one e-store management platform
Too often ecommerce workers are forced to work on multiple different platforms to get their jobs done, such as B. a product inventory management system, a warehouse management system and more. Not only is this inefficient, but it can also waste valuable time switching between systems. The answer to this problem is investing in an all-in-one platform that can store your information in one place.
Not sure if you need a comprehensive platform as a central clearing house for customer data, shipping information, logistics and more? Tradefull, an e-commerce solution provider, suggests reviewing your current processes for red flags that indicate you need a platform switch. These include failing to meet shipping quality requirements, missing desired delivery windows, or having difficulty viewing real-time dashboards and data. In fact, almost any internal point of friction where the technology fails to meet your needs could be an indicator that you would benefit from upgrading the management platform.
2. Versatile payment processing solutions
Customers want to be able to pay in different ways. Some use credit cards to order items online. Others like to go through PayPal or another third-party app. And digital currencies are becoming so popular that Gartner predicts that by 2024, a fifth of larger businesses will accept crypto.
It’s best not to try to create a payment gateway from scratch. Instead, look for payment processing software that is already on the market. Yes, you have to pay for a subscription and handling fees. However, you don’t have to worry about coding, encryption or security when you choose a trusted partner. Do your research to find a quick and easy payment solution. Customers don’t appreciate a clunky checkout experience.
3. AI-enhanced marketing programs
Consumers have changed the way they want to interact with ecommerce stores. Now, 80% of shoppers expect more personalized interactions with brands, according to McKinsey reports. But what if you don’t have the time or staff to customize all your touchpoints? No problem: AI-based marketing and communication programs can help you achieve a higher degree of individualization than ever before.
AI software can learn to anticipate the needs of your leads and buyers based on past data. Suppose a customer ordered a specific type of jacket. Your AI software can see that other customers who bought the jacket also bought a specific hat. Accordingly, the software can send the customer a purchase recommendation for the right hat for the jacket. Your marketing team doesn’t have to do anything to initiate this interaction either. It just happens smoothly in the background.
4. Digital photography equipment
Not all ecommerce stores rely on in-house photography to make their wares look good. Some choose to outsource this responsibility. But if your ecommerce business takes and uploads images or videos, you must consider paying for photo tools.
The good news is that the prices for high-performance digital cameras and studio-quality items like backdrops and lights are quite decent. Additionally, once you own your gear, you can use it as many times as you like. Don’t forget that online shoppers like to have the most accurate representation possible of the merchandise they are receiving. Giving them a good idea of what they are considering could increase your sales.
5. A fresh, clean website
Part of your ecommerce technology audit should include a look at your website. If it hasn’t been updated in over a year or two, it probably deserves a second look. Even if you sell on popular e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon or Facebook, your website serves as a digital storefront. Essentially, it replaces a stationary facility.
From a technological point of view, your website should work well. Check your page loading speed. Fix all 404 errors. And watch out for broken or bad internal and external links. While you’re at it, optimize your SEO efforts to get the most out of all your content. Updating your target keywords will make your copy more relevant and potentially improve your organic search results.
6. A chatbot
It can be difficult to find a company that doesn’t have an AI chatbot. That’s because chatbots offer consumers an easy way to get help without having to speak to a human representative. The best chatbots can retrieve information, interpret questions, and provide basic answers.
While a chatbot can’t do everything, it can reduce the number of calls and emails your support team receives. This allows team members to spend more time solving complex or tricky situations. At the end of the day, your customers will see your ecommerce site as a leader. Plus, each shift allows members of your customer service team to do more.
7. A mobile app
You don’t have to be a globally recognized ecommerce player to have a branded app. Many smaller companies offer mobile apps to their customers. A mobile app gives you access to interested buyers. At the same time, it allows you to collect more data to learn more about your fans.
Unless you have an employee, you have to pay for your app. For best results, choose a development team or agency that has a portfolio of other ecommerce apps. Expertise makes a big difference, especially when you want people to both download and use your app. A non-intuitive app with a poor user interface will fail to impress your audience.
There is no shortage of technological tools, systems, platforms and solutions in the market to help you grow your eCommerce business. Make sure you’re using the most reliable ones so you can hit your sales, revenue, and scale goals.
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