Over the last decade, the shift towards online shopping has significantly increased.
In fact, e-commerce sales are projected to grow by up to $6.54 trillion in 2022.
Today, COVID-19 has made online shopping the new normal. It skyrocketed the growth of the e-commerce industry as lockdown forced almost everyone to shop online – some for the first time.
As more and more people shop online, the industry is becoming more competitive.
The increase in competition will most likely pose a threat for many businesses trying to retain their market and new entrants looking to attract their fair share.
In digital marketing, the strategies that were effective a few months ago might no longer bring in the same results.
That said, let’s take a look at some of the best e-commerce strategies you can use to retain and boost sales in 2021.
1. Personalize Your Content
Content marketing remains as one of the key strategies e-commerce brands should leverage.
Content personalization, specifically, has a significant impact on consumer’s buying decisions. In fact, 91% of consumers are eager to buy from brands who provide them with relevant offers.
However, online shoppers differ in their preferences and interests so you should create content that your market will value and appreciate.
Nowadays, consumers enjoy reading unique content, receiving promotional emails, special offers, sales and discounts, especially if they are personalized.
You can even provide them with insights and tips on subjects that can drive them to purchase your products.
2. Leverage Social Media
Establishing a presence in social media is another great way to advertise your products.
Social media provides an infinite space where you can create user-generated content and help you connect with your market in a more organic and casual manner.
On top of that, it’s a fantastic avenue for lead generation.
Sites like Facebook and Instagram have made it easier for brands to target specific audiences using the right social media marketing tactics.
Using social media can help you engage potential customers, generate higher traffic, and make more conversions.
3. Interactive Content
The world is full of competition.
To stand out from the crowd, you should create content that is interesting, impactful, and interactive.
Interactive content promotes more engagement from prospects. It improves their enjoyment and makes them curious about you.
Adding elements like quizzes, questions, videos or animations, surveys, giveaways, polls, contests, infographics etc., can do wonders for your brand.
4. Provide Answers
In online shopping, customers often have questions to ask.
They want to know more about what you offer, your policies, when their order will arrive, or a specific question about something they are interested in. Either way, they will want to have someone ask their questions.
If you can provide open and transparent answers to their questions in a simple way, expect them to get back to you.
On top of that, you will be inspiring trust and confidence from them.
5. Focus on Existing Customers
One of the most important factors that successful brands have is the ability to retain its customers.
Of course, you should invest time and money driving traffic and fresh leads to your website. After all, your goal is to acquire customers.
However, new customers still need to believe that what you offer are high quality and valuable before they make a purchase.
It’s a lot easier once they’ve already made a purchase. In fact, a repeat customer will most likely spend 67% more on your products and has a conversion rate of about %20.
Adapt Fast to Boost Your Conversions
The pandemic has significantly contributed to the popularity of online shopping but the long-term impact of this is still impossible to foresee.
Regardless, E-commerce sites are seeing a surge in the number of buyers flocking online. And as more businesses flood the internet, it has become more challenging to keep the buyer’s attention. That’s why it’s important to adapt fast, stay updated with trends, and come up with fresh, innovative ideas to retain and boost sales.
Luigi is a Content Specialist at KDCI Outsourcing, an eCommerce agency that provides full-service support for online businesses. Luigi has a collective experience of more than three years, giving him knowledge in SEO and marketing for B2C and B2B industries.