eCommerce Series Outreach Part IV

You can read parts 1, 2, and 3 of our series on e-commerce.

Making the decision to move to an e-commerce platform is not necessarily an easy one, but it is very important. It means a business can reach a whole new national or international customer base or expand the local base. In order to transition it is important to use targeted marketing practices to make the most of the platform. This includes social media.

E-Commerce Social Media

If you already own a brick and mortar store you know how important it is to have well planned and strategic social media. It is no different for an e-commerce store, and it is even more important. There’s no sign outside to let people know you are open and no busy street filled with cars. Instead it is the overloaded internet, and like a brick and mortar who competes against Walmart and Target the online stores compete against Amazon and Jet amongst many others.

As you go through the process of opening an e-commerce store, it is important to keep in mind how you will get shoppers there. Social media channels are often linked to e-commerce sites through apps like Linktree, Later, and HubSpot. These websites exist solely to support businesses in their endeavors.

E-Commerce Social Media Content

People are visual, and photos are weighted differently in social media than just typed content. Sharing images of product, customers, and more is an efficient way to get your message out and information about your business. While professionally photographed and Photoshopped images are expensive, there are many free or inexpensive options like PicMonkey, Canva, and Fotor to help you get started. These require far less knowledge of photo editing and come with preset options to make things easy.

So Now What?

If you feel ready to move toward an e-commerce company than you must work with someone who knows the platform well. Working with someone provides support and guidance through what can be a transition with a lot of heavy lifting. Make a clear plan of what products will be available on the website and what, if any, customization options need to be available. Once you have that information it will be easier to make the rest of the decisions.
Keep checking The Hub as we continue our series on e-commerce.