How to Make Your Web Store More Competitive

Online shopping has become so popular that it feels almost like everyone has an e-commerce shop. From full-blown shopping experiences to small Etsy stores, it’s never been easier to get lost in the mix.

By WENDY DESSLER

People have started getting more of their essentials via online platforms now, and competition is abundant. The good news is that the statistics are in your favour. E-commerce accounts for 14.1% of global sales, and that number is just going to rise over the next few years.

If you know how to cater to your market, you have a good chance of building a very successful online shop. To that end, let’s look at a few ways you can make your e-commerce store more competitive.

Choose Your Products Carefully

Before you start selling something, do a little market research first. You’ll likely find at least a few similar or alternative products. Your challenge is going to be making yours better than everything else on the market.

See if you can’t improve on the design or add extra features and functions. Find out what the current trends are in your industry, and incorporate those if you can. Stay ahead of the curve, and you’ll definitely get noticed.

Unique Branding and Marketing

Your brand isn’t just a logo; it’s who you are. It’s your story, personality, and tone of voice, and it’s what your customers will identify with the most. You have the unique and challenging job of creating something that will speak to your target market.

For example, if you’re catering to edgy young adults, you won’t get very far with solemn, colorless imagery, and bland marketing. Instead, try to be a little quirky. Don’t be afraid to use humor or be a bit weird, but make sure that your brand and marketing speak to your buyers.

Use Design to Look Good

Visuals have become extremely important, and, if you have an online store, you want to make the best first impression. You never know if your package will feature on some influencer’s YouTube channel or Instagram account.

If you’re going to stand out, you’ll need to know what works well. A great place to start is to get ideas from famous brands shown on unboxing videos, as Deepking so aptly states on their website.

Check out the competition, and try to create something that fits your brand and looks fantastic in front of the camera.

Engage With Customers

Engagement is more important than ever. If your shop has social media, use it.

More specifically, instead of just posting pictures, updates, or promotions, engage with your customers. Encourage them to give feedback and make them feel valued. Everyone wants to be special, and if your brand makes buyers feel like they matter, they’ll probably come back.

Encourage Philanthropy

People want to feel good about themselves, and buying something online is a guilty pleasure for most of us. However, there’s nothing like negating your impulsive shopping guilt by knowing you contributed to a good cause. 

If you work with any charitable initiatives, make sure to mention it. For example, tell customers that you donate a few dollars to a good cause for every product they purchase.

Be very careful what you pick, though. Ensure you choose a cause that matches your brand, or you might come across as disingenuous.

Final Word

Having an e-commerce shop is a great way to get your products in front of people, but you need to ensure you don’t get lost in the ever-growing mix of other online stores. Check that there’s a market for your products, and don’t be afraid to improve on what’s already available.

Take the time to develop your brand, and make sure that your designs and packages are eye-catching and unique. Engage with your followers on social media, and include them in your marketing. Finally, help your customers assuage some of that buyers’ guilt by working with a charitable cause.

It’s not that hard to make your e-commerce store competitive, but you need to put in the time, effort, and research to make it happen.