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How to Come Up with Logo Ideas That Tell Your Brand's Story

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:55:57 +0000

A logo isn’t just a pretty picture on your website and merch. The best ones reel in customers, make connections and leave a mark on your audience that sticks longer than a catchy tune.

From designing to researching and even rebranding, the logo is the captain of your business ship. Coming up with logo ideas and crafting a logo is like penning the first chapter of your brand saga — vital and oh-so intriguing!

If you need some inspiration, this blog post delves into how a logo can spin your brand tale, gives tips for brainstorming business logo ideas, and discusses the perks it packs for your business. Read on!

The Importance of a Strong Logo for Businesses

The best logo tells consumers precisely who you are, what you believe in, what you offer, and how you can help improve their lives. Clean, well-designed logos convey that your business is professional and consistent. In turn, they can even improve brand loyalty!

In an oversaturated market, sloppy logos are all it takes to lose a potential customer. With so many fish in the sea, a logo is the first interaction many people may have with your brand, so it has to be memorable.

Starbucks’ siren logo is one of the most recognizable ones; it’s the metaphor for the coffee’s siren song that pulls in coffee fans

Think about it — if you were shopping for a product and the brand’s website or social media page had a messy design, would you stick around or find another company that had its act together?

Logos work in the same thread. If the key design elements look unprofessional, consumers will assume that your business, products, or services will fail to deliver at their level of expectations.

That’s why it’s important to do your homework and create a cohesive, professional, and captivating logo that can grab a potential customer’s attention and keep them interested.

How to Come up with Logo Ideas that Represent Your Business

As you begin the design process, it’s important to ask yourself — what makes a good logo? The most compelling logos are simple, memorable, and inspire the brand’s target audience, no matter how broad or focused.

Here are a few steps and strategies to help steer the ship as you brainstorm logo ideas for your brand.

Leverage Your Niche or Industry

Specific niches and industries have visual elements that are easily associated with that category. For example, if you are creating a logo for your personal training business, your logo could include a dumbbell, running shoes, or the flexing-arm emoji.

Say, you’re a small shop selling t-shirts and other apparel and accessories like purses and shoes. Incorporating these elements into your logo tells the story of your brand in a simple but concise way that allows consumers to understand what it is you do.

Use Your Story or Mission

Sharing your business’s story, values, and mission sounds too complicated to fit into a tiny logo, right? Think again! There are so many ways to implement parts of your story into your logo. You can start by writing down your why — why you started your business, what drives you, who your customers are, and how you want to inspire people.

Writing these stories down may spark an idea that can help form the foundation of a logo. You never know what you may draw inspiration from!

One theory about why Steve Jobs chose an apple as the company’s logo is that he was on an all-fruit diet at the time The apple may not have been part of Jobs’ mission or values, but it was top-of-mind for him at the time. A simple thought became one of the most iconic and recognizable logos on a global scale.

In 1999, Apple changed its original rainbow logo to a sleek monochromatic design

Sketch out Different Ideas

When you’re ready to put pen to paper and start sketching logo ideas, let your mind wander and see where inspiration strikes.

It’s always a good idea to brainstorm in a quiet place with calm music on so you can calm your thoughts and let the inspiration be loud. Some graphic designers choose to sketch ideas in a place different from their typical workspace so their minds are open and relaxed.

When brainstorming, if you come across an idea that strikes a chord, try to create different iterations of your initial idea to see what you come up with.

One of the first Nike logos, created in 1971

Keep in mind that no famous logo was born that way. It takes time (for some companies, it takes decades!) for a logo to gain recognition in any industry or market. Stick to the design rules you know work and let your inspiration do the rest!

Use Design Elements from Your Brand’s Identity

If your brand identity is already carved out, it’s both logical and effective to incorporate those design elements into a logo.

The logo design ideas should include the brand’s color palette, fonts, and visual elements to create a feeling of cohesion and professionalism.

Uncertain where to begin? Explore the article below, which delves into crafting a captivating brand identity:

Creative Logo Ideas for Specific Industries

While logos are an important piece of any brand, getting creative in design is half the fun! Here are some logo ideas and ways to get creative within specific industries.

Photography Logo Ideas

Photography logo ideas basically create themselves, but there are so many approaches to make yours stand out against the competition.

Play with a simple image of a camera, lenses, or other film elements. Embrace vintage styles with an old-school Polaroid or a large format camera, or make a playful logo designed after the classic 90s disposable cameras.

Real Estate Logo Ideas

If selling homes is your gig, you can be endlessly creative with real estate logo ideas. Use simple house shapes against a stark background to make the design pop, or add your name inside the silhouette of a key. You could even play with interesting textures by using a stylized rooftop to draw customers in.

Bakery Logo Ideas

Cooking up something tasty can’t be done without the perfect logo to tell your story. Bakery logo ideas can utilize the trusty baking tools you use daily, like your rolling pin, oven, or the famous mixer on everyone’s countertop. You could also create an illustration of your favorite pastry to represent the products you sell.

Real-Life Logo Examples That Tell a Brand’s Story

Here are a few real-life logo examples that embody a brand and pull from its identity to perfectly encapsulate what the product or service offers.

Mercedes Benz

This logo was created in 1909 and remains to this day. At first glance, the logo design looks like a three-point star. Upon further investigation, many know that the three prongs represent air, land, and sea, symbolizing the three segments of the brand’s automotive industry.

Target

While Target’s logo has undergone five iterations since its inception in 1962, the symbol itself has remained unchanged. The vibrant red bullseye logo is the perfect example of using wording, language, and messaging to create a logo that aligns with a brand.

When Target was founded, the creators wanted to establish a store where they could perfectly guess what society wanted and needed. Did they hit the Target? We think so!

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

The simple image of a black and white panda may not seem like much, but the WWF panda is world-renowned and serves as a great example of how sharing your mission can be done simply. The WWF exists to protect and restore endangered species to their natural habitats, with pandas being one of the most displaced.

Amazon

The retail giant wasn’t always that — Amazon had extremely humbling beginnings, just like many others on this list. Today’s version of the Amazon logo forms an arching arrow from the A to the Z in the name, representing that shoppers can find everything from A to Z on Amazon.

The simple orange arrow is instantly recognizable, making it a solid example of logos that will withstand the test of time.

Logo Generators as an Easy Way to Come Up with Logo Ideas

If design isn’t your forte, there are great tools out there that can help create logo ideas for you. Using a logo generator, you can simply type in your business name, share specifics about your style, and gain access to various logo designs at your fingertips.

Some logo generators leverage the power of artificial intelligence to create tailored logo designs using the visual elements you describe. You can customize your color palette, style, and feel to create a logo iteration that feels unique to your brand. You can even specify fonts, graphics, and other elements to ensure the logo aligns with your existing brand identity.

One logo maker you might want to check out is Looka. It is an AI-powered logo maker that uses a non-template approach, resulting in unique logo designs that you can tweak to fit your style.

If you’re selling online using Ecwid, you can get the Looka app from the Ecwid App Market.

With Looka, you can create a comprehensive brand kit

As you experiment with logo generators, take your time and make adjustments to what information you input, and see how designs change. If anything, you’ll come out with a few great options that you can tweak to create something that fits your brand.

Power Up Your Branding and Create a Compelling Website with Ecwid

In the competitive ecommerce space, strong branding is everything. It sets you apart from the competition, establishes your brand reputation, and can even build customer loyalty over time.

Now that you’re on your way to becoming a successful brand, it’s time to start selling products! Ecwid provides an all-in-one platform for businesses and entrepreneurs to sell their products and services anywhere — from a website to social media platforms, marketplaces, and everywhere your potential customers shop online.

The post How to Come Up with Logo Ideas That Tell Your Brand's Story first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

The Cheapest Ways to Send a Package: 6 USPS Tips

Anastasia Prokofieva — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:04:10 +0000

If you find yourself constantly wondering, "what is the cheapest way to send a package," that’s not surprising. Shipping costs are an expense for any business that is hard to get around. And even worse: as your store grows, you’ll probably find yourself spending more and more on it!

Eventually, you come to two options: keep spending an arm and a leg on shipping, or figure out a strategy for keeping shipping costs low.

Luckily, you don’t have to be at the mercy of your carrier — if you know how to ship smart! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some strategies for reducing shipping costs with one of our most popular carriers, USPS.

Read on to find the cheapest ways to ship a package that work, no matter what you sell.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Send a Package?

When it comes to shipping items, the cheapest way to send a package will depend on a variety of factors, such as package weight, size, delivery speed, and destination.

The USPS offers several cost-effective options for shipping packages. These services are affordable and can save you money compared to other carriers.

Plus, to reduce shipping costs, consider switching to lighter packaging materials, looking into flat-rate options, using free shipping supplies, and opting for unconventional choices like selecting envelopes instead of boxes. Let’s explore each option in detail to find the cheapest way to send a package that works for you.

Use Lighter Packaging When Sending With First-Class Mail

The cost of shipping varies depending not only on the destination of the package but also on its weight. You might already know that. But did you know that in some cases, carriers round-up on a package’s weight?

When looking for the cheapest shipping method, sellers often choose First-Class Mail via USPS for light-weight shipments. This option has different price ranges for parcels of over 4 oz, 8oz, or 12 oz. The weight is rounded up to the next biggest rank. So, if your parcel is 5 oz., it’ll be shipped for the price of 8 oz. parcel.

To save on shipping with First-Class Mail via USPS, use light packaging. For example, poly mailers instead of boxes:

Image: Amazon

Using the option for lightweight shipments might be the cheapest way to send a small package. Yet, if you’re concerned about protecting fragile items, consider using cushioned shipping rolls instead of light packaging like poly mailers. This ensures both protection for your products and keeps the packaging weight minimal.

Image: Amazon

This tip will help you save some hard earned cents on each shipment. The difference may seem not significant, but if you’re selling at a decent clip, it all adds up really quick. Don’t believe us? Calculate your monthly shipping costs. Now take 25 cents off each shipment and try it again.

Use Free Shipping Supplies

When you ship with USPS, you can stock up on free shipping supplies to save money on packaging.

Apart from boxes, envelopes, and pouches, you can order other handy things such as "Fragile" labels. Stick one to your parcel to increase the chances of getting it to a customer intact, thereby preventing refunds for broken items.

If you use your own packaging materials, you can order free labels to mark your packages. For example, if you ship with Priority Mail, use a special label to help postal workers identify your package as urgent.

Use Regional Rate Boxes A and B for Heavy Items

This tip might be helpful if you’re looking for the cheapest way to send a heavy package.

If you need to send a dense package a short distance, you can save with the USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate. That way, the package’s rates are based on the distance traveled. Note: this method requires the use of USPS-branded packaging (boxes A and B).

Box A allows you to ship a maximum of 15 pounds for domestic orders and a maximum of 10 pounds for international orders.

With Box B, you can ship a maximum of 20 pounds for both domestic and international orders. Both boxes come in different sizes, so you have several options to choose from.
This option can be the cheapest way to send a package that is heavy but small. Think of dumbbells, for example. The heavier your package, the more you save.

Check out this video for more tips on shipping with Regional Rate Boxes A and B:

Ship Boxes with Flat Rate Envelopes

A flat rate is a fixed rate of payment (as in, one that stays the same no matter what you’re shipping). It’s good for saving on costs as it is, and sometimes it can be the point-blank cheapest way to ship a package, but we’ve got more tricks up our sleeves than just that.

What if you need an extra protection layer for your package but want to save on shipping? Here’s a hack for you: pack your product into a box and put the box inside a flat rate envelope (try a padded one for even more protection!)

You can use your own box or order a free one from USPS. Stumped? Try out a Small Flat Rate Box. It snugly fits most USPS flat rate envelopes:

Image: video by Lindey Glenn

Obviously, this tip won’t work for every product, but if your item fits into a box and an envelope, you can send it at a flat rate and save some money. As the saying goes: if it fits, it ships!

Use Padded Flat Rate Envelopes

USPS offers a lot of flat rate packages—from small envelopes to large boxes. But the Priority Mail Padded Flat Rate Envelope has really caught our attention. It’s lined with bubble padding and thick enough to protect your product, no matter what it is (well, reasonably speaking).

That means you can ship relatively large items with padded envelopes, as long as they fit. This could be a great option for things like clothes, books, or wooden art pieces.

This video shows off how padded envelopes are flexible enough to fit bigger products:

Learn more: 6 Things You Can Ship with USPS Padded Envelopes to Save Money

Buy Discounted Shipping Labels via Ecwid

Tips and tricks for saving on supplies and optimizing packaging are great. But what if you could actually pay less overall to ship than you do by stopping at your local post office?

If you run an Ecwid store, you can buy discounted shipping labels right in your Ecwid admin. These offer the cheapest shipping rates — lower than retail rates at the post office!

Not only will printing your own labels save you on shipping costs, but they’ll also save you time. Buy a label, print it, stick it on your package, and drop it off at your local post office; no need to wait in line. You can even skip going to a post office (and add saving on gas to your list)—just request a home pickup, and a postal worker will grab your package on their regular route.

By the way, if you’re looking for the cheapest way to send a package internationally, discounted rates could be the solution you need. International shipping costs are usually the highest, but with Ecwid, international shipping becomes affordable shipping, as you can buy discounted labels for international shipments too.

Here’s how to buy discounted shipping labels with Ecwid.

Learn more: Print Discounted Shipping Labels at Home with Ecwid

Start Saving on Shipping

We hope these tips for cheap shipping have been helpful so far — just remember: they may not work for every situation or location. We’re presenting you with a number of options so you can figure out which ones work best for you.

If you’re looking for more resources to optimize your shipping, the Ecwid Blog has plenty of articles, videos, and podcasts on the topic. For example:

Check them out and find the cheapest way to send a package that works best for your business.

The post The Cheapest Ways to Send a Package: 6 USPS Tips first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

Hyperlocal Social Media Marketing: Navigating the Power of Targeted Engagement

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:58:53 +0000

In the age of digital transformation, the marketing scene got a facelift. Businesses now wield powerful tools to boost their reach sky-high. But hey, every online business is armed to the teeth with these tools too!

For ecommerce businesses to thrive, they need to implement top-notch strategies that target customers precisely when they’re making crucial buying decisions. One powerful tactic for this is hyperlocal social media marketing.

Here’s a closer look at hyperlocal social media marketing and how to use it for best results.

Introduction to Hyperlocal Social Media Marketing

So, the first question is: what exactly is hyperlocal social media marketing?

Some may assume that all social media marketing is the same, but this is far from the truth.

Hyperlocal social media marketing targets a specific geographic area to create an impression and connect with customers local to that area. It is a way for businesses to truly capitalize on social media marketing through targeted relevancy.

Hyperlocal social media marketing allows businesses to pinpoint their marketing efforts to even a city block or neighborhood. Ultimately, the main goal is to connect with the immediate surrounding customers.

At first impression, some businesses may think that narrowing the extent of marketing efforts wouldn’t be ideal. After all, why would a business want fewer people to see their advertisement?

While understandable, hyperlocal ads are more about connecting with those who truly resonate with the efforts. For instance, a taco truck that wants locals to try their new menu offerings or a bookstore inviting locals to an event.

The Bouqs Company uses a hyperlocal marketing strategy by tailoring content for Chicago

Is Hyperlocal Targeting for Small Brands Only?

Many businesses can benefit from hyperlocal marketing, especially brick-and-mortar shops, small businesses, service providers in specific areas, and companies participating in local events.

However, hyperlocal ads or other types of hyperlocalized promotion aren’t just for smaller local brands. Large-scale nationwide brands can also greatly benefit from them.

For example, if a larger brand is launching a new store in a smaller area, it can use hyperlocal targeting to attract local customers. This is exactly what Crumbl Cookies did when they launched their new location in Charlotte, NC. They began offering free cookies at their newest location and promoting this event, which drew in the local crowd.

The Benefits of Hyperlocal Marketing

Hyperlocal marketing can significantly expand a business’s visibility and reach, even though it is a narrowed effort.

Sure, a business can spend a significant budget throwing digital ads and social media campaigns everywhere, but much of this will fall on deaf ears. The digital age has led to people being bombarded with ads and campaigns daily, making many adept at ignoring or glossing over them.

Hyperlocal social marketing, on the other hand, engages customers in a more personal and relevant way. It’s connecting with customers on a foundation of community and meeting them at the right place and time. This helps foster a more significant connection with potential customers while building a sense of trust.

Hyperlocal Marketing Strategies Help Connect with Your Local Community

One of the most significant advantages of hyperlocal marketing is its ability to help a brand connect with its local community. It establishes the brand as a part of the community rather than simply a business attempting to invade the wallets of locals. As mentioned above, this builds trust with the community and creates a sense of loyalty from locals.

Sprouts Farmers Market announces the opening of a new store on social media to connect with local shoppers

Moreover, it creates opportunities for collaboration with other businesses or organizations within the local community. Rather than locals seeing the business as separate entities, it becomes woven into the community. In turn, this will help drive more foot traffic into the business.

Hyperlocal SEO Can Boost Your Online Presence and Visibility

The value of hyperlocal targeting is put into perspective when considering that organic and local searches drive 69% of digital traffic.

This means that a business needs to capitalize on these searches by keeping themselves relevant to these types of searches. This can be done through hyperlocal SEO. A business can rank better for these local and organic searches by implementing well-written and proper hyperlocal SEO.

For example, a business that sells organic and locally grown produce can include specific keywords such as "fresh local produce" or "farm-to-table dining" in its website content and meta tags to attract customers searching for these terms.

However, while consumers still rely primarily on search engines and online marketplaces for product research, increasing numbers of online shoppers use social media platforms to find products. The top social media platforms for product search are YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. That means optimizing social media content with hyperlocalized terms can also be beneficial for businesses targeting local consumers.

Consumer Trends Report by Jungle Scout provides product search statistics

Say, a local food truck we discussed above wants more people to know about it. They can begin by implementing hyperlocalized terms in their social media posts, such as location tags, town or city name hashtags, neighborhood names, landmarks, and more. This way, when people search for food in said local areas, their social media posts are more likely to show up.

Also: How to Promote Your Small Business Locally: 15 Practical Ideas

Tips for Creating Effective Hyperlocal Social Media Strategies

Now let’s take a look at some actionable hyperlocal marketing tips that businesses can use to cast themselves to their community.

Determine Your Target Audience

Like any good marketing strategy, businesses must determine the target audience for their hyperlocal social media campaigns.

The business needs to understand the demographic range, interests, age, etc., of the local community that they want to connect with. This will help them better understand the community’s needs and wants. Consider questions such as:

What does the community tend to share?
What are they passionate about?
What are their major concerns?
What are some primary interests?

Fleshing out the target audience will help any business create a more effective and specific social media campaign that will resonate.

Determine the Target Area

Another vital step is for the brand to determine which area it is trying to target. Is it a specific neighborhood? Town? City? This will help narrow down what to include in the social media campaign and what types of SEO terms to use.

Remember, hyperlocal campaigns are meant to be targeted rather than a shotgun marketing method.

Aim for Well-Written Hyper Localised SEO

As mentioned above, SEO is one of the most efficient ways for a business to improve its hyperlocal marketing strategies. Every social media post should be crafted to reflect the local area.

According to K K Ranga, a top digital marketing voice, there are several factors to consider to be successful with hyperlocal SEO, including "understanding the search terms that your target audience is using, optimizing your website for those search terms, and building strong relationships with other local businesses and organizations."

A good list of hyperlocal SEO terms can be built by considering:

Neighborhood names
Local known abbreviations or slang for the area, i.e., "Soo" for Sault Ste. Marie in Canada
Known landmarks, such as parks, bridges, monuments, or attractions
Major organizations in the area, like colleges.

From here, keyword research can be done on high-search-volume keywords related to these local terms, like "food truck Seattle" or similar.

Use Hashtags and Geotags

Hashtags are one of the most powerful modern marketing tools, especially in hyperlocal advertising. When running social media ads or making posts, businesses should capitalize on using hyperlocal hashtags using the terms found from the points mentioned above for SEO.

However, don’t overdo it on hashtags. Only place around 5-10 maximum in each post. Otherwise, it begins to look spammy or difficult to read.

Don’t forget to add local geotags to your social media posts. This can help boost your visibility in local searches and connect you with potential customers in your area.

Half Magic Beauty not only discloses the event location in the image but also includes a geotag

Target the Right Platform

One of the most important factors in effective hyper-localised social media is using the right platform. Businesses need to choose the right platform for their target audience. For instance, if aiming for a younger target audience, TikTok or Instagram are often the best choices.

However, this doesn’t mean it has to be limited to one platform. Businesses can use as many platforms as they want, depending on their budget and resources. In fact, targeting multiple platforms can be an excellent way to develop more interest and traffic.

Create Hyperlocal Content

Create content around local events like city-wide festivals or pop-up shops. For instance, you could craft a brief TikTok video detailing the backstory of a local festival or share a series of Instagram stories showcasing your business’s participation in a local networking event.

Besides events, explore what makes your location unique. If your area boasts a famous food scene or a beloved sports team, share content that showcases these unique aspects. For example, you could create a YouTube video featuring an interview with a local artist.

An outdoor shop in Colorado Springs shares a post localized with details about the weather and popular activities in the area

Remember the visuals. When creating photos or videos, include local landmarks or cultural elements. This could be a famous street, a popular local spot, or some cool regional architecture.

Also: Ecommerce Content 101: Easy Types of Content to Make for Your Business

Interact with Local Users

After creating a social media post, the business should try to interact with any activity on the post. Respond to comments, encourage people to share the post, thank them for sharing, and address any concerns or questions.

This doesn’t mean it has to be monitored around the clock, but the business should aim to engage with users. This can boost connections with potential customers and foster trust in the brand.

Another powerful strategy is to encourage local customers to share content featuring your products. For instance, Hermes set up Instagram-worthy pop-up stores in various cities, which appeared in posts by local residents, promoting the brand.

The Hermes Kiosk made appearances in multiple cities, elevating brand visibility at a local level

Of course, you don’t have to go as big as Hermes — smaller but impactful actions would do great, too. For example, offering discounts or special promotions to local customers who share their purchases on social media can be a simple yet effective way to generate user-generated content and increase brand visibility.

Engage with Local Organizations or Events

To develop additional interest and buzz within the community, businesses should interact and support other notable organizations, events, or charities. Share posts about these other events or organizations and tell people to check them out. Follow these other organizations on their social media pages, etc.

Not only does it show the business is invested in the community, but it also opens the door for collaboration or for their own content to be shared. Additionally, businesses should participate and engage in local events or charities to show commitment to the community and build a reputation.

La Roche-Posay hosts an event in New York City to raise awareness about melanoma

Know Your Competition

Any business aiming for hyperlocal targeting also needs to consider the competition in the area. Determine who the biggest competitors are, what they do that works and what doesn’t. This allows the business to use effective strategies that are shown to work and capitalize on where the competition is failing.

Additionally, determining competitor locations helps to narrow down the best places to target, as there is already interest in the product or service around competitors.

Keep Your Listings and Pages Updated

Having your business listed correctly significantly impacts whether shoppers can find you online. So, in addition to keeping your Google My Business and Yelp listings current, ensure your info on social pages like Facebook and Instagram is up to date, too.

Coffee Parisien shares its address and operating hours in their Instagram bio

Add your business hours and any other details to help customers decide to drop by, along with your business name, address, phone number, and website. If your business has multiple locations, consider creating standalone listings for each spot.

Partner with Local Businesses and Influencers

Local influencers and businesses can really amp up your credibility and visibility. Get them to share their experiences at your store or review your products. This not only exposes you to their audience but also adds variety to your marketing efforts.

For example, if you own a restaurant, collaborate with nearby businesses to offer discounts or promotions to each other’s customers.

Netflix hosted an event in Bowral to promote a new season of Bridgerton, inviting local influencers to join

Get Started with Hyperlocal Social Media Marketing

We hope these tips help your business launch incredibly successful hyperlocal social media marketing campaigns. By understanding the community, engaging in events and charities, and assessing the competition, you can effectively reach your target market and build a strong local reputation. Never underestimate the power of building trust and loyalty with the local community!

The post Hyperlocal Social Media Marketing: Navigating the Power of Targeted Engagement first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Tap into a Global Audience with a Multilingual Store

Anastasia Prokofieva — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:50:42 +0000

In the age of internet globalization, having an online presence is as essential for a business as coffee on a Monday morning! But it’s not just about having an online store but a multilingual ecommerce website.

That’s right! You don’t want to limit your potential by catering only to a single-language user base.

This study shows that 40% of customers won’t buy from a website unavailable in their native language. Moreover, 65% prefer website content in their language. These numbers highlight the importance of a multilingual online store that speaks the language of its customer base.

The data becomes even more relevant when selling in a country with multiple official languages or gearing up to expand globally. You need a multilingual ecommerce website to cater to your target audience, so find out how to make one below.

The Importance of a Multilingual Ecommerce Website

Let’s dive right into why creating a multilingual ecommerce website is essential for brands looking to expand their horizons.

Global Presence

Creating a multilingual ecommerce website goes beyond mere translation; it’s about establishing a global presence. Allowing your online store to be accessible in different languages enables you to tap into new markets and bring an international customer base.

Brand Image

With a multilingual ecommerce website, you are not only selling your products but also your brand. Your willingness to accommodate and communicate with your customers in their language speaks volumes about your brand’s customer-centric approach. It builds a sense of reliability amongst your customers, further enhancing your brand image.

SEO Advantage

Having a multilingual ecommerce website gives you an SEO advantage as well. Search engines recognize and reward websites that cater to a diverse audience. Hence, your website can potentially rank higher in different regions, increasing your organic traffic.

Local Legislation

Catering to a global audience also means complying with local language laws. By translating your website into your customers’ language, you ensure that all your store policies comply with local laws.

A multilingual ecommerce website ensures that your customers are well-informed about the policies in their native language, leading to a more transparent shopping experience.

Personalized Experience

When you translate your store into your customers’ preferred language, you provide a personalized experience. From browsing products to receiving transactional emails, every aspect of their interaction with your store will resonate with them.

Economical Advantage

Currency conversion is another essential factor that can significantly affect the customer’s shopping experience. Offering product prices in the customer’s local currency adds another layer of personalization, making their shopping experience on your multilingual ecommerce website seamless.

How to Create a Multilingual Ecommerce Store

Creating a multilingual ecommerce store might sound like a daunting task. On many platforms, enabling multilingual features often involves installing paid applications or themes, setting up a separate website, incorporating tabs, or engaging in custom development.

Here at Ecwid by Lightspeed, we aim to empower your success from the get-go by providing you with the necessary tools. We’ve diligently crafted a truly multilingual solution, allowing your customers to effortlessly view your store in their preferred language with just a click.

Translate Your Online Store Effortlessly

Choose from 36 languages to translate your store directly from your Ecwid admin; no third-party software is required.

Ecwid auto-translates all interface texts and store labels (like buttons or headings on product pages) in your online store based on your customer’s set language.

Customers can choose their preferred language when browsing or it can be detected through geolocation — we make it easy for you and your customers.

Customers have the option to switch between translations using the language switcher

Add Custom Text Translations with Ease

Take your multilingual shopping experience to the next level by effortlessly adding translations of your custom texts directly in the Ecwid admin. This encompasses product names, descriptions, variations, options, shipping methods, and beyond. No coding is necessary — simply copy and paste.

Adding shipping method translations in the Ecwid admin

Translate Key Store Documents

Enhance your store policies and tax documents by including translations that are compliant, localized, and easily understood by all your customers.

With Ecwid, you’ll be able to send automatically translated tax invoices to customers in their preferred language, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Moreover, you have the capability to add translations to legal documents such as your terms of service, privacy policy, and return policy.

Boost Customer Connections with Translated Emails

With Ecwid, you can enhance customer experience by sending automatically translated emails and notifications in the language your customers use while browsing your storefront.

Ready to start? Set up an Ecwid account and follow the instructions in our Help Center to create a multilingual ecommerce website with Ecwid.

Examples of Multilingual Ecommerce Websites

Looking for inspiration? Check out these successful multilingual ecommerce websites powered by Ecwid:

Eden sells natural wellness products created by a nonprofit committed to employing and educating disabled adults. Their online store is offered in two languages.

Lovely Roses is a floral boutique and delivery service offering a website available in three languages.

As for Banzai, this one-of-a-kind stationery and print shop lets their customers choose from four languages. Talk about reaching a global market!

More Tips to Convert International Customers

If you’re serious about growing your business internationally, you’ll want to spend some time reviewing your international shopping experience.

Creating a multilingual ecommerce website is a great first step, but here are a few other things you might also consider:

International customers typically use foreign currencies for online purchases. Shopping should be enjoyable, so spare your international customers the mental math. Instead, show them prices in their local currency with the Currency Converter app.
Make payments easy for international customers by using a global payment provider like PayPal, which is present in 200 countries. If you want to add a specific local payment option that’s popular within a specific country, chances are you’ll find it among Ecwid’s 70+ integrated payment options.
Pick a reliable international shipping provider. Ecwid is integrated with big companies like UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc., which offer fast global shipping services.
Set up taxes and comply with local laws. For example, if you have customers from the EU, you may need to set up VAT and comply with GDPR.

To wrap up, having a multilingual ecommerce website not only helps you reach a wider audience but also provides a better shopping experience for international customers. With the right tools and strategies in place, you can successfully navigate the challenges of selling internationally and tap into new markets.

Remember, a global presence isn’t about merely selling everywhere; it’s about speaking your customer’s language, meeting their needs, and exceeding their expectations. So don’t wait any longer; turn your ecommerce website multilingual to make it customer-centric and accessible worldwide.

The post How to Tap into a Global Audience with a Multilingual Store first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Combine Email & SMS Marketing for Higher Conversions

Milda — Thu, 30 May 2024 12:47:25 +0000

Forget chasing your audience across the digital Wild West. Imagine a world where your marketing messages land right in their hands, ready to convert.

This is omnichannel marketing for you — a strategic approach that employs multiple channels to deliver a consistent brand experience. The secret of this approach lies in reaching your customers where and when they prefer to be reached.

In this article, we’ll dive into the dynamic duo of email and SMS marketing, exploring how their combined power can significantly increase your conversion rates.

Why Omnichannel Marketing Works

Imagine a customer browsing your online store for a new pair of sneakers. They add a few options to their cart, but then abandon it before checkout. An ecommerce story as old as time, right?

Now imagine you could send an SMS to that same customer a few hours later, inviting them to come back and finish shopping. No result? Well, then they get a final reminder by email the next day, informing them that you’re about to remove those products from their cart, but they can get a limited-time discount if they act fast. And hopefully, you get that sale.

That’s one example of how omnichannel marketing works. By combining email and SMS marketing in your customer’s journey, you can create a multi-point approach that gently nudges that customer back to your store and towards conversion.

In fact, marketers using three or more channels in a campaign earned a 494% higher order rate than those using a single-channel campaign. It highlights the power of an omnichannel strategy in increasing engagement and driving sales.

Understanding the Powerhouse Duo: Email & SMS

Now, let’s take a closer look at how email and SMS marketing can work together to create a seamless and effective omnichannel strategy.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is the veteran of the digital marketing scene, although it’s anything but outdated. This channel enables you to showcase product details, highlight promotions, and nurture leads with relevant and personalized content.

When used correctly, email can be a real game changer, and here’s how:

Advantages over other channels: Email marketing offers a return on investment you cannot refuse (on average, $36 for every $1 spent). In addition, people who sign up for your email list are already interested in what you have to offer. It makes them more receptive to your messages compared to unsolicited advertising.
Building strong relationships: Nowadays, email marketing goes beyond generic blasts. There is plenty of room for segmentation and personalization, and the types of content you can send are endless. Sharing interesting content and exclusive offers can build brand loyalty and encourage repeat business.
Sense of community: Emails don’t have to be one-sided. You’re free to encourage replies and foster two-way communication to build a stronger connection with your audience. You can incorporate interactive elements like polls, surveys, and quizzes in your emails to encourage engagement and get valuable feedback.

Including reviews in abandoned cart emails, similar to how Therapy Notebooks does, is a great strategy to try in your store

SMS Marketing

SMS is the newer kid on the block that packs a punch with its immediacy and high open rates. Everybody you know uses SMS, and typically, they look at them immediately. So, talk about "here and now," right? Here’s what the competitive edge of SMS marketing is:

The power of immediacy: SMS messages have a near-instantaneous delivery and open rate, perfect for time-sensitive promotions, flash sales, or urgent announcements. Even better, 54% of customers would love to get promotional SMS from brands (if they opted in, of course).
Integration: SMS marketing can be easily integrated with your other marketing channels, like email and social media. You can use SMS to send messages like reminders or follow-ups after cart abandonment.
Easy tracking and measurement: Most SMS marketing platforms provide detailed analytics on message delivery, open, and click-through rates. So you can conveniently track the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

Craft creative SMS copy similar to The Vitamin Shoppe’s fun Father’s Day message featuring an offer

The Magic of Combining Email & SMS

Think of email and SMS as peanut butter and jelly — delicious on their own but truly beautiful together. Here’s why combining these channels can be a game-changer for your ecommerce store:

Increased reach and engagement: Not everyone checks their email religiously, but most people have their phones glued to their hands. Combining both channels allows you to cast a wider net and ensure your message reaches customers on their preferred platform.
More conversions: Studies show that omnichannel campaigns that involve SMS at some point might result in an increase in conversions by up to 47.7%.
Better customer experience: The omnichannel approach creates a unified brand experience across multiple touchpoints. Customers will appreciate the convenience and feel valued when they receive relevant messages catering to their unique needs.

Strategic Integration Techniques

Now that you understand the power of this dynamic duo let’s explore how to effectively combine email and SMS marketing for maximum impact:

Timing Is Everything

Schedule, or even better — automate — your communication strategically. For example, send an SMS reminder about abandoned carts a few hours after customers leave items behind. For emails, consider sending a more detailed product follow-up the next day.

Segmentation Is Key

Don’t blast generic messages to your entire audience. Segment your email and SMS lists based on customer behavior, purchase history, and preferences. For example, you can select the less active audience segment and send them an offer they can’t refuse to re-engage them. This way, you deliver targeted messages that resonate with a specific customer group.

Pro tip: If you sell online with Ecwid, you can easily segment your customers using the Customer dashboard in your Ecwid admin. Filter your clients by number of orders, customer group, tax-exempt, and more.

Pick the Right Platform

Look for an all-in-one omnichannel marketing platform, for example, Omnisend, that allows you to manage both email and SMS campaigns under one roof. Trust us, it’ll save you a headache because your data will already be synced, and you won’t have to jump from platform to platform.

Ideas & Best Practices

Let’s translate these strategies into practical steps you can start implementing today:

Welcome new customers with a warm embrace: Send a welcome email series introducing your brand, highlighting bestsellers, and offering a special discount code. Then, if the discount code isn’t used in a while, follow up with a friendly SMS reminding them to use it.
Re-engage dormant customers: Don’t let those inactive email subscribers fade away. Come up with a win-back email offering, like a limited-time discount or exclusive early access to a new product launch. After a little while, reignite their interest with a short SMS reminding them they haven’t visited in a while.
Drive urgency with flash sales: Create some sense of excitement, enticing your audience with flash sales announced via email. Then, send a timely SMS reminder just before the sale ends to encourage last-minute purchases.
Personalize your messages: You can do better than just "Hi [First Name]." Put customer data to work and personalize your messages with product recommendations based on past purchases or browsing behavior.
Track your results & measure success: Monitor key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to see how your combined strategy performs. This data will help you optimize your approach and achieve even better results.

Encourage customers to replenish items they previously purchased, following the example set by Sephora

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While the power of email and SMS combined is undeniable, there are a few pitfalls to be aware of:

Frequency fatigue: Don’t bombard your customers with messages; rather, look for the right balance between staying top-of-mind and being intrusive. A good rule of thumb is to think for yourself — how often you’d like to hear from a brand? Even if you like the brand, it’s probably not more than once or twice a week. So just be the example you’d like to see in others.
Irrelevant communication: Sending irrelevant messages is the fastest way to get unsubscribed. Create targeted content that offers value and addresses your customers’ unique needs. For example, if your subscriber is a so-called window shopper — browsing without buying anything — you can set up an automation that sends them emails with product recommendations based on their browsing activities.
Neglecting mobile optimization: Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly and your SMS messages are clear and concise. Remember, it doesn’t matter whether it’s email or SMS — most people will be reading these messages on their smartphones.

Wrap Up

Email and SMS marketing, when used together strategically, can be a powerful one-two punch for your business.

By leveraging the strengths of each channel — email’s ability to deliver detailed content and SMS’s immediacy — you can reach a wider audience, drive conversions, and create a more cohesive and positive customer experience.

Just remember to prioritize segmentation, maintain a balance in frequency, and keep your marketing relevant. This way you too will experience the beautiful benefits that omnichannel marketing can bring to your business.

The post How to Combine Email & SMS Marketing for Higher Conversions first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

Understanding Instagram Advertising for Ecommerce Businesses

Anastasia Prokofieva — Wed, 29 May 2024 05:54:27 +0000

With over a billion active monthly users and a highly engaged community, it’s no surprise that businesses turn to Instagram for advertising.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about advertising on Instagram and how it can benefit your online store. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to elevate your Instagram advertising strategy with these tips!

How Do You Promote a Business on Instagram?

There are a few different ways to promote your business on Instagram. What you should choose depends on your goals and budget. Some options include:

Free vs. Paid Promotion on Instagram

Is it worth advertising on Instagram? The answer depends on how fast you need your results.

You can promote your Instagram profile organically, meaning you acquire an audience without the help of paid campaigns. This option is free and shows engagement in the long term.

If you need more followers or orders in a short period of time, paid promotion might be the option for you because it allows you to target specific audiences and get immediate results.

Boosted Posts vs. Ads on Instagram

If you have a business account on Instagram, you can choose between two paid promotion options: boosted posts and ads.

Boosted posts are a quick and easy way to promote your content on Instagram. You can select any post from your profile to be promoted, and it will appear as an ad in Explore, home feed, Explore feed, profile feed, and Stories.

You can boost any post from your feed right in the Instagram app

Boosted posts offer the advantage of being the most straightforward advertising choice available on Instagram. All you have to do is go to your profile, tap the post you’d like to promote, and click Boost.

Ads are set up in Meta Ads Manager, which allows you to create custom advertisements with more advanced targeting options. For example, audience demographics, interests, behaviors, and locations. They also offer different formats like photo, video, carousel, or story ads — more on that below.

The benefit of ads is that they are perfect for promoting specific products or services to a targeted audience.

Here’s how Instagram ads look like in the feed and stories

Another advantage of Instagram ads is their global availability, unlike Instagram Shops. Moreover, you can still tag your products in the ads.

Essential Instagram Advertising Terms

Before diving into the different types of Instagram ads, it’s important to know and understand some key terms that are commonly used:

Ad objective is the goal you want your ad to achieve, such as website clicks, post engagement, or video views.

Ad format means the type of ad you choose, such as photo, video, carousel, or story.

Ad placement refers to where your ad will be displayed on the platform, such as in-feed or in-between stories.

This ad’s placement is a reel feed

Bid — when creating an ad on Instagram, you will have to choose a bid for each objective. This is the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for each action (such as a click or impression) that your ad receives.

Budget is the total amount you’re willing to spend on your ad campaign. You can set a daily or lifetime budget, depending on your preference.

Click-through rate (CTR) is the percentage of people who click on your ad after seeing it.

Conversion refers to the specific action you want users to take after seeing your ad, such as purchasing a product or filling out a form.

Engagement is the amount of interaction and activity generated by your ad, such as likes, comments, and shares.

Impressions are the number of times your ad has been displayed on users’ feeds.

Relevance score — Instagram assigns a score to each ad based on its expected relevance to the target audience. A higher relevance score means your ad is more likely to be shown to your desired audience.

A target audience is the specific group of people you want your ad to reach based on demographics, interests, and behavior. Targeting is crucial for reaching your desired audience.

Instagram Ad Formats

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the different types of Instagram ads and their benefits.

Instagram offers the following ad formats:

Photo Ads

A static image ad works best when you want to close the deal by offering a discount. Photos can be in square, landscape, or vertical format.

Video Ads

These are great for introducing first-time buyers to your product and its features. You can share videos up to 60 seconds long in landscape or square format (except for in Instagram Stories.)

Stories Ads

These dynamic ads help reinforce the engagement you’ve already had with the customer. While this format can support the same media you use in other placements, it’s better to use fullscreen vertical images or videos.

Reels Ads

This format is great for showcasing your brand’s creativity. Note you can only use a fullscreen vertical asset for this format.

Carousel Ads

Users can swipe to view additional photos or videos in a single ad. This type of ad helps to highlight all the product’s features/benefits. These ads appear in the square or vertical format on Feed and Stories.

Collection Ads

Use collection ads to visually inspire and help your audience discover, browse, and purchase products. You can use video, images, or a combination of both.

Instagram ads appear in users’ Feeds and Stories alongside content from the accounts and hashtags they follow and suggested accounts matching their interests.

Instagram ads can also appear in the Explore section. On Instagram’s Explore page, users can discover new accounts they don’t already follow. By clicking on a tile, they can view ads in their feed while scrolling through a mix of organic posts and ads. Each user’s Explore tab features curated content that’s personalized based on their interests.

On Instagram, you’ll always spot a "Sponsored" icon on ads, and there might be a call-to-action button below the picture.

Ads on Instagram are marked with the "Sponsored" icon

You can add different calls to action to ads. For example, if you show off a product’s features to a first-time audience, use CTAs like "Learn More." If offering a final discount to close a deal, use "Shop Now" as your CTA.

Setting Up Instagram Ads for an Online Store

If you’re running an online store, you might want your Instagram ads to showcase your awesome products. To make that happen, you’ve got to link up your online store’s product catalog with Facebook. Once that’s done, your products will pop up in the Facebook catalog and be ready to roll in Meta Ads Manager.

Ads Manager is a tool by Meta that lets you whip up ads on Facebook and Instagram using details from your product catalog, like images, descriptions, prices, and more.

So, how do you sync your online store’s product catalog with Facebook? The easiest way is through your ecommerce platforms. Some of them have integrations that make the process easier, for example, Ecwid by Lightspeed. Connecting your Ecwid catalog to Instagram will enable you to create ads promoting your products in different formats automatically.

Advertising on Instagram enables you to connect with your ideal customers through precise targeting options, retargeting strategies, and Lookalike audiences.

Instagram’s targeting options allow you to reach people based on interests, behaviors, demographics, and more. This allows you to narrow down your audience and ensure that your ads are seen by people who are most likely to be interested in your products.

Retargeting strategies allow you to show ads to people who have interacted with your brand before, increasing the chances of conversion.

Lookalike audiences help you find new potential customers who share similar characteristics as your current audience.

Also, you can enhance your ads’ performance by linking the Meta pixel. It is a code that tracks user behavior on your website, giving you valuable data to optimize your ads and target them better.

With Ecwid’s integration with Instagram, all these targeting options are made even more accessible. You can easily select which products to advertise on Instagram and customize the ad according to your target audience. This allows for a more personalized approach that resonates with potential customers.

Follow these instructions to connect your Ecwid product catalog to Facebook and start advertising on Instagram.

Best Practices for Instagram Ads

Now that you get the idea of Instagram advertising, it’s time to discuss some best practices that can help you make the most out of your ads.

Test Organic Content Before Advertising

To gain a deeper understanding of your audience’s preferences, focus on creating organic content that resonates with them. Then, analyzer the response to this content to determine which aspects to amplify through paid ads.

This strategic approach ensures that your paid ads align closely with what engages your audience, boosting the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

Keep in Mind Technical Requirements

When setting up your Instagram ads, make sure to follow Meta’s technical requirements. They are different for each format:

Ad format	Image type	Resolution	Ratio	Maximum file size	Minimum width
Photo ad	JPG or PNG	At least 1080 x 1080 px	1:1 or 1.91:1	30MB	320 px
Carousel ads	JPG or PNG, MP4, MOV or GIF	1080 x 1080 px	1:1 or 1.91:1	Image: 30MB Video: 1GB	320 px
Video ads	MP4 or MOV	1080 x 1920 px or 1920 x 1080 px	9:16 to 16:9	Up to 4 GB	320 px
Story ads	JPEG or MP4	1080 x 1920 px	9:16	Up to 30 MB	320 px

Sticking to these requirements ensures that your ad will be displayed correctly and won’t get rejected by Instagram.

Use Sound to Enhance the Video

Data shows that 69% of users scroll through social media without sound. So, make sure your video ads are good to watch without sound and use sound to surprise those who have it on:

Use visual elements to convey your story and main message without sound
Include captions for voiceovers or scripted audio
Use text overlay to emphasize your key message.

Ensure Your Messaging Is Clear

The first few seconds of your video ad determine whether users stop scrolling to watch. So, kick off with your key message and show off your branding right from the get-go. Instagram suggests including branding in the first three seconds for increased recall.

Wrap Up

By leveraging the power of social media advertising and using Ecwid’s integration with Instagram, you can expand your reach and attract new customers. With advanced targeting options and data-driven insights, you can create highly effective ads that drive conversions and increase sales for your business.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to grow your online presence and boost your bottom line with Instagram. Start advertising now and see the results for yourself!

The post Understanding Instagram Advertising for Ecommerce Businesses first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

The Science of Contacting Suppliers and Manufacturers as a Business

Jesse Ness — Tue, 28 May 2024 06:04:00 +0000

Your first email to a supplier or manufacturer lays the groundwork for strong relationships with your small business distributor. It is all about making a good first impression and showing you are serious about working with them. But how do you do that?

Delve into this article on contacting suppliers that align with your business model. As a bonus, we’ll share a prompt you can use in your preferred AI text-generation tool to craft a professional email that will get a response.

Quick Answer to Contacting Small Business Distributors

TL;DR? Here’s a quick summary of the key points.

Suppliers are business owners too, seeking more sales, less risk, and reliable payments, just like you. The risk appetite for suppliers depends on four things:

The size of the order in dollar terms
The past relationship with the buyer
The payment terms for the order (upfront payment equals lower risk)
The size, reputation, and seriousness of the buyer.

For new businesses, getting suppliers on board is simply a matter of reducing their exposure to risk. The easiest way to do this is by offering to pay upfront. Suppliers are primarily concerned with timely payments rather than the scale or longevity of your business.

Besides upfront payments, you can also show your legitimacy by:

Using a company email address (“yourname@website.com” instead of "yourname@yahoo.com")
Having a website. Consider Instant Site to have it up and running fast
Registering your business and obtaining the required tax identification numbers
Using a professional tone in your emails
Knowing what you want. Being clueless is a clear sign of an amateur business owner.

Experienced business owners may wish to highlight their industry expertise and track record. If this resonates with you, consider sharing references to showcase your capabilities, for example:

Displaying any awards or recognition received within your industry
Providing testimonials from satisfied partners (such as other manufacturers or suppliers)
Sharing statistics or data that demonstrate the effectiveness of your business.

Identifying Key Small Business Distributors

Let’s identify the different players within the realm of small business distributors.

Wholesale suppliers are companies that sell products in bulk to other businesses rather than individual consumers. Such small business distributors often offer discounted prices and require a minimum order quantity.

Manufacturers are the ones responsible for creating the products being sold by wholesale suppliers. They may also have their own online store or physical store selling directly to consumers. They can also act as small business distributors, selling their products to other businesses.

Dropshippers are similar to wholesalers, but they do not hold inventory. Instead, they fulfill orders on behalf of retailers and ship directly to customers. They also can act as small business distributors, selling products to other businesses at discounted prices.

Now that you know who the main small business distributors are, let’s dive into how you can effectively work with them as a small business owner.

How to Approach Wholesale Suppliers

In the wholesale model, you buy products from a large supplier at low rates and then sell them to customers at retail rates. Wholesalers might carry a single product type (such as socks) or a range of products from different brands.

The wholesaler’s risk is almost non-existent since you are paying upfront for the product.

For some wholesalers, it doesn’t matter whether you have a great website or no website. As long as the seller gets paid, they’ll happily work with you.

In fact, a number of wholesalers even operate online stores. You can buy from these stores just as you would buy from Amazon.

The shopping process is the same as any ecommerce store. You can add the product to your cart, enter your shipping details, and make the payment. Your business details may not even be requested.

However, not every wholesaler operates the same way. Some operate a customer-facing website where you can order limited quantities (as low as one item) at retail prices. To get wholesale rates, you have to create a "wholesale" account. This often requires submitting your tax information.

For example, Shadow Shifter, a US manufacturer, requires you to have to create a wholesale account to get wholesale prices. You can also buy smaller quantities, but you’ll have to pay retail prices for it.

Shadow Shifter, a t-shirt wholesaler, requires sales tax documents to access wholesale pricing

You need a sales tax document to create a wholesale account at Shadow Shifter. However, such requirements will vary from supplier to supplier and country to country. Consult your country’s local tax laws on how to get a tax number.

Some wholesalers don’t offer online ordering, and only a few provide their best rates and sales terms online. In such cases, you have to communicate with wholesalers directly and strike a deal. Here’s how to do it.

1. Make a List of Wholesale Suppliers

Step one is to find several target wholesalers. In the US, you can use websites like WholesaleCentral and TopTenWholesale to find wholesale suppliers.

You can also use Trade Show News Network’s search to find trade shows and visit suppliers in person during the events.

2. Filter Reliable Suppliers

Before you start communicating with wholesalers, evaluate whether they fit your requirements and standards:

Check whether they have the products you want
Check to see if they’ve mentioned their minimum order quantities (MOQ) and prices. They’re usually negotiable, though
Check their reviews on Better Business Bureau or similar platforms by searching for the company name (for US, Canada, or Mexico-based businesses)
Google their company name to check for fraud reports, reviews, and comments from existing customers.

Once you are fairly certain you’re dealing with a reputable company, proceed to the next step.

3. Communicate Your Requirements to a Supplier

This is where most new entrepreneurs hesitate, especially if they don’t have a website or store.

The key is exuding confidence. It shines through the length, tone, and content of your communication. Ensure your messages are concise and precise, demonstrating your clarity of purpose.

There are a few tactics you can use to make your emails more persuasive:

Order volume: Wholesalers are a volume business. The higher the volume you buy, the more negotiating power you have. Ask for prices for a range of order quantities (say, 100-10,000).
Don’t email yourself: Most larger retail businesses have purchasing agents to handle procurement. In your email, identify yourself as "purchase manager" or "purchase agent" instead of "founder/CEO".
Use a company email address: Even if you don’t have a website yet, you can still get a custom business email address at your own domain (like "FirstName@company.com") using services like Google Workspace.

Once you have the information you need, you can negotiate for better terms such as Net-30 payments (i.e., payment for goods after 30 days of receipt) or lower prices for higher order volumes.

Wholesalers sometimes offer drop shipping services as well. In the next section, we’ll show you how to deal with them.

Prompt for Writing a Compelling Email to a Manufacturer

To make writing an email to a manufacturer easier, here is the prompt you can use in your preferred AI text generation tool:

Act as a small business owner. Compose a professional email to a supplier expressing interest in procuring some products they have to offer. The email should begin with a brief introduction of your business [business name] as well as your position, followed by a request for information on the availability and pricing of a select product [items]. Be sure to ask about minimum order quantities, manufacturing lead times, and delivery schedules for the products mentioned, ensuring that the tone of the email remains professional and concise. Highlight your interest in establishing a lasting business relationship with the supplier and that you will be grateful for any useful information they can extend.

Here’s an example of what you can get with this prompt:

Use it as a template for your emails and customize it as needed.

How to Approach Dropshipping Suppliers

Dropshipping is when you act as the retail arm of a manufacturer or wholesaler. Instead of buying and stocking products yourself, you only sell them to customers. Your dropshipping partner takes care of fulfilling the order, usually under your own brand name.

On paper, the higher involvement of drop shippers means higher requirements from retailers. In reality, the intense competition among drop shippers means that drop shippers have to fight hard to win over retailers.

This intense competition has led to the fragmentation of the market into two categories. This brings us to the first tip.

1. Understand Who You’re Dealing with

The options include drop shipping aggregators and wholesale drop shippers.

Dropshipping aggregators are websites that give you access to hundreds of dropshipping suppliers from a single platform. Examples include Syncee, Spocket, Sup Dropshipping, Doba, SaleHoo, etc.

These aggregators usually charge an upfront fee to access the suppliers. They also offer plugins and APIs to easily import products into your store.

Here are a few things you must know about dealing with drop shipping aggregators:

Easy sign-up: Aggregators are easy to sign up with and require only an email. You don’t have to have a store, website, or even a business email to get started.
Higher prices: Since you can’t negotiate with individual suppliers, you will have to pay the fixed price offered by the aggregator. This usually means higher prices and, thus, lower profit margins.
Monthly fee: Most aggregators charge a monthly fee. This can eat into your margins if you’re just starting.

Dropshipping aggregators are an easy way to start selling. However, they should only be used as a stop-gap approach. Once you have a proper store and a sales history, it is better to approach individual drop shippers and get better deals.

Wholesale drop shippers are wholesalers offering drop shipping services to a select few retailers. The vast majority of drop shippers fall in this category. They usually cover a single product type, such as knives or sports gear.

To work with these drop shippers, you’ll have to create a wholesale account and provide your business information. You only access the catalog after the drop shipper approves your account.

Most small-time drop shippers do this to discourage one-time bargain hunters. Some drop shippers like MagnumTuning even mention this on their website:

MagnumTuning requires approval for each application to discourage discount shoppers

Many drop shippers will happily waive off approval requirements if you place a large initial order or send them deposit money. Having a seller’s permit or sales tax number is also helpful.

While the signup process is harder, you get much better rates than drop shipping aggregators.

In some industries, such as print-on-demand, drop shippers have easier requirements. For example, Printful gives free access to any retailer regardless of volume (and integrates with Ecwid.)

Product types you can drop ship with Ecwid and Printful

If you’re using Ecwid, you can use the WholesaleB2B app to make integration with drop shippers easier. Or, check out other dropshipping services that can be integrated with your Ecwid store.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Here are a few questions you can add to the email template shown above if you contact a potential drop shipper:

What are your shipping costs and policies?
What kind of payment methods do you accept?
Do you offer an API or automated method to place new orders?
What brand name will the order be shipped under?
Will your (the drop shipper’s) name appear on the packaging?
How long does processing and shipping an order to {your primary market} take?
Can I use your product images and descriptions on my website?
What kind of tax information and permits do you require from retailers?
What is your policy for damaged and returned products?

In addition to wholesalers and drop shippers, sourcing products directly from manufacturers is also a viable option.

How to Approach Manufacturers

Manufacturers are companies that can:

Help you make your own products, or
Sell you their manufactured products at wholesale prices.

Manufacturers differ from wholesalers and drop shippers because they have high order requirements and significantly lower prices. Since each order is made from scratch, most manufacturers require an upfront payment to cover the manufacturing cost.

The upfront payment means that most manufacturers are very flexible in who they work with. The nature of manufacturing also attracts many entrepreneurs trying out new ideas who might not have websites or sales.

As a result, most manufacturers are easy to work with if you meet their minimum order requirements.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when approaching them.

1. Ask about MOQ and Deposit

Manufacturing costs go down as the volume increases. MOQ, minimum order quantity, is one of the most essential metrics when dealing with manufacturers.

Ask about the manufacturer’s MOQ in the first email you send them. Don’t waste time dealing with a manufacturer with a higher MOQ than your requirements.

When browsing Alibaba, one of the most popular B2B ecommerce platforms for global trade, you’ll notice manufacturers typically display their minimum order quantity directly on their profile.

Most manufacturers on Alibaba will show their MOQ on the product page

Some manufacturers might be wary of dealing with new businesses only interested in the minimum possible order volume. To avoid this problem, ask for prices for various order volumes (say, MOQ to 50,000 units).

Additionally, ask about the initial deposit the manufacturer needs to initiate production, including details on the refund procedure in case of disputes.

2. Ask about Manufacturing Capacity, Shipping, and Packaging

Manufacturing capacity means the maximum amount of products a manufacturer can produce in a given time period. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a supplier, as it will affect lead times and production timelines.

Inquire about the shipping options available from the manufacturer. Depending on your needs, you may want to choose between air or sea freight, or even expedited shipping for urgent orders.

Packaging is another crucial aspect to discuss with potential suppliers. Make sure to ask about their standard packaging options and if they offer custom packaging at an additional cost. It’s also important to clarify who is responsible for packaging and labeling the products before shipment.

Include the following questions in your email:

The number of pieces they can manufacture in a day
Where the products will be shipped from/shipped to
Expected shipping time and carriers used
What kind of packaging do they use
Any customization (on packaging or product) offered
Extra value-added services (such as Amazon FBA selling) offered.

3. Ask for Samples

A reputable business always requests product samples before selecting a manufacturer. In your email, make sure to ask for a product sample. This will not only help you evaluate the manufacturer but also show that you are serious about the business.

4. Ask for Details about the Company and the Factory

When considering a manufacturer, gather as much information about the company and its factory. This will give you a better understanding of their capabilities, quality control processes, and overall reputation.

Some questions to include in your email are:

How long has the company been in business?
What is the size of their factory and production capacity?
Do they have any certifications or audits?
Can they provide references from previous clients?
What steps do they take for quality control during production?

It’s also worth mentioning that conducting a virtual factory tour can give you even more insight into the manufacturing process and its facilities. This may not always be possible, but it can be a valuable step if feasible.

Another crucial factor to consider is communication. Ask how often they will update your product’s production status and how quickly they respond to inquiries or concerns.

To Sum Up

Thorough research and clear communication are vital to selecting a small business distributor. As you continue your search, keep the questions above in mind, and don’t hesitate to ask potential partners for clarification or further information.

Whether you are looking for a wholesale supplier, a dropship supplier, or a manufacturer, trust is paramount in any business relationship. Show that you are a legitimate and professional business owner, and you’ll be able to build trust with your partners and increase the chances of successful collaborations. This opens the door to lasting partnerships and exciting growth opportunities for your business.

The post The Science of Contacting Suppliers and Manufacturers as a Business first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Use UTM Tags to Enhance Marketing Campaigns

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 23 May 2024 05:31:00 +0000

In the bustling world of digital marketing, understanding the effectiveness of each promotional campaign you run is not just important — it’s absolutely non-negotiable. That’s where UTM tags come into play, turning guesswork into precise, actionable insights.

If you’re looking to improve your marketing strategy, stick around as we guide you through the ins and outs of using UTM tags to track the success of your marketing efforts like a pro. Especially if you’re navigating the vibrant seas of ecommerce with platforms like Ecwid, this is one article you can’t afford to miss!

Introduction to UTM Tags

What are UTM tags? Think of them as your marketing campaigns’ fingerprints.

The abbreviation stands for Urchin Tracking Module, and it’s a simple yet powerful way to track the performance of your website links. UTM tags are snippets of code that you can attach to the end of any URL, providing valuable information about where the traffic is coming from and how effective your campaigns are.

It’s like having a digital detective at your fingertips, providing you with the insights to make data-driven decisions.

UTM Tag Parameters

In terms of UTM tags, parameters are the key ingredients that make up the code snippets attached to your URLs.

A UTM tag consists of the following parameters:

Source — utm_source: The origin of the traffic, such as a specific website or platform (e.g., Google or newsletter).
Medium — utm_medium: The type of marketing channel, whether it’s email, social media, or paid ads.
Campaign name — utm_campaign: The name of your campaign. This could be the promotion or product you’re featuring.
Term (optional) — utm_term: Used for tracking specific keywords or terms for paid search campaigns.
Content (optional)– utm_content: Allows you to differentiate between different versions within the same ad or campaign, such as A/B testing or ad variations.

Here’s how a UTM-tagged link looks like:

www.example.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=spring_sale

In this example, the UTM tags are:

utm_source=facebook
utm_medium=social_media
and utm_campaign=spring_sale.

These tags will allow you to track the source of your traffic (Facebook), the medium used (social media), and the specific campaign (spring sale).

Why Use UTM Tags?

While the concept of tracking links may seem straightforward, it’s often an overlooked aspect of many marketing strategies.

UTM tags provide you with valuable insights on your marketing efforts, helping you to:

Measure the effectiveness of your campaigns: With UTM tags, you can track and compare the performance of different campaigns and channels. This will give you a better understanding of which campaigns are driving the most traffic and conversions, allowing you to focus your efforts and budget on the most successful strategies.
Identify the best sources of traffic: UTM tags can help you pinpoint which platforms, websites, or channels are driving the most valuable traffic to your site. This information can guide your decision-making when it comes to investing in certain marketing channels or partnerships.
Analyze customer behaviors and preferences: By tracking specific campaigns and their performance, you’ll gain valuable insights into your customers’ behaviors and preferences. This information can help you tailor your marketing efforts to better suit their needs and interests.

How to Create UTM Tags

Now that you understand the benefits of using UTM tags let’s dive into how to implement them effectively in your marketing campaigns.

Creating UTM tags might sound complex, but it’s as easy as pie! Here’s a quick, step-by-step breakdown:

Start with your website URL: This is the destination you want your visitors to reach.
Add UTM parameters: These are the tracking variables you’ll append to your URL.
There are plenty of online tools to help build your UTM-tagged URLs with ease. For example, Campaign URL Builder. Or, you can just manually add UTM parameters to the end of a URL.
Test and track: Once you have your UTM-tagged URLs, test them to ensure they work correctly. Then, you can use analytics tools like Google Analytics to track their performance and gather insights.

Let’s imagine you’re running a flash sale and want to promote it via an email newsletter. You need to add UTM tags to the URL of the sale page in your online store. Say, it’s https://www.online-store.com/sale.

Let’s use Campaign URL Builder to add UTM tags to this example URL:

Enter the site URL you want the tags to be added to
Fill in in the fields:

in the campaign source — newsletter
in the campaign medium — email
in the campaign name — flash_sale

Copy the generated campaign URL and paste it into your email.

The information about the traffic source will be sent to analytics tools. If you use Google Analytics, you’ll be able to see that data using Campaigns.

Managing UTM Tags for Online Stores

As an online seller, you probably run tons of promotional campaigns, so you’re no stranger to working with UTM tags. Luckily, some ecommerce platforms, like Ecwid, offer built-in order source tracking tools to make your life easier.

With Ecwid, you can easily track and measure your marketing campaigns’ success by viewing your orders’ sources directly in your store’s admin. This way, you spend less time toggling between your Ecwid admin and Google Analytics.

Plus, there is even automatic tagging for specific promotions, saving you time and effort! If you’re running an email campaign through Mailchimp or have Ecwid’s automated marketing emails turned on, UTM tags get created automatically for you. This means less manual work for you and more time focusing on what matters — growing your business. How cool is that?

When a customer clicks a link with a UTM tag and places an order in your store, you’ll see the order source information on the order details page in your Ecwid admin. If the customer interacts with other ads or marketing campaigns, the UTM parameters for those campaigns will show up, too.

But that’s not all!

Ecwid also provides you with built-in Marketing reports, which allow you to see at a glance where your orders are coming from — be it a Google ad, a Facebook post, or an email campaign.

Ecwid’s Marketing reports provide you with an easy-to-understand overview of your sales sources

The Marketing Reports in Ecwid offer a treasure trove of insights, including:

Sources of sales: Understand which marketing channels are gold mines. Sales sources include Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok ads, abandoned cart emails, gift cards, and so on.
Customers with/without consent to receive your marketing emails: Keep track of your audience’s preferences.

See how many customers opted in to receive marketing emails from you

In Marketing reports, you can choose a comparison period to see how things change over time. For example, you can compare this month’s sales to those of last month or compare the current year’s performance with that of previous years.

Comparing last week’s sales to those of the previous week

In addition to Marketing reports, Ecwid sellers can access various other store key metrics reports, including visitors, conversion rates, orders, and accounting. This way, you can keep your finger on the pulse of your online store and make data-driven decisions to grow your business.

Learn more about tracking main online store KPIs in this article:

Best Practices for UTM Tagging

Now that you’ve crafted your tagged URLs, where do you put them? Everywhere! Use these tags in:

Social media posts
Email campaigns
Digital ads
Anywhere else you can link to your content.

The trick is consistency. Make sure you’re applying UTM tags across all your marketing channels to get a holistic view of your campaign’s performance.

To wield UTM tags like a true marketing samurai, follow these best practices:

Be consistent with naming conventions. Keep your tag names consistent, clean, and easy to read. Pick either underscores or dashes and stick with it for all your tags (like "summer_sale" or "facebook_ad").
Avoid common mistakes, like using spaces or inconsistent capitalization.
Note that UTM codes are case-sensitive. We suggest using lowercase to ensure that your data is categorized correctly.
Be specific when naming your UTM tags so you can easily spot the campaign later. For example, "black_friday_2024" is way better than just "sale."
Keep track of the tagged URLs you’ve created for easier analysis. Keeping a list of your UTM links in a single spreadsheet will go a long way in helping you quickly get an overview of all your campaigns.

To Wrap Up: Start Using UTM Tags

UTM tags are not just a tool but a compass in the vast ocean of digital marketing, guiding your strategies toward success. By harnessing the power of these tags, especially with the intuitive functionality offered by Ecwid, you’re not just running campaigns — you’re launching strategic missions with clear targets and measurable outcomes.

Ready to transform your marketing game? Start implementing UTM tags today and watch your business insights and outcomes soar to new heights. Remember, in the digital age, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s profit.

The post How to Use UTM Tags to Enhance Marketing Campaigns first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Sell on Instagram: Complete Guide for Business Owners

Anastasia Prokofieva — Wed, 22 May 2024 05:36:17 +0000

With around two billion Instagram users, a whopping 90% follow at least one business. So, if you’re not on Instagram yet, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to shine!

Making an Instagram page for your business is just the beginning. How about taking your business a step further and start selling on Instagram?

To make your Instagram selling journey easy, we’ve prepared this detailed, step-by-step guide. Our goal is to answer any questions you might have as you begin the process of selling on Instagram, so get comfortable and read on.

Helpful hint: Add this post to your bookmarks bar to have it handy whenever you need it!

How to Set Up an Instagram Account for Your Store

Before we get into the how-tos of selling on Instagram, let’s start with some basics. We’ll explain how to set up a profile for your business and the ins and outs of using the platform to promote your store.

Write a Clear Bio

Before you create the first post on your new business’ Instagram account, make sure you’ve crafted an engaging bio. This is your first chance to connect with potential followers, so a little thought goes a long way.

Some recommendations when writing your Instagram bio:

Include your store name
Add a short description of the brand
Keep the length between 140-160 characters
Add a call-to-action button linking to an Instagram-specific landing page or your store (you can add more than one link)
Highlight key information with emojis (phone number, email, etc.)
Add a branded hashtag to curate images and videos

A sample template:
[Store Name] [Brand Description] Tag your pics with [#Branded Hashtag] 📧 [Email] 📞 [Phone Number] [CTA Link]

Add link to your online store as @annacakecouture does

Prepare a Content Plan

Before you can sell on Instagram, you need to figure out what content you will post. To do that, you need a content plan. This means pre-planned promotion through entertaining and informative content you will post to your Instagram page.

A content plan is essential as it saves you time and helps ensure your content meets your marketing goals.

Types of content to include in your plan:

Promotional: content about new products, promotions, discounts, loyalty programs, and customer reviews
Educational: tips, life hacks, masterclasses, and advice for the use and care of your products
Informative: company news, achievements, and plans
Entertaining: fun facts, pop culture references, jokes, surveys, quizzes, and user-generated content.

Remember that Instagram content is not just about posts. It includes stories, reels, lives, and even long-form videos. Mix up your content formats to keep your audience engaged.

Step Up Your Videos

You’re more likely to sell to followers who are subscribed to your account because they clearly appreciate your content in their feed. It’s much harder to sell products on Instagram to users who stumble upon your account for the first time.

Instagram is an entirely visual medium, so there’s no better way to show off your merchandise than with some high-quality videos. Yes, the platform was once primarily focused on photos, but now reels have taken the spotlight.

Here are some reel ideas to consider for your business:

Product demonstrations: Show how your products work or the benefits they provide in a visually appealing way.
Behind-the-scenes: Give your followers an exclusive look into the making of your products and the people behind them.
User-generated content: Encourage your followers to create videos using your products and share them on their own accounts for more exposure.
How-to tutorials: Teach your audience how to use your products through short and engaging instructional videos.
Humorous skits: Use comedy to showcase your products in a unique and entertaining way.

Write Engaging Captions

The secret to Instagram selling is having an engaged audience. The more followers interact with your posts, the more Instagram will promote your content to its users. Great captions generate comments, so never settle for a boring copy.

Captions are limited to 2,200 characters, and you can add up to 30 hashtags to each post. The Instagram app crops text previews to the first two lines, so it’s vital that your copy is engaging from the first word.

Best practices for Instagram captions:

Format your captions to make your posts more readable. Use emojis and numbers to add bullet points and new paragraphs to your text.
Use action verbs like "tap," "tell," "use," and "share" to promote engagement actively.
Present a reader with the most important information first. Use titles to catch your followers’ attention right away.
Ask questions or start discussions with your audience to get them to play along with your content (remember, content interactions = engagement = sales!).
Use location tags and hashtags to generate more traffic to your page.

Organize Your Profile

The more active you are on Instagram, the harder it is for your followers to find the information they might need to buy your items. Help them find what they’re looking for with these tips:

Add short titles to your pictures and videos, such as "Shipping," "Giveaway," or "How to use X."
Create a short hashtag for each type of post you regularly publish: from new arrivals, lifehacks, backstage, etc. For example, #storename_reviews or #storename_products.
Use the Highlights feature at the top of your page to share important information like shipping, prices, customer reviews, contacts, and special offers.
Add a link-in-bio page to your bio. It’s a microsite with links to your most important content, like a store, contacts, and other social media channels. For a free and user-friendly option, consider Linkup.

Use Highlights under the bio to help customer navigate your profile (Image: @kleanla)

Start Growing Your Audience

The great thing about Instagram is that you can grow your follower count without spending a dime! It’s all about directing traffic to your posts. Some easy ways to do this include:

creating engaging reels to reach the Explore section of the app
adding keywords to your username and bio
using hashtags and geotags
participating in various challenges
commenting on popular profiles relevant to your niche
throwing a contest or a giveaway.

It might seem like a lot of work before you even get to the answer to the "how to start an Instagram shop" question. However, having an active business profile with an engaged audience can be helpful when it comes to getting approved for Instagram Shopping.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore how to sell directly on Instagram.

FAQ: How to Start Selling on Instagram?

Before we get to the fun part, let’s answer some common questions about Instagram shops.

Do You Need a Business License to Sell on Instagram?

Is it legal to sell on Instagram? Inquiring small business owners want to know! In short, yes, you can sell on the app. However, you need to keep a couple of things in mind.

To sell on Instagram, your professional account must follow these requirements:

Comply with Instagram’s policies
Represent your business and your domain
Be located in a supported market
Demonstrate trustworthiness
Provide accurate information.

A business license helps demonstrate trustworthiness, though it isn’t listed in the platform’s requirements.

Obtaining a license for online selling depends on your location, the products you sell, and your business needs. Keep in mind that different countries have different laws regarding business licenses. Make sure you know which ones apply to you.

How Many Followers Do You Need to Sell on Instagram?

There’s no follower minimum for selling on Instagram. You can successfully sell through Instagram and promote your store even if you have less than a thousand followers.

Do You Need a Website to Sell on Instagram?

Technically, you don’t need a website to sell on Instagram. You can gain followers and promote your products simply through posts and stories. However, having a website helps.

Why? Well, for sellers like you, it makes it easier to manage orders and collect payments for your orders. As for your customers, it offers a more seamless shopping experience without the need to reach out to you via DMs.

How to Sell Directly on Instagram?

Sure, getting your store an Instagram account and promoting your products through the app is a great asset to your business. But you might wonder: can I sell directly on Instagram? The answer is yes!

You can enable Instagram Shopping for your store to allow customers to purchase from your store directly through the app. This convenience is valuable! For shoppers, nothing beats the ability to buy an item with a single tap.

You may encounter other names for this feature, like "Shoppable Posts" or "Product Tagging." All those names refer to Instagram Shopping.

Read on to learn how to set up Instagram Shopping for your business page.

Once a customer clicks on a product tag, they are directed to an Instagram shop

What Does It Cost to Sell on Instagram?

Using Instagram is free if you simply want to create a business page and post content to promote your products.

If you’d like to use shoppable posts, Meta charges payment fees for sales on Facebook and Instagram Shops Checkout.

To get faster results and grow your sales, you may want to advertise your products online with paid advertising, aka Instagram ads, but this isn’t a requirement.

How to Tag Products on Instagram

Let’s find out more about Instagram Shopping feature that enables your customers to buy from you with the app.

What Is Shoppable Instagram?

With Shoppable Posts, you can tag your products in posts, stories, reels, and other Instagram content. These posts are marked with a little shopping bag icon and a price tag over the object.

When a user clicks on a tag, they’ll see its product description and price. The user can tap "Shop Now" to view the item’s name, pricing, description, more photos, and a direct link to your storefront product page to purchase the product. To complete their purchase, users can shop your store without ever leaving the Instagram app.

Here’s how the Shop tab looks like

Read on to discover how to start an Instagram shop and seamlessly employ product tagging across your posts, stories, and everything in between.

How to Start an Instagram Shop?

Since August 2023, Meta has been limiting the countries where Facebook Shop can be hosted, and features like product tagging on Instagram can be used. See the full list of eligible countries for shopping on Instagram in their Help Center.

Wondering how to make Instagram shoppable? Meta has detailed instructions for setting up a shop on Instagram. However, even if your account is eligible, you must follow some requirements before starting the setup process.

Here are the requirements:

Sell physical products that comply with Facebook’s commerce policies and seller agreement
Locate your business in one of Instagram’s supported countries
Have an Instagram professional account — a creator or business profile
Connect your Instagram business account to a Facebook page
Check that your Facebook page doesn’t have any age or country restrictions
Check that Your Facebook account, Facebook Page, and your Instagram professional account meet the commerce eligibility requirements
Update your Instagram app to the latest version
Verify your website domain to confirm that you own and represent it
For US sellers: enable checkout on Facebook and Instagram.

As a seller based in the US, you may be curious about the last point. Starting April 2024, Meta is making Checkout on Facebook and Instagram mandatory for all US stores. So, your customers will actually finalize their purchases directly on Facebook or Instagram instead of your website.

If you don’t enable Checkout on Facebook and Instagram, your Facebook Shop will be inactive, and you won’t be able to tag products on Instagram.

How to Get Approved for Shopping on Instagram?

After you have confirmed that your account meets the eligibility criteria for Instagram Shopping and complies with the requirements mentioned earlier, use the following advice to prepare your business account for the review process:

Add important details such as a business address, contact phone, and email using CTA buttons under the bio
Assign the right category to the Facebook page your Instagram account is connected to
Use your store logo in a profile image
Publish brand-specific content and post consistently
Add more products to your catalog
Consider setting up Facebook Business Manager for your business.

If you sell online with Ecwid, follow these instructions to get started with Instagram Shopping.

You can tag products in different types of content

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Shopping on Instagram?

The Instagram team reviews business accounts before they’re approved for Instagram Shopping.

Approval for shopping through the Instagram app can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

You’ll be notified by the Instagram app when your account is approved. After that you’ll be able to tag products in your posts.

How to Enable Product Tags on Instagram

After your account is approved for Instagram Shopping, here’s how to enable product tagging for your profile:

Go to your business profile options, then go to Settings.
Tap Business.
Tap Shopping.
Confirm your Facebook account.
Select a product catalog to connect to your professional account.
Tap Done.

If you don’t see the Shopping section in your account’s Settings, your profile is probably still under review or hasn’t been approved for Instagram Shopping.

How Do You Sell on Instagram through DM?

As mentioned earlier, Instagram Shopping is unavailable for sellers in some countries. So, if you still want to accept orders from customers in the app, you can do so manually via Direct Messages (DMs).

Here’s how to sell on Instagram through DM:

Post pictures of your products in your Instagram feed (consider your account a digital product catalog)
Ask followers to contact you via DM for information on payment methods.

One of the ways to accept payments without an online store is with PayPal. Here’s how to sell on Instagram using PayPal:

Customers reach out to you via DM to order a product
You provide your PayPal email address to customers. Or, ask for their PayPal email address and send them a PayPal invoice
After getting paid, you update each customer manually on the order status.

Selling on Instagram DM involves a lot of manual work, which might prevent you from spending time growing other aspects of your business. Luckily, there are different ways to sell on Instagram — check out one below.

What If Instagram Shopping Is Not Available to You?

We described above how you can accept orders via Instagram DM, but this involves a lot of manual work and doesn’t offer a seamless buying experience for your customers. The latter could actually result in lost sales!

Here’s a very easy fix: use your bio to drive customers to your website.

You can add up to 5 links to your Instagram profile, but a more user-friendly solution is to use a link-in-bio tool. It is a microsite that houses all the important links for your business, making it easier for customers to access and shop from.

One free but powerful option is Linkup, which allows you to create a custom landing page with multiple clickable links.

Think of Linkup as your digital business card that contains all your most important content

With a few clicks, you can effortlessly build a mobile-friendly page showcasing your social profiles, work, content, and, most importantly, products. Simply share a link to your Linkup page in your bio, and when followers click it, they’ll see a landing page with all the links and products you’ve added.

Linkup stands out among other Linktree alternatives by offering the ability to include not just links but also products on your micropage. That lets customers buy more seamlessly, so they don’t have to browse your whole website. The easier it is to purchase, the better your chances of sealing the deal.

Customers can buy products right after clicking on the Linkup page

For example, you can add your bestselling products or items on sale to your Linkup page to help customers find them faster.

That makes Linkup particularly helpful for brands, artists, content creators, and influencers, as it allows your followers to make purchases or grab your merch directly from your Linkup page.

Tips for Using Instagram for Business

Some hints and tricks for using Instagram for business and turning your profile into a powerful sales channel.

Get a Professional Account

Instagram has two types of professional accounts — creator and business.

A business profile comes with some baked-in benefits for selling on Instagram. It allows you to display details like your business address, contact info, and call-to-action buttons under your bio.

It also comes with a handy "Insights" section to view data on impressions, reach, website clicks, and follower activity.

You can see insights for different periods to see how trends change over time

With a business profile, you can promote your posts within the app by clicking the Boost Post button under each post. Boosted posts have Instagram-generated call-to-action buttons with clickable links.

Wondering how to start an Instagram business account? It’s super easy! From your personal page, tap Menu in the top right-hand corner. Choose "Account type and tools" and tap "Switch to professional account."

Run Ads on Instagram

Paid promotions allow you to reach your goals faster as compared to organic growth. There are a few different types of Instagram shopping ads:

Stories ads
Photo ads
Video ads
Carousel ads
Collection ads
Ads in the Explore section.

Schedule Your Content

Scheduling apps (like Later, HootSuite, or Buffer) are a time-saver for building a content plan that works for you and your team.

Add Links to Stories

Use the "Link" sticker for your Instagram Stories, which will lead viewers to the specified URL. This allows you to sell a product on Instagram right from the Story — just add a link to a product page.

Use Different Types of Content

Don’t overlook any possibility to connect with your audience via your content. You can post pictures, reels, or create Stories and save them to Highlights if you want them to last more than 24 hours.

Publish curated photos and engaging reels in your feed. Share casual pics, updates, and quizzes in Stories. Use Highlights to save FAQs for easy access. Go live to announce a new product launch or a giveaway. Explore all the ways you can create content with Instagram and then stick to the ones that get the most engagement from your followers.

Offer a glimpse behind the curtain of your business routine

Pay Attention to Organic Engagement

Organic followers are those that you don’t have to spend a dime to acquire, but rather ones which were genuinely engaged by your content. For example, they found you in search or saw a repost on their friend’s page and followed it back to your page.

To successfully sell on Instagram for free (without running paid ads, using shopping tags, or Instagram Checkout), you need to keep your organic engagement high. This happens when followers interact with your content a lot outside of ad campaigns. For example, they like and comment on your posts or react to your Stories.

Here’s how to grow your organic reach:

Create high-quality content relevant to your audience
Post this content regularly
Promote discussions in the comments section of your posts
Run contests and giveaways
Encourage sharing photos of your products and tagging your profile.

Show customers how you pack their orders for a more personal touch

Partner with Influencers

Well, micro-influencers, to be more precise. A micro-influencer is an influencer with a smaller audience (1,000-100K followers). Often, these audiences are more engaged than the followings of bigger accounts. Usually, micro-influencers are experts in some niche, meaning that their followers place more trust in their opinions. As a bonus for you, the cost of working with a micro-influencer is lower.

You can partner with micro-influencers to run giveaways, share a review on your product, or publish a sponsored post.

When teaming up with influencers, aim for content that comes across as organic rather than promotional

Use Hashtags for Discovery

Hashtags are a word or a group of words that follow the # sign. For example, #SkincareTips or #giveaway. They are searchable keywords and keyword phrases that group content by topic.

Instagram hashtags are a great discovery tool to help you reach new and relevant audiences. Some best practices when using hashtags:

Use hashtags relevant to your niche and topic. No need to cram 30 irrelevant tags into one post. Instead, choose hashtags that best highlight the image’s content and caption
Create a simple branded hashtag to curate user-generated content and promote your business on other pages
Study influencers in your niche to learn which hashtags they frequently use. Similar hashtags may work for your brand, too!

How to Start an Instagram Business: More Monetization Options

If you’re wondering how to start a business on Instagram, now is the time. It isn’t just an image-sharing platform anymore. These days, you can actually make money with your Instagram business online. You don’t even need to have a huge following to make Instagram work for you. The secret is an engaged audience: followers that like, comment, and tag their friends in your posts and react to your Stories.

Here’s how to calculate your account’s engagement rate: take your total number of likes and comments, divide them by your total number of posts, divide by followers, and multiply by 100. A 2-3% engagement rate is considered average, and a 4-6% rate is considered high.

You can use various tactics to monetize your Instagram when you have an engaged and active audience. Here are different ways to how to start an Instagram business:

Make sponsored posts. Collaborate with brands to make a post that promotes an advertiser’s product on your page for a fee.
Create your merch to sell via Instagram. Put your art or logo on t-shirts, mugs, posters (anything that’s easy to print), and sell your branded products.
Teach what you know. You can’t sell services on Instagram with Shoppable posts, but you can use the platform to promote a course you teach or a downloadable guide. Don’t forget to add a work email or a link to your website in your Instagram bio.
Sell affiliate products. You don’t need to have your own goods to sell through Instagram. Think about what brands your audience might find interesting, and reach out to those companies to check if they have affiliate programs. You can sell affiliate products via special links or promo codes.
Make your own product and sell it. There are many things to sell on Instagram, from clothing and cosmetics to furniture and DIY products.
Set up Instagram Subscriptions. These are for creators who produce exclusive content and want to offer it directly to their followers. Subscriptions can give you a recurring income from your biggest fans.

With Instagram Subscriptions, followers can subscribe to your exclusive content for a monthly fee

Wrap Up to Selling on Instagram

If, before reading this article, you’ve been wondering how to start a business on Instagram, it’s likely now you see endless possibilities for selling on Instagram. The key is to find a unique niche and engage with your audience through visually appealing content and creative marketing strategies. Tools like Instagram Shopping and Linkup can help make the selling process smoother and more efficient.

So don’t wait any longer — start your own Instagram shop today! Who knows, you may just become the next big thing in the world of selling on Instagram.

The post How to Sell on Instagram: Complete Guide for Business Owners first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

Get Ahead of the Competition with 30+ New Ecwid Tools

Anastasia Prokofieva — Fri, 17 May 2024 12:03:26 +0000

In the dynamic universe of ecommerce, staying ahead is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. The difference between simply surviving and truly thriving in ecommerce is often the use of cutting-edge tools and strategies.

Fortunately for Ecwid sellers, an exciting development is on the horizon that promises to tip the scales in your favor.

Introducing the new edition of Ecwid Igniter: over 30 tools specifically designed to give you an edge in the fiercely competitive ecommerce landscape.

Explore Ecwid Igniter

From streamlining your operations to enriching the customer experience, these tools are poised to be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Here’s a sneak peek at how Ecwid Igniter empowers you to lead the pack.

For more insights, watch the Ecwid Igniter webinar, where we delved into using the latest Ecwid tools to gain a competitive edge. The webinar is filled with practical tips to up your online selling, so we highly recommend watching it!

Get Ahead in Your Industry

The world of ecommerce is constantly changing, and to keep up, you need tools that offer agility. Ecwid’s new features are tailored to keep you at the forefront of the sales game.

Understand Conversion Trends

Understanding what’s working and not is critical to scaling your business. With insights into the store visitors’ behavior, new built-in Conversions and Sales reports allow you to pinpoint areas for improvement and make strategic decisions that will drive your sales.

Pro tip: Find out all about tracking your store performance in this article:

Automate Sales with Advanced Discounts

Strategic discounting can often be the tipping point between securing a sale and missing out on an opportunity. By leveraging advanced discounts, you can pre-schedule sales, saving time and effort.

Pro tip: Learn how to offer discounts without hurting your bottom line:

Enhance Credibility with a Customer Reviews Section

Build trust with prospective buyers by showcasing your happy customers. The new customer reviews section lets you highlight the glow of positive feedback right on your storefront.

Save Time with AI Efficiency

The new AI-driven domain generator and product photo enhancer are more than just novelty additions; they are productivity powerhouses that significantly reduce the time it takes to get your store up to professional standards.

Make Payments Easy Both for You and Your Customers

Who wouldn’t love the convenience of speedy payouts? Discover Lightspeed Payments, where your payouts arrive in just one business day!

As for your customers, localized payment methods are integral in providing a hassle-free shopping experience. With integrations like Venmo in the US and Klarna Pay Later in France, you can easily cater to your customer’s preferences.

Get Ahead of the Customer Experience

In the race to capture and keep the consumer’s attention, innovation in the customer experience is paramount. Ecwid’s features in this domain are focused on engagement and discoverability.

Discover What Drives Your Customers’ Purchasing Decisions

To stay ahead of the game, you need to dive deep into analytics to tailor your approach and create more compelling campaigns.

The Visitors and Marketing reports unlock insights into both new and returning customers, revealing how they interact with your store and respond to your marketing efforts.

Build Relationships with Your Customers with the New Customer Section

Loyalty is built on relationships. With the new customer section, you can now keep track of all customer interactions, purchases, and preferences, fostering a personalized touch that resonates with your audience.

Pro tip: Discover how exactly to use customer data to offer personalized experiences:

Provide Seamless Post-Purchase Experience

The post-purchase experience is critical for customer satisfaction. With Apple Wallet Order Tracking, you can now provide a modern and seamless order-tracking experience that enhances customer delight.

Pro tip: Explore how to use Apple Wallet order tracking to delight your customers and streamline your process:

Draw Attention with a New Video Section on Instant Site

Video content is the present and future of online engagement. With the new video section, you can create a visually rich and engaging storefront that sets you apart from the competition.

Multiply Your Store’s Online Presence with Multiple Pages

A solid online presence is pivotal in attracting and retaining customers. The ability to create multiple pages within your store ensures that you have a comprehensive and versatile platform to showcase your products and services.

Boost Your Store Discoverability with Improved SEO

SEO is an invaluable tool for visibility in the crowded online space. You can maximize your reach globally with custom slugs for products and storefronts and expanded multilingual store functionality.

Get Ahead of Productivity

Efficiency is the watchword in operations, and Ecwid’s tools are tuned to enhance your online store’s productivity and smooth functioning.

Keep Track of Your Finances

Making informed financial decisions is a must for growing your business. The new Accounting and Orders reports present a crystal-clear view of your business finances, empowering you to plan strategically and streamline your operations.

Simplify Tax Management

Tax compliance can be a labyrinthine task for businesses. Ecwid’s simplified tax management system is a welcome breath of fresh air, alleviating the complexity and ensuring compliance without the headache.

Enhance Teamwork with Streamlined Staff Permissions

Efficient collaboration is at the core of any successful enterprise. The new streamlined staff permissions make teamwork more transparent and the delegation of tasks more structured.

Pro tip: Check out more tips for improving teamwork with custom staff permissions:

Offer Greater Flexibility in Pricing

Dynamic pricing strategies are a powerful tool in your revenue arsenal. The ability to edit discounts on orders gives you the agility to react swiftly and retain customers with a better offer.

Get Ahead From Anywhere

The ubiquitous nature of mobile devices means that the ability to manage your store effectively on the go is a priority. Ecwid has revamped its mobile app with features that put control right in the palm of your hand.

Manage Orders with Improved Mobile Order Management

Managing your orders on the fly is now a breeze with the mobile app’s enhanced functionality, allowing you to stay on top of customer demands wherever you are.

Turn Your Products into 3D Models for an Unparalleled Shopping Experience

The novelty of 3D can be a showstopper for your customers. With the ability to turn your products into 3D models, you can offer an innovative and immersive shopping experience.

Pro tip: Learn how to make the best 3D models of products:

Explore and Leverage Ecwid Igniter

The newest iteration of Ecwid Igniter is a testament to Ecwid’s commitment to empowering small business owners in the digital marketplace. The suite of tools offered in this update is not just an enhancement; it’s a declaration that any business can dominate its space with the right resources.

Ready to lead the charge? Visit the Ecwid Igniter to get a closer look at the new tools and take your business to the next level. The above tools represent only a fraction of what’s in store for you.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the "coming soon" features that will ensure you remain at the cutting edge of ecommerce!

The future of your business starts today, and it begins with Ecwid.

Explore Ecwid Igniter

The post Get Ahead of the Competition with 30+ New Ecwid Tools first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Sell Online: The Ultimate Guide for Business Owners

Anastasia Prokofieva — Fri, 17 May 2024 10:29:00 +0000

In an era dominated by digital connections and online influencing, the art of selling has transitioned to the online realm. According to Statista, global ecommerce sales are projected to surpass 8.1 trillion by 2026!

It’s only natural that both aspiring and experienced business owners are looking to start selling online. The digital landscape is brimming with opportunities, yet it comes with its fair share of hurdles.

Global ecommerce retail sales are expected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2026

Creating a successful online presence and selling online involves a combination of user-friendly interfaces, compelling content, a strong website, an understanding of social media, and a commitment to remaining consistent and ahead of the competition.

In this detailed guide, we’ll delve into how to sell online, uncovering the tactics that distinguish prosperous businesses. From optimizing websites to engaging customers, we’ll provide the necessary tools to excel in the fast-paced and ever-changing digital market.

Why You Need an Optimized Website to Sell Online

First things first: to sell online, you need an ecommerce website.

Your website is the first interaction many customers have with your brand. A website optimized for ecommerce creates a positive first impression, reflecting professionalism and trustworthiness.

A well-designed ecommerce website offers an intuitive user experience, making it easy for customers to navigate, find products, and complete transactions.

Also, implementing search engine optimization strategies enhances your website’s visibility on search engines, increasing the likelihood of attracting new potential customers and helping you sell online.

Can You Sell Online without a Website?

If you’re wondering how to sell online, you might be considering different options.

There are ways to sell online without a website, such as through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram or online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. However, having your own ecommerce website gives you more control over your brand, customer data, and sales process.

A dedicated ecommerce website allows you to create a unique brand identity, customize the user experience, and fully control the customer journey. Plus, you retain full profit margins without paying fees to marketplaces, and your brand’s discovery isn’t solely dependent on social media platforms.

An example of an ecommerce website

Trust is another factor to consider when figuring out how to sell online. According to the SurveyMonkey survey, 26% of American consumers have no trust "at all" for a brand without a website.

In an era where online shopping is second nature, consumers expect a brand to have a website. It allows them to delve deeper into the business’s offerings and better understand its products or services. Without a website, your brand may appear less legitimate and trustworthy to potential customers.

However, when choosing how to sell online, it’s not about choosing between selling exclusively on your website or solely through social media/marketplaces. Today’s consumers expect you to be omnipresent — that’s precisely why embracing multichannel selling isn’t just advisable; it’s essential.

That’s why launching a website and being active on social media platforms for discovery are stellar strategies. And when you’re all set, venturing into marketplaces could significantly boost your sales.

But first, you need a website.

How to Sell Online: Ecommerce Website Must-Haves

Now that you understand the importance of having a website to sell online let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to take to set it up.

Merely having a website won’t cut it. What you truly need is a website that’s finely tuned for online selling — transforming visits into sales effortlessly.

Here’s how to ensure your website is optimized for online selling:

Opt for User-Friendly Interfaces

When figuring out how to sell online, keep your customers’ shopping experience at the forefront of your mind.

An optimized website is user-friendly, making it easy for customers to navigate, find products, and complete transactions. Implement intuitive navigation menus, clear calls-to-action, and a streamlined checkout process to minimize friction for users. The easiest way to do that is to use an ecommerce platform.

An example of a website set up with an ecommerce platform

Ecommerce platforms offer pre-made templates and user-friendly interfaces, making setting up and managing your website easier. Moreover, they’re expertly crafted to streamline the shopping process, enabling customers to find the needed products and securely proceed to checkout.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform is especially important when you start selling online, as it can determine the success or failure of your online venture. You want your platform to grow with your business and provide you with the necessary tools to optimize your website for conversions.

Use pre-designed templates for a quick site setup

For a cost-effective and robust option, consider Ecwid by Lightspeed. It’s a breeze to get your ecommerce site up and running, and you don’t need to know a thing about coding or design. Plus, it’s packed with cool pre-designed templates perfect for different niches, making the whole setup process a piece of cake.

Add High-Quality Images, Videos and Descriptions

Your website’s content should be strategically crafted to engage customers, highlight key features of your products or services, and ultimately lead to conversions.

Visual content is crucial for capturing the attention of online shoppers, so showcase your products with high-quality images and videos. In fact, product videos can increase conversions by up to 85%!

Showcasing a product video within the product gallery

If you sell online with Ecwid, you can add a video to product pages and any other website page. Find out how to increase conversions with product videos.

Moreover, don’t underestimate the power of copy. Clearly communicate features, benefits, and unique selling points through detailed and persuasive product descriptions.

Provide Online Support and FAQs

When shopping online, consumers may have questions or concerns that require immediate assistance. So, you might be wondering how to sell online when you can’t assist them directly.

Provide online support options, such as live chat or chatbots, to help customers in real time. This will alleviate customers’ doubts and increase their trust in your brand.

Consumers seek autonomy in resolving their issues (Source: Deloitte’s Customer Service Excellence Report)

To reduce the need for customers to contact support, include a comprehensive FAQ section that addresses common queries and concerns. For example, if you offer international shipping, include information about fees, delivery times, and customs procedures.

FAQ sections help streamline the shopping experience for customers and reduce any potential roadblocks to making a purchase.

In Ecwid, you can add live chats, chatbots, and FAQ sections using apps from the Ecwid App Market.

Ensure Safe Checkout Processes

According to the Baymard Institute, some of the biggest reasons customers abandon their online shopping carts are concerns about the store’s security and inconvenient checkout.

Make sure your checkout process is safe and reliable to instill confidence in your customers and ensure secure transactions.

Here’s how to ensure a secure and straightforward checkout process:

Implement secure payment gateways
Offer multiple payment options, such as paying with a card, mobile wallet, Buy Now Pay Later, and more
Clearly communicate the security measures in place
Minimize the checkout steps to reduce abandoned carts and improve the shopping experience.

Ecwid sellers don’t have to worry about their checkouts. Apart from providing bank-level security and dozens of integrated popular payment methods (including Buy Now and Pay Later), Ecwid also offers a seamless one-page checkout with the option to customize checkout fields.

Ecwid stores provide smooth checkout experience

Pay Attention to Search Engine Optimization

Having a website doesn’t automatically guarantee traffic and sales. You need to optimize your site for search engines to drive consumers to your site.

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher on search engine results pages.

By implementing SEO best practices, you can increase your website’s visibility and attract more potential customers. These practices include:

optimizing product pages and meta descriptions with relevant keywords
connecting a custom domain name to your site
ensuring an SSL certificate is enabled
adding alt tags to product images, etc.

Ecwid takes care of some SEO tasks automatically to make SEO easier for online sellers. However, you can also improve SEO for your Ecwid store yourself to further enhance your website’s search ranking.

Opt for Responsive Design

More and more consumers are using their smartphones and tablets to shop online, so it’s important that your website is responsive and looks great on any screen size.

An online store should be easy to navigate on mobile devices

With Ecwid, you don’t need to worry about creating separate websites for mobile and desktop users. All Ecwid websites are optimized for mobile, and your website functions seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Perform Regular Updates and Maintenance

To keep your website running smoothly and avoid any technical issues, it’s important to perform regular updates. With Ecwid, all updates are done automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manually updating your ecommerce website.

Site maintenance includes checking for broken links or images and keeping up with the latest security measures. Regular maintenance prevents technical issues and provides a seamless user experience.

Now that your ecommerce website is up and running, it’s time to start promoting it and driving traffic to increase sales.

How to Sell Online by Driving Visitors to Your Site

Mastering the art of selling online requires a strategic approach. You don’t just list your products and wait for sales to come. You must actively promote your website and engage with potential customers to drive traffic and increase conversions.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to sell online.

Understand Your Audience

Understanding your target audience and their behavior is vital to creating a successful online selling strategy. Knowing your potential customers’ preferences and shopping habits will help you tailor your marketing efforts and product offerings.

To identify your target audience, ask yourself these questions:

Who is most likely to be interested in my products?
What demographics do they belong to (age, gender, income level, etc.)?
Where do they spend their time online (social media platforms, blogs, etc.)?
What are their pain points, and what needs are my products addressing?

This will help you develop detailed profiles of your ideal customers. Based on your target audience’s characteristics and behaviors, you can create targeted marketing campaigns and product offerings that resonate with them.

Using analytics tools helps gather data on your website visitors, such as their demographics, location, browsing behavior, and purchase history. Ecwid sellers can easily do that using built-in reports.

Use Ecwid’s reports to understand shoppers’ behavior better

Build an Email List and Get the Most Out of Email Marketing

When figuring out how to sell online, business owners often overlook one great tool — email.

Email marketing is cost-effective compared to other marketing channels and allows you to reach large audiences. That’s why building an email list should be part of your online selling strategy.

To build your email list, offer incentives such as discounts or exclusive content to encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter. Communicate consistently with your subscribers through informative and engaging newsletters promoting new products and special offers.

Segmenting your email lists allows you to send targeted and relevant content to specific groups of subscribers based on their preferences, behavior, and demographics.

If you sell online with Ecwid, you can send automated emails targeted at specific customer groups and personalized newsletters using integrations with email platforms like Mailchimp, Omnisend, and more.

An example of an automated email you can send to bring back inactive customers to your Ecwid store

Engage in Personalized Marketing

With personalized marketing, you can tailor your products and marketing strategies to specific customers’ needs and interests, enhancing their overall customer satisfaction and increasing your chances of making a sale.

Some ways you can personalize your marketing include:

Offering personalized product recommendations based on previous purchases or browsing history
Sending customized emails with product suggestions and discounts for abandoned carts
Creating targeted ads for different customer segments based on their interests and behaviors.

Personalization shows customers that you understand their needs and are offering solutions specifically tailored to them. This can help build strong customer relationships and increase their loyalty to your brand.

If you’re not sure how to sell online by implementing personalization, Ecwid has you covered. The Customers dashboard makes it easy to segment your customers for targeted marketing. It allows you to filter customers by location, customer group, purchase history, and more.

Filtering customers who made three and more purchases

Leverage Social Media

Almost every business owner’s first move when deciding how to sell online is to use social media. There’s definitely a good reason for that! Social media platforms can be powerful tools for showcasing your products and brand to a wider audience and driving sales in an interactive way.

There are two ways to drive traffic to your website using social media: organic and paid. Organic means using social media for free, such as posting content on your business page, sharing updates relevant to your products and niche, and engaging with followers.

Actively participating in social media discussions related to your industry is another way of organic promotion.

Paid methods include advertising on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to reach a targeted audience.

You can also use social media data to understand your customers’ content interests, what posts generate the most comments or shares, and what type of content leads to sales or website visits.

Drive Traffic with Paid Advertising

In addition to organic social media advertising, you can use other paid ads, such as Google Ads, to drive traffic and increase sales.

With Google Ads, you can target keywords related to your products, niche, and specific locations.

Ads on social media like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok can be highly effective in reaching potential customers who may not have heard of your brand before. These platforms also offer advanced targeting options to reach specific demographics and interests.

Paid ads usually come with analytics to track your ad’s performance and optimize future campaigns for better results.

If you’re wondering how to sell online by advertising your products, Ecwid has tons of options to leverage paid advertising for your online store:

Set up Google ads right in your Ecwid admin or launch them using apps from the Ecwid App Market.
Connect your Ecwid store to Facebook, implement the Facebook pixel to optimize your ad campaigns, and monitor the results.
Connect your Ecwid store to TikTok for simplified ad setup and have TikTok Pixel installed to help you optimize your ad campaigns.
Leverage Pinterest Tag and Snap Pixel to optimize your Pinterest and Snapchat ads.

As you might know, a tag or pixel is a little piece of code that helps you keep an eye on what visitors do in your store after seeing your ads. You get to see which pages they’re checking out, what they’re searching for, how many toss something into their cart, who goes through with a purchase, and more.

This info is super helpful for figuring out your conversion rates and tweaking your ad campaigns to score better results.

Aim for Multi-Channel Selling

When choosing how to sell online, it’s vital to consider shoppers’ behavior — and modern consumers shop literally everywhere.

As mentioned above, multi-channel selling means using multiple channels to sell your products, like social media, marketplaces, and your website.

Multi-channel selling benefits include reaching a broader audience and increasing brand visibility. It also allows customers to purchase from the channel they prefer, making it more convenient for them.

With Ecwid, you can easily integrate your online store with various platforms, from social media platforms to popular and niche marketplaces. Check out the podcast below to learn more about it.

Partner with Influencers

Partnering with influencers can also be a powerful strategy to boost online sales. Influencers often have dedicated and loyal audiences willing to consider any product or service they promote. Their audiences value their opinions, content, and the products they sell or promote.

Always consider partnering with influencers whose values and audience align with your brand. Influencers often have a niche or specific industry focus, making it easier to market your products directly to the right audience.

By partnering with influencers in your industry, you can reach a highly targeted audience that is more likely to purchase your products.

To avoid wasting money when partnering with influencers, check out our podcast on influencer seeding. It’s a practice where brands send free products for influencers to review and promote in exchange for their honest opinion.

Set up a Blog

Starting a blog and regularly publishing high-quality content on it can improve your website’s SEO, leading to higher visibility. A blog can also help you showcase your knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Offering valuable information can position your brand as an authority in the industry, helping you build trust and making you your customer’s first purchase choice. You can also add your blog posts to your newsletter, helping you make the most of both strategies.

Wondering how to sell online using a blog? Add Buy Buttons to your blog posts to let readers purchase your products directly from the blog. With Ecwid, it’s a piece of cake.

Learn more: Buy Button: 7 Ways to Sell Beyond a Storefront

Leverage Customer Reviews

Customer reviews and testimonials carry a lot of weight when it comes to building trust with potential customers.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or share their experiences on social media or review platforms like TrustPilot, G2, or Google Reviews.

You can also prominently feature these reviews on your website or product pages to highlight past customers’ positive experiences.

Choose from different layouts for your Customer Reviews section

In Ecwid, you can display reviews on your website using customer review blocks with different layouts. You can also collect reviews via automated emails or apps from the Ecwid App Market.

How to Retain Customers When Selling Online

Once you’ve implemented strategies to drive traffic and increase sales, it’s important to focus on retaining those customers for future purchases.

Retaining customers not only leads to more sales but also creates loyal advocates for your brand who will recommend your products to others.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Excellent customer service can make or break a business, especially when selling online, where customers cannot physically see or touch the products.

Respond promptly and courteously to any inquiries or complaints from customers. As mentioned before, adding a live chat to your website can also greatly improve customer service and satisfaction.

Additionally, consider offering perks like free shipping or discount codes for future purchases to thank loyal customers and keep them coming back.

Offer Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are a great way to reward customers for their repeat business. These programs offer incentives like discounts, free products, or exclusive benefits to customers who make frequent purchases.

An example of a points loyalty program

With Ecwid, you can create your loyalty program with the help of apps from our App Market.

Learn more: 10 Effective Loyalty Programs to Drive Repeat Purchases

Use Retargeting Ads

Retargeting ads should be a tool in every business owner’s arsenal, pondering how to sell online.

Retargeting ads are online ads that target customers who have already interacted with your brand, such as visiting your website or adding items to their cart.

By showing site visitors personalized ads, you can remind them of the products they are interested in and encourage them to purchase. This effectively brings back potential customers who may have abandoned their cart or website without purchasing.

In Ecwid, you can easily set up retargeting ads on Facebook and Google.

Offer Deals Based on Purchase History

Another way to retain customers is by offering personalized deals based on their purchase history.

Unsure how to sell online by leveraging customers’ purchase history? Here’s an example: if a customer has purchased a specific brand of coffee from your store, you can offer them a discount on that same brand or similar products in the future.

Offer discounts or promotions on products similar to ones customers have previously purchased, and you can increase the likelihood of repeat purchases and strengthen customer loyalty.

When someone buys something from your Ecwid store, Ecwid instantly sets up a personalized customer account for them. Later, you can sort these accounts into different groups and target them based on their purchase history.

Filtering customers who bought a specific product and are subscribed to marketing emails

Retain with Subscriptions

If you sell products that customers need to purchase regularly, offering a subscription service can be a great way to retain them. With a subscription service, customers can sign up for automatic deliveries of their favorite products, making it convenient and hassle-free for them to continue purchasing from your store.

An example of a "Subscribe & Save" promotion from the McNabb Microfarm store

If you’re wondering how to sell online with recurring payments, in Ecwid, you can easily set up subscriptions, as well as offer the "Subscribe and Save" model, which incentivizes customers to subscribe by providing them a discount on their purchases.

Be Strategic About Giving Discounts

Business owners often wonder how to sell online when sales are slow. It might be tempting to offer discounts frequently to boost sales, but this can actually do more harm than good for your business. Always be strategic about when and how you offer discounts.

For example, offering a special discount or promotion during holidays or significant events can grab the attention of potential customers. You can also use discounts to reward loyal customers or incentivize them to refer their friends and family to your store.

Another strategy is to run flash sales, which are limited-time discounts that create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to purchase immediately.

Remember, discounts should be used to boost sales in the short term, but not at the cost of devaluing your products or hurting your profit margins. Use them sparingly and strategically for maximum impact.

To Sum Up: Find Your Best Way to Sell Online

As we conclude this exploration of how to sell online, it’s evident that success in the digital marketplace requires a multifaceted approach. Your virtual storefront, represented by an optimized website, is the gateway to your brand’s world.

From there, the quality of your products and customer service become key to converting visitors into loyal customers. But to truly flourish online, it’s important to continually refine your strategies and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of ecommerce.

By implementing the online selling strategies listed in this article, your brand can not only thrive but also leave an indelible mark on the digital canvas, making a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of online shoppers worldwide.

If you’re looking to start selling online and need some ideas, here are some previous posts featuring popular and potential product ideas:

The post How to Sell Online: The Ultimate Guide for Business Owners first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

A Local Gift Shop to Global Omnichannel Sales: Silver in the City's Growth Strategy

victorialaurino — Tue, 07 May 2024 15:32:12 +0000

Silver in the City, owned by Kristin Kohn, is a boutique specializing in unique and whimsical gifts. The boutique strives to offer customers an exclusive gifting experience — where they can offer their loved ones thoughtful gifts from a local shop. From jewelry to houseware items, you will certainly find the ideal gift for any occasion. Silver in the City has 2 charming locations in Indiana and an online store.

Silver in the City flagship store in Indianapolis (US)

Silver in the City is very community-oriented. They actively collaborate with other small businesses in their neighborhood, supporting one another and growing the community. As a way of giving back, they’ve created the Silver Linings Fund, which Kristin mentions is one of the things she is most proud of. They contribute 1% of all sales to this fund, which works towards creating equal opportunities for BIPOC communities.

Ecwid by Lightspeed provides Silver in the City with its ecommerce solution that allows them to share their unique story and sell their products locally and globally online.

The Silver in the City team

Let’s dive into their ecommerce journey.

How Has Silver in the City Benefited From Ecwid?

The team shared with us some of the Ecwid tools they’ve implemented in their store and found the most valuable for their business.

Stronger Online Presence With Integrated Sales Channels

The biggest feature for me when I began using Ecwid was the built-in interaction through the sales channels. Kristin Kohn, Owner of Silver in the City

With Ecwid, Silver in the City easily promotes its store across different sales channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google. This helps to introduce their brand and products to new audiences.

Without these integrations, their marketing costs would rise pretty high, and it would be difficult to keep track of them all. However, with Ecwid, marketing initiatives can be executed directly from the platform, and the results are displayed on the dashboard.

Recovered 10% of Ecommerce Revenue With Automated Abandoned Cart Emails

10%: of total ecommerce revenue recovered in the last 30 days alone.

Recent studies show that the average cart abandonment rate is 70%. That means 70 out of 100 customers will add a product to their carts but then leave your website without completing the purchase.

Sending reminders about their abandoned purchases is a powerful incentive for them to finalize their transactions.

Ecwid detects abandoned carts for you and sends automatic reminders so you can recover that sale.

A customer abandonment email automatically sent to a customer who left items in their cart

The implementation of automated abandoned cart recovery emails has proven to be beneficial for Silver in the City.

Continuous Revenue With Pre-Orders

Silver in the City utilizes pre-orders for pre-made gift boxes and sold-out items in their store. Pre-orders are beneficial to build excitement for products that are soon to be launched or temporarily out-of-stock.

The pre-order feature has helped our store make continuous revenue and sales.

Silver in the City sells a wide selection of pre-made and customizable gift boxes in their boutique for special occasions like the holidays. People tend to shop early for the holidays, so having this product live in advance allows customers to secure their purchase before exploring other options. Customers can simply select their preferred arrival date and have it arrive right before the holidays.

Pre-orders also recently came in handy for one of their clothing items. During a local morning show, the host wore one of the hats sold at their boutique. This resulted in a surge of purchases, causing this particular hat to go out of stock. Luckily, they quickly activated the pre-order feature, and orders continued to flow, ensuring no revenue was lost during this period.

Modernized Store With an Intuitive Website Builder

Ecwid includes an enhanced website builder featuring a range of themes and designs for users to select. Silver in the City recently revamped its website using the new Instant Site functionalities, giving it a whole new appearance. The redesign not only modernized the look but has also improved user-friendliness, making navigation more intuitive. Check it out below.

Silver in the City’s eye-catching storefront on Ecwid

The website builder is great. I love to choose what happens when visitors click on another area or a specific page. Our website looks newer and more modern now. At first, we were hesitant to push our site live, as it just seemed too easy.

Ecwid comes filled with new features for personalized and targeted email marketing through popular apps like MailChimp.

Silver in the City leverages email marketing to engage with their customers and elevate their overall experience. They utilize Mailchimp to distribute promo codes and shared a feature they found particularly advantageous with us.

When sending promo codes through Mailchimp, customers can effortlessly apply them to their shopping carts with a simple click, saving time and boosting the likelihood of usage. "It takes a lot off the people’s plates," says Kristin.

Promo code sent through MailChimp

Tailored User Experience With Flexible Shipping Options

Ecwid has many shipping features that benefit our business and its values. Many of our customers are part of our local community, and it is very easy to cater to them.

Serving both local and out-of-state customers, Silver in the City takes advantage of Ecwid’s flexible shipping options.

With Ecwid, you can offer customers who live in closer proximity a lower shipping cost, while customers situated farther away are presented with a higher but fair shipping fee. You can also provide a pickup option exclusively for local customers, as Silver in the City does.

Additionally, Silver in the City grants customers free shipping if their order exceeds $75, which is a great way to help conversion rates.

Flexible shipping options on Silver in the City’s checkout page

We have the ability to set up custom rules for delivery and pickup based on the customer’s location. If they are within the radius, they can choose delivery or pick up, and their shipping cost will be lower due to the distance. This makes it easier to connect with our local customers and provide them with flexible shipping options.

Example of a destination zone Silver in the City can set up to offer local customers specific shipping rates and pickup options

Result: Greater Sales with Ecwid

Silver in the City is now generating more sales through its online business, thanks to Ecwid. With Ecwid’s comprehensive suite of features, Silver in the City has unlocked new avenues for growth and customer engagement in the competitive online marketplace.

The post A Local Gift Shop to Global Omnichannel Sales: Silver in the City's Growth Strategy first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Choose the Best Site Builder for an Online Store

Kristen Pinkman, Ecwid Team — Tue, 07 May 2024 03:03:00 +0000

Your online store’s success hinges on the foundation you set. For small business owners taking the plunge into the digital market, it means finding the perfect platform to build their ecommerce empire. But with a sea of site builders promising the moon, where does one start? And which choice ensures that your online presence is not just launched but thrives?

This comprehensive guide dissects the site-building process for small business owners looking to launch or revamp their digital storefront.

We’ll explore the best site builders in the market, including a deep dive into the bespoke Ecwid Instant Site, designed to cater to online retail’s demanding needs without coding complexities. Plus, we’ll uncover the virtues of integrating ecommerce into a custom site.

Ready to hit "publish" on your digital dream? Read on!

Why Use Site Builders for Your Ecommerce Journey

Before we launch into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand why opting for a site builder can benefit your online store.

Modern site builders are not just about dragging and dropping elements; they are scalable and offer immense flexibility. They handle the nitty-gritty details of hosting, domain management, and security, leaving you to focus on what truly matters — your products and customer experience.

For small businesses, the efficiency and affordability of site builders are unmatched. You can create a professional-looking site without an extensive investment in development or design. Updates are typically easy to perform so that you can adapt swiftly to the market’s demands.

Ready-Made Templates

Pre-designed website templates act as a framework that you can customize to fit your branding.

They take the legwork out of layout and web design so that you can quickly build off a pre-established format. Without a template, building a website can be a significant time investment with a hefty price tag.

Customizing a ready-made template is much easier than creating a site from scratch

Mobile Optimization

Site builders also work well because they offer mobile-friendly designs that accommodate the growing number of mobile users.

In January 2024, mobile devices (excluding tablets) accounted for almost 60% of global web page views. Data shows that mobile usage outpaced desktop usage — and it continues to do so. With this in mind, it’s important to approach web design with a mobile-first mentality to cater to the online preferences of your audience.

Hosting

Most site builders offer hosting as part of their packages — which means your website is securely hosted by the site builders’ servers, and you can purchase a custom domain.

The beauty of this is that you can often manage your website hosting right within the site builder — no need to go through an external channel that adds another step to the process.

Search Engine Optimization

If search engine optimization (SEO) is a priority for you, some site builders offer templates created with this objective in mind.

Choosing an SEO-friendly template makes it simple for you to optimize your site content and copy to help you achieve your optimization goals. Again — you get this benefit without having to hire external developers.

Affordability

Site builders are an affordable option for ecommerce retailers because they typically offer different pricing packages based on the size and needs of the business.

This allows business owners to select the pricing plan that best fits their budget and will enable them to select only the features they need.

It also creates an opportunity to scale the services of the site builder up or down as the business evolves.

While some online retailers may decide to hire a designer to help with elements of a website created through one of these platforms (like customizing a template, graphic elements, etc.), using a site builder can help make the process faster and more affordable as opposed to starting with a custom-made website from scratch.

Also: How to Create an Online Store Without a Website

Overview of the Most Popular Site Builders for Ecommerce

When it comes to site builders for ecommerce, one size does not fit all.

Numerous site builder options exist, but our attention will be on the more popular platforms consistently used to construct online stores.

Here’s a quick review of the most popular site builders and how they stack up.

Ecwid Instant Site

For those seeking a straightforward, user-friendly path to an ecommerce site, Ecwid Instant Site is a game-changer. It embraces a code-free build, ensuring that anyone can easily set up a polished, feature-rich site.

An example of an Instant Site

Ecwid Instant Site includes professionally designed layouts and content, as well as free pre-designed templates tailored to different niches, such as apparel, home, electronics, services, food, and more. It takes the stress out of decision-making, and you can easily customize the design and layout to match your brand’s unique visual identity.

Choose from 40+ site templates tailored to various niches

Ecwid Instant Sites are optimized for mobile and include a free SSL certificate, which is a must-have for online stores.

Plus, you can buy a domain through Ecwid, too, and it will be set up automatically — even less manual work for you!

Since Ecwid Instant Site was created with ecommerce in mind, it ensures that any site built through it comes with a built-in online store. So, you don’t have to use any integrations or add-ons to add an online store to your website — it’s already there.

Specializing in ecommerce, Instant Site integrates with nearly a hundred payment methods and effortlessly connects with shipping providers.

If you’re concerned about your site’s discoverability, Instant Site has you covered. Some SEO tasks are taken care of automatically, like website robots.txt files and sitemap.xml, alt-tags for product images, clean URLs for products, and more.

Best of all, since Ecwid Instant Site is free, you can experiment and build your site without any upfront costs. Plus, you can sell a limited number of products for free for as long as you like.

Learn how to create an ecommerce website using Ecwid Instant Site in the article below:

WordPress

WordPress powers an incredible number of websites on the internet, and its extensive plugins make it a go-to for many online sellers. The platform offers a high degree of customization and has a supportive global community.

However, its open-source nature can mean that the responsibility for updates and security falls squarely on your shoulders or your developer’s.

What if you prefer using Ecwid for your online store but wish to create your website using WordPress?

Ecwid seamlessly integrates with WordPress, allowing you to turn any WordPress website into an online store with just a few clicks.

An example of an Ecwid store integrated into a WordPress website

The integration connects your WordPress site to your Ecwid account so you can manage your whole ecommerce site in one place.

Also: Why I Use Ecwid for WordPress Ecommerce: Developer’s Review

Wix

Wix shines with its intuitive drag-and-drop builder that’s perfect for beginners. The Wix App Market offers a range of add-ons for ecommerce.

On the downside, the number of free apps is limited, and once you choose a template, you cannot switch to another.

Wix is also integrated with Ecwid, making it easier for Ecwid store owners to add an online store to their Wix website.

An example of an Ecwid store added to a Wix website

Weebly

Weebly is known for its ease of use and the free plan. Its robust ecommerce toolkit allows you to quickly set up an online store with support for digital and physical goods, inventory management, and payment options.

However, its SEO capabilities could be more extensive, which might be a drawback for businesses aiming to build a solid online presence.

An example of an Ecwid store added to a Weebly website

If you have an Ecwid store, you can connect it to your Weebly site, offering a simple way to add an online store.

Joomla & Drupal

More technical than the previous options, Joomla and Drupal are open-source platforms that offer high levels of customization and are suitable for medium to larger businesses.

While they give greater control, they also demand more know-how, and their learning curve might not be worth it for a small business owner just starting.

Ecwid integrates with both Drupal and Joomla to add an online store to your website built with these platforms.

Squarespace

Squarespace is lauded for its stunning design templates and user-friendly design features. It integrates well with third-party platforms for SEO and marketing but has limited payment gateways directly linked, which could be a hurdle for businesses catering to a global audience.

However, if this option appeals to you for your website, consider creating an Ecwid store and integrating it with your Squarespace site. By doing so, you will unlock access to the extensive range of payment options supported by Ecwid, which includes nearly a hundred different methods.

An example of an Ecwid store added to a Squarespace website

Strikingly

Strikingly is perfect for creating a simple website with ecommerce functionality. However, it might not be the best choice for complex websites because of its limited customization tools.

If you want to turn your Strikingly site into an online store, connect it with Ecwid and enjoy the benefits of both platforms.

Adding an Online Store to a Custom Website

While site builders offer convenience and a suite of ecommerce tools out of the box, some business owners may opt for a custom website with an integrated store. This route provides the most control and flexibility but at the expense of time and cost.

With a skilled developer, you can tailor every aspect of your online presence, ensuring it is unique and meets every specific requirement your business has.

Integrating ecommerce into a custom website allows for seamless design and user experience coordination. You can create a tailored ecosystem around your brand that stands out from off-the-shelf solutions.

This option is more popular among brands with an established online presence or those who foresee custom needs that a builder may be unable to handle.

If you decide to go this route, you can add your Ecwid store to a custom website as long as you can add custom codes to the site. This way, you can have the best of both worlds — a unique and personalized website with all the ecommerce features and capabilities provided by Ecwid.

Wrap Up

Selecting the best site builder for your ecommerce store is a decision that can shape the trajectory of your business. Whether you’re attracted to the convenience of an all-in-one service like Ecwid Instant Site or desire the comprehensive control of a custom site, it’s vital to match the platform’s capabilities to your business goals.

Consider your tech-savviness, budget, long-term vision, and any skilled individuals or agencies you can access. And don’t be afraid to test and learn — many platforms offer a trial period or a free plan — before committing. Remember, your digital storefront is not just a place to sell; it’s an online representation of your business, telling your story and connecting you to the world. Make it count.

For a quick, beautiful, and easily customizable option, consider the Ecwid Instant Site. It provides you with an array of user-friendly tools and ecommerce features for creating your online presence.

Whether you need a landing page about your brand, a straight-forward online catalog for B2B partnerships, a professional ecommerce website with an online store, or any other business objective — Instant Site caters to your needs.

The post How to Choose the Best Site Builder for an Online Store first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How Ecwid's Accessible Online Store Template Became a Hit

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 02 May 2024 10:43:54 +0000

The beauty of the digital marketplace lies in its potential unconstrained by physical boundaries. Shouldn’t accessing it be smooth sailing without any obstacles?

At Ecwid by Lightspeed, we recognize the importance of accessibility — that’s why our ecommerce platform follows standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.

It isn’t just about ticking a box for inclusivity — it struck a chord with online store owners.

One design template for Ecwid stores, in particular, proved to be a hit, thanks to its accessible design. Now, it’s the go-to option for entrepreneurs who want their stores to be both easy to use and open to everyone.

What Web Accessibility Means for Online Stores and Why It Is Important

Accessibility isn’t a feature; it’s a necessity. It acknowledges the spectrum of abilities and ensures that disabilities do not deter anyone from using digital platforms.

Common accessibility requirements relate to visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive abilities. This includes ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers for individuals with visual impairments or alternative keyboard navigation for those with motor disabilities.

It’s a common misconception that accessibility is needed only for individuals with permanent disabilities. It also caters to temporary impairments, such as having a broken arm or recovering from eye surgery.

An accessible website benefits all kinds of users. For example, a parent holding a baby would also benefit from a user-friendly interface that requires minimal use of a mouse or keyboard.

An accessible online store means reaching a wider audience and potential customers. It also promotes inclusivity and creates a more welcoming environment for all website visitors.

Common Guidelines for Ensuring Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a well-known law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. This also extends to the digital space, and many countries have their own set of accessibility guidelines for websites and online platforms.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is a widely used framework for creating accessible web content. It includes four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These principles cover a range of accessibility needs and provide specific guidelines for developers to follow.

Empowerment Through Accessibility

In 2020, the Lightspeed team volunteered to create an accessible, bilingual online shop for Summit School in Montreal, an organization that helps neurodivergent students reach their potential.

Then, when Lightspeed added Ecwid to their lineup, we teamed up and revamped the Summit School’s website, building a Summit Marketplace with Ecwid. The Summit Marketplace showcases the works of developmentally diverse artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs from Summit School.

The Summit Marketplace was built with Ecwid

As you might already know, Ecwid provides all users an Instant Site, a free ecommerce website with a built-in online store. There are various templates for Instant Sites tailored to different niches.

Creating an accessible website for Summit School inspired us to make a new Instant Site template.

As mentioned above, Ecwid was already ADA-compliant and checked all the boxes for the WCAG. So, what exactly did we decide to tackle this time?

Here’s a thing about accessible websites: incorporating accessibility features sometimes comes with sacrificing the aesthetic of the website. For example, balancing color, contrast, and font size can be challenging.

Also, WCAG tests can sometimes show mixed results, as in the example below. A button with black text is perceived as passing the test, yet in reality, it is more challenging to read than the same button featuring white text.

WCAG tests may occasionally yield inaccurate results

Simply following guidelines isn’t enough. Our aim was to develop a template that is not only accessible but also visually appealing, ensuring easy navigation without compromising the website’s aesthetics. We advocate for the idea that accessibility should also embody beauty.

At the same time, we believe that accessibility should not be sacrificed for aesthetics. Our template proves that it is possible to have both an accessible and visually appealing website.

Everything on the site, from the text size to how easy it is to get around, works for everyone. Now, it’s one of our most popular online store templates among all templates for Instant Sites!

One of our most popular Instant Site templates

By the way, the Ecwid ecommerce platform is accessible not just to customers but also to sellers. The Ecwid admin, where you manage your online store, is also designed with accessibility in mind. This makes it easier for business owners with disabilities to run their online stores efficiently.

Here’s what an Ecwid seller who happens to be visually impaired shared about running their Ecwid store:

"I would like to thank you very much for a great store that is convenient to manage for visually impaired sellers! And not only the website but also the app is available to you, which is not always the case!"

How Ecwid Ensured the Instant Site Template Is Accessible

Accessibility is not just about adherence to standards — it’s about real people encountering no barriers when engaging with online content. How did Ecwid achieve this?

High contrast template: Visual clarity was a priority, enabling users with impaired vision to quickly discern the text and other elements.
Prominent storefront focus: The layout was structured to highlight the products and storefront without unnecessary distractions or the need for additional scrolling.
Enlarged elements: Large images and fonts were employed not merely for aesthetic appeal but to accommodate users with visual impairments.

It’s important to note that all Instant Site templates are accessible. The template in question was designed with accessibility as the primary focus while also making it sleek and beautiful. The latter might be difficult to do when ensuring a site’s accessibility, as it can be easy to overlook design elements in favor of functionality. However, with our templates, we were able to achieve both.

How to Make Your Online Store Accessible

Implementing an accessible online store might appear daunting, but actually, it isn’t. It starts with selecting an accessible website template, like any of Ecwid’s Instant Site templates.

Here are some additional tips to make your online store more accessible:

Provide descriptive alt text for images: For users with visual impairments, alt text describes the image.
Include keyboard navigation and shortcuts: This allows individuals who cannot use a mouse to navigate your website using the keyboard.
Choose colors carefully: Avoid using color alone to convey information, as some individuals may have difficulty distinguishing between specific colors.
Announce accessible mode: Inform your customers that your store supports an accessible mode.

By choosing Ecwid’s pre-designed templates, you start with an accessible baseline. Customizations are welcome, but keep an eye on maintaining accessibility.

When creating a website from scratch, it’s important to consider accessibility for all users. This means starting with an accessible baseline using templates or guidelines such as WCAG, ADA, or equivalent standards.

But beyond these guidelines, it’s also crucial to understand the specific needs of your customer base.

For example, if your products cater to individuals with color blindness, the focus should be on providing strong contrast between button colors and text for easier navigation and purchasing.

The pictures below demonstrate why online stores catering to such shoppers need strong contrast between button colors and text to help them distinguish options and make purchases.

Here’s how the majority of people see colors

Here’s how people with protanopia (a form of color blindness) see colors

Similarly, if your target audience includes individuals with mobility impairments, ensuring easy navigation through voice commands can greatly improve their browsing experience.

Check your site regularly with tools like Google Lighthouse to see how accessible your store is. Continually assessing and improving things is critical to creating a welcoming online space for everyone.

Wrap Up

Ecwid’s accessible ecommerce platform is more than a win for a product; it’s all about making ecommerce easy for everyone. Ecwid helps online store owners get the most out of their business. More importantly, it ensures every customer can have a smooth shopping experience, no matter their abilities.

Remember, accessible design is not just about compliance — it’s about creating an inclusive and welcoming online space for all. So, don’t hesitate to take the initiative and make your website more accessible! Let’s work towards a digital world that is genuinely open and inclusive for everyone.

The post How Ecwid's Accessible Online Store Template Became a Hit first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Offer Discounts to Increase Revenue: Top Tools & Strategies

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:39:34 +0000

Smart businesses know that strategic discounting isn’t just a temporary rush — it’s a revenue driver that can revitalize sales figures and influence customer loyalty.

However, when discounting, there’s a fine line between boosting profits and devaluing your products or services. To make the most of this powerful revenue-generating strategy, it’s crucial to have a solid plan and use the right tools.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of offering discounts and shed light on how to spend less time managing discounts as a busy business owner. Read on!

Discounts as a Tool for Growth

Discounts are much more than a straightforward reduction in price. When employed strategically, they can be the driving force that injects a surge of sales into any business.

However, understanding the nuances of effective discounting is a must. It’s about finding the sweet spot that maximizes revenue without devaluing your products or alienating your brand.

Knowing when and how much to discount is essential for small business owners. Offering seasonal discounts, flash sales, and customer loyalty rewards are proven ways to stimulate customer spending. These promotions create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that nudges potential buyers to make a purchasing decision.

Big sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are significant for a reason — they represent concentrated opportunities for business growth. During these events, consumers are primed to take advantage of offers, opening the floodgates for potential sales. Planning your discount strategy around these events can yield substantial returns.

Last year in the US, 78% of consumers planned to shop during November sales events, a trend also seen in Canada, Poland, and Germany (Source: Statista)

How to Simplify Discount Management

While slashing prices can supercharge your promotions, navigating those discounts can be a real headache, especially for online shops juggling massive product catalogs or during the year’s craziest shopping frenzies like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Here is where Ecwid by Lightspeed comes in. Apart from providing sellers with a robust online store, it offers many business growth tools. That includes the rich tool set for discount promotions, such as:

sale prices
discounts based on order subtotal
discounts for specific customer groups
bulk discount pricing
discount coupons
advanced discounts.

Advanced Discounts are a game-changer for businesses with complex needs. It caters to growing stores that demand more control over their discount strategies and campaign management.

With features like quick rule setup and easy scheduling, Advanced Discounts simplify a process that can often be tedious and time-consuming. Let’s discover how:

Discount Management Made Easy with Ecwid

No matter how vast your product catalog or how packed your schedule is, it’s a breeze to set up and go with Advanced Discounts.

With just a few clicks, you can create sophisticated discount rules that resonate with your target audience, offering them the best value for money.

Save Time on Discount Setup

Create and customize discounts for your products or categories in a flash. The simple 3-step process has you covered, all in under a minute. Set discounts in absolute values or as a percentage.

It takes just three quick steps to set up an advanced discount

Set It and Forget It

Plan your discount campaigns and schedule your sales. Prices will automatically reduce at the start of the sale and return to their original amounts once the sale concludes. Set it once, and you’re all set to dazzle.

Schedule your sale with convenient date and time pickers

Keep Your Discounts Organized

Are you struggling to keep up with all the ongoing discount campaigns? Consider it done:

Easily tweak the rules for your discounts anytime, keeping your offers fresh and exciting.
Switch discounts on and off as needed, effortlessly reactivating them anytime. This feature is handy for sparking quick sales all year round without the hassle of setting up new discounts each time.

Easily manage all your discounts by editing or toggling them on and off as required

Using the Advanced Discounts feature effectively can lead to higher conversions, increased customer engagement, and ultimately enhanced revenue. It’s a dynamic tool that gives small businesses the competitive edge to succeed in an increasingly crowded online marketplace.

Ready to set up your first Advanced Discount? Check out these instructions from the Ecwid Help Center.

How to Offer Discounts without Going Broke

While discounts are a powerful tool, they’re not without risk. Offering too many discounts can negatively impact your profit margins and devalue your products in the eyes of consumers.

To leverage discounts effectively, consider the following strategies:

Start with Strategic Budgeting

To avoid a negative impact on profit margins, it’s a must to set a clear budget for discounting and stick to it. It means carefully considering the type and amount of discount you offer, as well as setting a time limit.

Offer Tiered Discounts

Implement tiered discounts, where the savings level increases with the purchase size. It incentivizes larger purchases, rewarding your most loyal customers with more significant savings, encouraging repeat business, and fostering a stronger customer relationship.

Pro tip: Implementing tiered discounts is an excellent strategy for introducing a loyalty program to your online store.

Run Time-Bound Promotions

Create urgency with time-bound promotions that encourage immediate action. This way, customers are more likely to make a purchase before the discount expires.

Offer Value Bundles

Pair complementary items to provide greater value to your customers. It helps you increase the average order value and promote the purchase of multiple products. This is a strategy commonly used by retailers like Amazon and Sephora, known as "bundle pricing."

If you sell online with Ecwid, you can offer product bundles via Upsell and Cross Sell Product Kit or Product Bundles apps from the Ecwid App Market.

Pairing complementary products enhances the appeal of discounted product bundles

Provide Selective Discounts to Certain Customers

Another way to mitigate potential risks is by offering discounts through targeted marketing efforts. This could mean sending personalized offers to specific customer segments.

For example, offering discounts to customers who have abandoned their cart or sending exclusive deals to customers who bought a specific product. (The latter works best with upselling or offering complimentary items.)

Pro tip: Use Ecwid’s Customers dashboard to segment customers by products bought, order count, total order value, and more.

Filtering customers who made three or more purchases

Discount Subscriptions Rather Than One-Time Purchases

If your business offers subscription-based services or products, consider offering discounts for subscriptions instead of one-time purchases. This can increase customer loyalty and provide a more stable source of income for your business.

Pro tip: Use Ecwid’s subscriptions to manage recurring payments and offer discounts on subscription plans easily.

An example of a "Subscribe & Save" promotion from the McNabb Microfarm store

Track Discount Campaigns Performance

It’s also essential to track the success of your discount campaigns. By analyzing data such as sales figures, customer feedback, and website traffic during a discount period, you can determine which discounts were most effective and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Pro tip: Use Marketing reports in Ecwid to track the performance of your promotional campaigns.

View the breakdown of sales sources in the Marketing reports

Wrap-Up: Use Discounts Strategically

Discounting isn’t just about cutting prices to get rid of excess stock. It’s a sophisticated system designed to foster customer relationships, drive traffic to your store, and, most importantly, increase revenue. The time invested in honing your discount strategies will pay dividends in the form of a more robust and profitable business.

With a firm understanding of your audience and the right tools — including Ecwid’s Advanced Discounts feature — you’ll be well on your way to achieving your sales goals and fostering a community of loyal, satisfied customers.

Take the next step in your ecommerce journey with Advanced Discounts, and save time on setting up and managing your campaigns.

The post How to Offer Discounts to Increase Revenue: Top Tools & Strategies first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.