Curious about ecommerce? If your business is thinking about launching an online store, it pays to get a better understanding of the benefits of operating in the digital commerce landscape. Here’s what you should know about successful ecommerce implementation and how to start the journey from pre-implementation and planning through post-launch.
“Ecommerce implementation.” If the phrase sounds a bit imposing, you’re not alone. Many business owners struggle to wrap their heads around the steps needed to successfully transition a business from brick-and-mortar to an ecommerce model. But don’t let fancy-schmancy words obscure your vision of building a bigger, better — and more profitable — business.
While moving your business online requires thoughtful strategy and planning, the advantages of ecommerce implementation are absolutely worth going along for the journey. After all, what business owner wouldn’t want to open shop 365 days a year?
Rapidly changing consumer demands and a new era of convenience have upended the business industry, especially on the heels of the pandemic. According to stock market exchange NASDAQ, roughly 95% of all purchases are predicted to be made through ecommerce channels by 2040 and is already driving revenues on par with in-person sales. That’s great news for business owners who are focused on seizing new opportunities for driving growth and revenue for their brands. In fact, there’s never been a time like the present to get on board the ecommerce train.
That said, implementing an ecommerce platform for your business isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. There are serious business considerations and steps that need to be taken into account long before you’re eyes light up with dollar signs.
Still curious about ecommerce implementation? Let’s take a look at what you should know about ecommerce implementation and how to start the journey from pre-implementation and planning, all the way through a successful post-launch.
What is ecommerce implementation? A journey toward opportunity
Ecommerce implementation enables business owners to take advantage of exciting growth opportunities. In its most common use, ecommerce implementation is defined as the process of launching, updating, or maintaining an ecommerce website store.
It includes all of the steps in the process from pre-implementation planning, to choosing the best ecommerce software platform, to customer acquisition and retention strategies, to establishing key metrics and optimization, and business analysis — everything business owners need to help them scale their brands online.
Roughly 95% of all purchases are predicted to be made through ecommerce channels by 2040
NASDAQ
Advantages of ecommerce implementation
There’s nothing worse than driving over to a business and seeing a “Closed,” neon sign when you walk up to the door. With ecommerce, your hours of operation or location are no longer barriers to making sales. Having an ecommerce platform to serve as your digital storefront is all you need to take advantage of late-night shoppers, weekend errand warriors, or urgent purchase requests — and it can all be taken care of right online.
Before we jump into how to launch an online business, it’s important to understand the benefits of ecommerce, and other reasons why you might want to jump in with both feet. We think you’ll find a whole world of opportunity waiting.
Connect with existing customers — and reach new ones
When you launch an online store, you make your business available 24 hours a day. While personal relationships with customers are vital to the credibility and reputation of your brand, having the ability to grow your brand recognition and reach new customers from all over the globe is key to its long-term sustainability. And because ecommerce platforms collect a trove of customer data, you can get smart about how products and services are performing, easily view sales numbers and average order volume, and launch targeted marketing to win customers’ brand loyalty over time. All of this = new revenue opportunities.
Create ease and convenience
Looking to woo customers? Turn your ecommerce store into a delightful shopping experience. Whether your customers are DTC or B2B, today’s customers expect simple site navigation, relevant search results, updated product information, transparent pricing, secure payments, and fast shipping. Add a layer of award-winning customer service, and you’ll have customers increasing order volume and returning to your online store time and time again.
Collect real-time feedback and data insights
Owning an ecommerce store allows businesses to keep an eye on buyer behaviors and habits — and turn those findings into actionable insights. By analyzing the data collected from your ecommerce platform, you’ll be able to view key metrics such as order history or volume, or audience demographics to monitor your store’s performance. You’ll also be able to collect real-time feedback to help gauge customer sentiment of your brand. If something isn’t working, it gives you the direction to improve areas of your business, keeping customers in your old.
Bring Clouda along for your ecommerce implementation journey
When you’re gearing up to launch an ecommerce store, there’s no question: You’ve got to have a plan. If you’re transitioning your brick-and-mortar business online, updating an existing ecommerce platform, or switching ecommerce vendors, Clouda can guide you along the process.
As a leading ecommerce implementation agency, Clouda’s team of experienced engineers can assist you with everything from pre-implementation and planning through to post-launch, ensuring that you’re on track with the right ecommerce platform, the best ecommerce features to delight your customers, and the highest-functioning website to protect buyer privacy, security, and the reputation of your brand. Learn more about how we can help you create an ecommerce implementation roadmap today.
