We always say that we are the one-stop shop for entrepreneurs in e-commerce. Because you obviously can't be an expert in every facet of the chain, we work closely with our partners. Today Maarten Princen of communication agency Expliciet.be writes a piece about the importance of the right communication when you start your webshop. Because it won't work without it. (Bart - BME)
A high-traffic, popular web shop? We have to disappoint you, it doesn't appear like magic. Investing in communication is the key to increasing the number of visitors! Because let's face it, a shop that is not visited is like a flower store in the desert. So how best to go about it? Don't hesitate, we will put you on your way.
Unlike in the past, it takes a lot more effort to get noticed as a web shop these days. In the early years of the web, it was simple: you made a website and visitors found their way there on their own. Since there were considerably fewer sites, it was also a lot easier to be found by potential customers. Compare it to the convenience store on a quiet village street. Everyone knows how to find the store for a quick or small errand.
Today, unfortunately, that is a different matter. Our quiet village street has become a busy shopping street, and our neighborhood store hardly stands out among all the big chains. Well, the same goes for the digital landscape. Webshops are sprouting like mushrooms these days, and if you google a simple product, you will find an oversupply of buying options. Consequence: standing out becomes a feat. It has never been so difficult to stand out from the crowd.
But, don't panic! Solutions to this problem do exist. Even more, are you going to combine these solutions? Then the chances of not being seen become very small!
1. Content is king
Content marketing? We're sure you've heard this term blown somewhere before. This form of communication is all about bringing fun, useful, interesting content instead of the completely irrelevant commercial rant. Come out with your business by providing your target audience with stories, tips, facts,.... Create value for your customer. For example, have you thought about publishing your own magazine? Or considered starting your own youtube channel? Indeed, the choice of media to engage is endless: from a more traditional Facebook page, newsletters, your own blog to your own newspaper. You decide! The more active you are (read: the more interesting content you distribute and the more media you use), the more likely you are to get noticed by potential customers.
2. Online advertisements
Highlighting your website? Online ads can give you a firm hand in this regard. Choose the ad networks of social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.), banner campaigns on high-traffic websites or use Google Adwords and watch the number of visitors grow by the day. The big advantage of online advertising? Potential customers are sniffing your digital store shelves in one click. Plus, it's easily measurable and you often only pay per click. Which type of ad/media you best choose depends entirely on your product and target audience. For example, are you selling fun, trendy sweaters to a youthful target audience? In that case, it is better to ignore the "serious" LinkedIn and opt for a visual and emotional medium: Facebook.
3. Offline ads
Anyone who thought the days of offline advertising were over is wrong! In an increasingly digital world, this form of advertising is still effective. More than that, jump out of the bandwagon by resolutely opting for offline advertising, unlike everything else. From advertising on buses and in newspapers or magazines to placing wall signs or ads on bus shelters, we promise: you will definitely see the number of visitors to your website grow!
You see, with numerous solutions at hand, it is no longer impossible to put your webshop in the spotlight. It is important to select the right media, always taking into account your product and your target group. After all, if Nemo can be found in a vast ocean, your website can easily be noticed in the vast sea of websites.
