4 must-use e-commerce sales channels

In this blog post, you will learn:

4 must-use sales channels
How to select the right ones for your business

E-commerce simply means selling in the digital space. Sales channels are channels you sell your products or services. So if you sell on Instagram, that’s a sales channel. The aim of having more than one sales channel is to ensure you are not missing out on customers who need your products or services. It simply means meeting your target audience where they already are. That you sell your wigs on WhatsApp doesn’t mean someone on Twitter doesn’t need a wig.

Now, what are the 4 must-use e-commerce sales channels that are necessary for your business with their pros and cons, and reasons you should choose them?

They are:

E-commerce Store
modern marketplaces
Mobile applications
Traditional marketplace

so, let’s get started!

1. E-commerce Store

An E-commerce store is a site where you can sell your products and services online. You can attach your preferred payment gateways to receive payment globally.

Pros:

You can sell anything to anyone around the globe with ease. Ecommerce store as a sales channel allows the sales process to be easily done.
You can also get your customers’ details. This way, you will get to know them better. It will answer the question, of how did they come by your site. It will let you know where to market your product.

Cons:

A consumer may get tired of the sales process if it’s not straightforward.
No matter your brand promise and reviews on your website, some customers may be skeptical to purchase

Recommendation:
An e-commerce store is very efficient. It simplifies the sales process. Every business ought to have an e-commerce store.

2. Modern Marketplaces

Modern marketplaces also known as social media platforms are the new business shops. Social media platforms are a great way to market your services directly to consumers. The average human consumption of social media is 2 hours 27 minutes according to a report by Oberlo.com and statista.com. Now imagine you have the attention of your consumer for 2 hours, how great will that be for your business?

Pros:

Social media is the new world, therefore your customers are there.
With the use of social media, you can meet your customers where they are. Compare to the physical store.

Cons:

According to nealschaffer.com, 93% of marketers use social media for their business. A business whose marketing isn’t done right may struggle to be known.
Missing out on the right platform and marketing on the wrong platform may affect your business.

Recommendation:
By all means, market your business on social media. Make your research and pick the right platform.

3. Traditional Marketplace

Amazon, Jumia, and Konga are examples of traditional marketplaces. A traditional marketplace is a platform where different businesses sell their products.

Pros:

It reduces cost as the platform caters to logistics and other services.
It takes away the cost of website hosting and maintenance

Cons:

You have to follow the rigid policies of the host.
It is highly competitive as a lot of businesses sell what you sell.

Recommendation:
While selling on a traditional marketplace may have its pros, it’s better to sell on your website. There, your loyal customers can buy from you. You can also be flexible with your policies as long as it aligns with your business.

4. Mobile Applications

Mobile apps are applications installed on our phones. According to heady.io, 57.5% of people prefer shopping in-app. This way, it personalizes the experience for your consumers.

Pros:

It personalizes the experience for your consumers.
Data of consumers can be acquired through signups.

Cons:

It is expensive to acquire

Recommendation:
Acquire a mobile application if you can, as consumers love it more, thereby bringing sales to your table.

How to select the right channels for your business

Know where your audience at.
Know where your competitors at.
What kind of products or services do you sell or offer?
What is your budget?

1. Know where your audience at

By researching your audience, you will get to know where they like to shop. As an e-commerce business, there are analytical tools and trackers to track where your traffic is coming from. Analytical tools such as Google Analytics and HubSpot marketing tools are a great way to start.

2. Know where your competitors at

Based on your competitive research, you can evaluate how well your competitors are performing on a platform. If they are performing well and engagement is high, you want to be there! Your audience will go for the visible brand even when your products and services are better.

3. What kind of products or services do you offer?

Are your products and services niched to specific people, or are they the everyday goods that almost everyone uses?

4. What is your budget?

If you are just starting, start with what will be convenient for you. Some sales channels are more cost-effective than other channels. When business is booming, you can then decide to wave into other channels.

Kool Kat Cre8 is a web and app agency that is in the business of making your target audience fall in love with your brand and bring sales to your table. Do you want to own a website that reaffirms your core values, and is loved by your target audience? Or an app that makes your users happy?