An eCommerce store has become a major driver of retail growth and is expected to capture 17% of the market by 2023.
However, embracing digital commerce today comes with many challenges due to the ever-growing size and demand for online businesses. Most shoppers begin their purchase journey with online research, and 71% believe having an efficient and responsive marketplace is critical to a positive shopping experience.
By 2023, the Total Transaction Value (TTV) of digital commerce is projected to reach USD 4.5 million. To stay ahead of the competition, leaders must prioritize solutions for their eCommerce business’s core challenges.
E-Commerce Business Challenges And Solutions
Leaders worldwide are presented with numerous eCommerce difficulties while transitioning to digital commerce. Here are the most common eCommerce issues and their corresponding solutions that can help ensure success in building an effective eCommerce platform.
1. Customers’ Exploding Expectations
Retailers worldwide strive to build their reputation and create a strong brand image with the assurance of an excellent customer experience. In today’s modern world, where experience is paramount, it can take time for retailers to keep up with the expectations of customers spoiled by tech giants like Amazon and their advanced shipping methods. It is a major challenge for retailers to compete with these giants and meet the ever-evolving demands of their customers. Research shows that 86% of shoppers are willing to pay extra money for a better experience, while 89% will even go so far as to start their own business due to a bad experience.
Solution
To meet customer demands for an optimal user experience, brands should analyze their eCommerce trends and use this data to create personalized customer experiences. Make sure they feel seen and appreciated from the very beginning by sending them notifications or product updates that keep them engaged with your service.
2. Agility Challenge
Agility is the ability of an organization to quickly introduce innovations, produce and deliver digital content, and respond promptly to changing market conditions. It enables timely digital delivery, making it a priority for eCommerce operations. The successful implementation of agile transformation lies at the core of any effective digital business strategy. However, many companies need help to keep up with customer needs as they need help integrating new technologies with their existing systems, making it difficult for them to compete in the market.
Solution
Staying agile in eCommerce is essential for businesses to provide an enjoyable and tailored shopping experience. This means that companies must be able to adapt to changes across all platforms quickly, create personalized collections that captivate customers, and continuously generate new content. Doing so will ensure a successful online shopping journey for consumers.
3. Being Consistent
Creating a successful omnichannel strategy requires consistency. Customers often search on multiple platforms before making a purchase, so businesses must ensure they provide a consistent and smooth experience through each of their products or services. This can be challenging, as it involves analyzing customer interactions across all touchpoints and leveraging them to get the best results for the customer. Fortunately, there are strategies, and tools retailers can use to make this happen.
Solution
Brands should strive to ensure that their online platforms are as streamlined and consistent as possible. This will involve optimizing search options, streamlining shopping pages, and providing clear shipping information. They must ensure the quality of their products, delivery times, and distribution procedures are all up to standard. By taking these steps, they can create an enjoyable and seamless shopping experience for their customers.
4. Data Security
Securing your eCommerce business is essential for its success. With more and more people taking advantage of online shopping, security threats have become a major issue. Cybercriminals attempt to infiltrate hosts, seize confidential data, and introduce malicious software. There have been increased incidents involving compromised credit and debit card information, leading shoppers to question the security of eCommerce sites. Phishing scams also attempt to deceive customers into disclosing sensitive information. With these concerns in mind, companies must ensure they properly protect their customers’ identities and transactions.
Solution
To protect the business and its customers, businesses that operate in the digital space must prioritize security. Establishing secure protocols such as HTTPS, using reputable payment processing systems, and earning PCI DSS accreditation are all important steps for preserving brand integrity and creating a loyal customer base. Additionally, firewall software and plugins can help prevent suspicious activity and guarantee that the website’s traffic is secure.
5. Technology Partnerships
Partnerships between tech companies and eCommerce businesses are becoming more commonplace. When two organizations come together to create a successful end product, trust, transparency, and communication must be prioritized above all else. However, the risk of this strategy often lies in the need for more expectations or understanding of the scope at the outset leading to an unsuccessful collaboration. Yet, when done right, outsourcing to a larger pool of talent and technology can yield great results. Before beginning this partnership, it is essential to factor in all the potential costs.
Solution
Business leaders should carefully consider their options when searching for the right eCommerce web development company to collaborate with. Clutch provides reviews of software development companies from around the world, making it easier to find an outsourcing partner. It’s essential to thoroughly research the company’s portfolio and expertise before making a decision. Furthermore, open communication about project expectations and the company’s understanding of modern solutions such as agility and digital transformation will help ensure that the right choice is made.
6. Customer Retention
Even some well-known eCommerce players need help to keep their customers. The reasons behind this could be varying customer expectations, the presence of similar alternatives, inadequate delivery of shopping experience, and more attractive deals and discounts on other platforms. Customer loyalty has a direct bearing on the success of any business, and no matter how small the mistake, it can easily tarnish the brand’s reputation. Businesses need to realize that establishing long-term trust with users requires a consistent and rewarding relationship which can be achieved by leveraging different communication channels.
Solution
Creating meaningful customer relationships takes hard work and dedication beyond just transactional exchanges. Companies must strive to provide a strong experience on their website while engaging consumers in more personalized communication. An emotional connection builds customer loyalty – and businesses should focus their efforts on forming that bond. A well-crafted customer retention strategy can be extremely effective, transforming customers into advocates and expanding the brand’s reach.
7. Relevant Leads
Attracting good website traffic may be achievable through various marketing tactics, but converting those visits into actual customers is different. Reports have shown that the average conversion rate for eCommerce sites in the United States is around 2.57%, indicating that many businesses need to reach and engage their target audience with the right message about their product or service. This often leads to wasted effort in turning visitors into customers without success.
Solution
An effective SEO strategy can increase the ranking of web pages and reach out to customers actively searching for certain products. Furthermore, running Pay Per Click (PPC) ads on Google Ads can ensure that accurate information about the brand is spread, thus attracting an audience with specific intent or interest. To maximize success, marketers should continuously employ follow-up strategies such as email marketing, automated campaigns, and personalized emails to connect with prospective leads.
8. Cyber-security
Cyber security is essential for e-commerce due to the potential losses caused by cyberattacks. Not only could a breach compromise your customers’ data, but it could also lead to financial losses and damage your company’s reputation. It’s important to take measures to protect your data and customers to maintain trust and continue successful operations.
Solution
Put together a cyber security policy for everyone in the organization to adhere to. This will ensure that important tasks don’t slip through the cracks. When sourcing a new e-commerce platform, consider the various security features available such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, real-time threat alerts, and compliance features. These measures will keep your customers safe and address any compliance requirements.
9. Omni-channel experience
Omnichannel e-commerce allows customers to have a smooth and consistent online shopping experience, regardless of their digital device or platform. This is becoming increasingly important as research shows that 73% of online shoppers use multiple channels when making purchases. A great benefit of offering an omnichannel strategy is ensuring your brand’s messaging is consistent across all channels. This helps to create a unified and recognizable brand experience.
Solution
When a company embarks on an omnichannel strategy, more than the existing technology may be required to support it. To ensure success, it is crucial to team up with the most suitable partners in logistics, shipping, and e-commerce. Having reliable partners is key for the implementation of an effective omnichannel strategy.
10. Voice-search
Voice-enabled search has gained tremendous popularity in recent years and is expected to continue increasing as more products become available online. This makes perfect sense when you consider that many voice searches are done while people are on the move or exploring new locations and businesses.
For instance, if someone wants to find the best ice cream corners in Chicago, they would be looking for the best quality. If you own an ice cream shop in that city, you must incorporate your location into your keyword optimization strategies. It is essential to understand users’ intent when optimizing keywords in this way.
Solution
When it comes to search engine results, the semantic strategy takes into account the context of the user’s query rather than simply relying on the exact words. Modern search engines are more sophisticated and attempt to understand user intent and behavior to make the interaction between them and their users more natural. This is achieved through programming algorithms that include concept matches and synonyms, among other things. To ensure that you cover all possible ways of asking a question, use varied terminology, including different synonyms for keywords and phrases.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: What Is The Importance Of An Omnichannel Strategy?
A: An omnichannel strategy ensures that your brand’s messaging is consistent across all channels, creating a unified and recognizable brand experience. It also allows customers to have a smooth and consistent experience when shopping online, regardless of their digital device or platform.
Q: How Can I Optimize Keyword Searches?
A: To ensure that you cover all possible ways of asking a question, use varied terminology, including different synonyms for keywords and phrases. Additionally, modern search engines are more sophisticated and attempt to understand user intent to make the interaction between them and their users more natural. Take advantage of this by incorporating context into your keyword optimization strategies.
Q: What Is The Best Way To Create A Secure E-Commerce Experience?
A: Implementing cyber security measures such as two-factor authentication and encryption, as well as using a platform like Shopiroller, are all great ways to ensure a secure e-commerce experience for your customers. Additionally, ensure you are up to date with the latest security protocols and stay informed about potential threats. By doing this, you can safeguard your business and customer data from malicious attacks.
Q: How Can I Improve Customer Relations?
A: An effective way to improve customer relations is to use personalized email campaigns. This allows you to reach out to your customers individually, allowing them to feel valued and appreciated. Providing helpful information such as product reviews and how-tos can help build trust in your business and create a sense of loyalty among existing and potential customers. Utilizing these strategies can help you create a positive customer experience.
Q: How Do I Make Sure My Business Is Competitive?
A: To stay competitive, utilizing the available technology and strategies is important. Solutions such as personalized email campaigns, cyber security measures, an omnichannel experience, and optimized keyword search are essential tools to have in place. Using these tools, you can create a seamless and secure e-commerce experience, allowing your business to stay ahead of the competition. Try Shopiroller to get started today!
Q: What Are Some Other Ways To Optimize My E-Commerce Store?
A: There are many other ways to optimize your e-commerce store. Utilizing SEO and content marketing strategies, setting up analytics tracking, utilizing social media platforms, providing product reviews, and optimizing page loading speeds are all excellent ways to ensure that your store is optimized for success. Implementing live chat support can provide customers with an improved shopping experience by offering them quick and reliable customer service. By taking advantage of these strategies, you can ensure that your store stands out from the competition.
Q: How Do I Promote My Business Online?
A: Promoting your business online involves many tactics, such as content marketing, social media advertising, email campaigns, and search engine optimization.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, overcome ecommerce challenges, e-commerce marketers should utilize the available technology and strategies to stay competitive. Solutions such as personalized email campaigns, cyber security measures, an omnichannel experience, and optimized keyword search can help ensure that you are setting your business up for success. With these tools and techniques in place, you can take your business to the next level. Try Shopiroller to create a seamless and secure e-commerce experience – start selling today!
