Published on March 27, 2011 Shopping Cart Software that means business
With the Australian dollar at a record high against the US dollar, more of your customers than ever are going online to buy online. They might not be looking in Australia, but have you considered that’s because you’re not there to sell to them?
Australians buy online because of the variety of products and brands they can get overseas compared to what’s locally available, and to a certain extent the prices of those products as well. But they have to wait to receive those goods, deal with customs if those goods are over $1,000. If you’re an online Australian seller, you offer them local currency, faster delivery and less hassles with importing. But you do need to compete on price to some extent too.
If you’re up against large and well known international competitors online, here are some tips for marketing your online business:
- What are you good at that they’re not? You may have some special service that they don’t offer, special packaging, a gift service or something else that’s unique. If you can, make a big deal of this on the front page of your website. Use a rotating slider or front page image. When competing against a bigger and better funded competitor, you need to pick them off at what you do better than them, comparatively.
- Research your competitors. Read reviews about them. What do they not do so well? Where have people had problems? Can you do better? If so, promote it.
- Keep the customers you do get. An existing customer is easier to turn into a repeat buyer than paying to get a new customer.
- Compete on the total cost of purchase and not the product price.
- Compete on shipping times. They’re Australian, you’re not.
Shopping cart software that works for you
Think of your shopping cart software as part of your business and not just a software tool, as it’s not only your order taker, it’s your marketing vehicle too. How you present your products, and how professional your site looks can make all the difference. If you have business cards with one type of look and feel for example, you don’t want a completely different look for your website. If your website looks like your primary school child developed it, then your customers will think that your products are the same. The market is cut throat and you need the best shopping cart software with the most relevant features for how you do business if you want to survive. Put your best foot forward, and choose an ecommerce website that has power, Australian features, and a fantastic design that will wow your customers.
Own your space
Whatever you do, you are looking for a product and service offering that’s specific to you. That’s better than the equivalent from your competitors. If there’s one “killer” feature that you have, whether it’s the product, marketing or service, it gives your customers a reason to buy from you. Marketers call this your niche. You have an advantage selling online to offline due to lower overheads, but you’ll only survive if you promote your business and promote the right things.
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