4 Ecommerce Strategies to Boost Sales in 2021

The infamous 2020 is almost over and everyone hopes that 2021 will finally bring some good improvements, for a change. The global pandemic has hit everyone pretty hard. Both consumers and businesses are feeling the consequences of lockdowns and restrictions.

The good thing is that the eCommerce sector is still flourishing. The main reason is that even more consumers are shopping online these days. However, it’s no time for online stores to rest easy. It’s safe to say that this trend will continue on in 2021 until the pandemic issue is finally resolved. 

What that means is that the eCommerce sector will also be more competitive than ever. That’s why it’s of vital importance for online stores to start focusing on boosting sales. Although there may be more opportunities in the following year, eCommerce businesses must still convince consumers to buy from them. With that in mind, here are a few eCommerce strategies to boost sales in 2021. 

Focus on Retaining Customers

It’s no secret that a lot of businesses have suffered significant losses during the 2020. Today, it’s difficult to muster a budget that will allow you to efficiently acquire new customers. On that note, it costs around six to seven times more to acquire a new customer than it costs to retain one. 

Therefore, you should focus on retaining the customers you already have. The main reason is that repeat customers oftentimes spend up to 67% more than new customers. You want to recover your losses before you consider acquiring new customers. That said, treat your existing customers well. 

After all, they are in a tough position as well so treating them with gifts, rewards and discounts will encourage them to remain loyal to your store. Although consumer purchasing behavior hasn’t changed per se, their circumstances did so you’ll have to adjust your customer retention strategies accordingly. 

Focus on Customer Experience

Customer experience has always been a vital factor in boosting sales. Now, this factor is more important than ever. With online shopping being the only choice for the time being, providing exceptional customer experience can mean the difference between boosting sales and going bankrupt. 

Whether you’re focusing on new customers, existing customers or both, providing them with the best experience possible should be your top priority. After all, satisfied consumers are more likely to buy from you. Here are a few things you can do to boost experience and thus boost sales: 

• Optimize your pages
• Provide the best customer service and support that you can 
• Introduce more payment options
• Provide a simple check-out process
• Enhance your website content 
• Include more personalization

Polish your Supply Chain

Nowadays, it’s of vital importance that eCommerce stores don’t suffer any more losses than they already have. It’s crucial that you keep your head above the water in these trying times. That includes polishing both your relationship with customers and your supply chain.

Fortunately, technology allows you to focus on both of these factors at the same time. With an efficient MRP software at your disposal, you can manage everything from manufacturing to customer relations from a single platform.

For example, eCommerce businesses are required to follow rules, regulations and procedures regarding health and safety standards to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Your software solution can help you remain compliant with these regulations seamlessly. It can also consolidate all your efforts into a single solution, which will allow you to make the best out of your time and resources, thus optimizing your sales in accordance with your business needs. 

Work on Improving Visibility

As mentioned before, the eCommerce sector is becoming increasingly competitive due to the global pandemic. In order to boost sales you will have to work on your online visibility so that you can combat the increase in competitiveness. 

Consumers may have limited options nowadays but the ultimate choice is still theirs to make. That’s why you must be easy to find and easy to reach. Otherwise, your target audience may decide to buy from someone else. Here are a few things you can do to boost your visibility and availability: 

• Invest in SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Launch a PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaign
• Optimize for mobile search
• Optimize for voice search
• Use omnichannel marketing
• Be active on social media

A good example of becoming more available to consumers and ultimately more visible is mobile and voice optimization. This trend stretches beyond the pandemic but, nowadays, consumers are more likely to use their mobile devices and voice assistants to browse products and services online. That said, mobile commerce is expected to rise to 72.9% in 2021.

With 2020 almost gone, people are not really sure what to expect from 2021. The only thing that is certain is that eCommerce businesses must prepare for the worst while expecting the best. The only way to ensure that you’ll survive in the market is to find a reliable way to boost your sales.