Running an online business is the dream for many people who want to take their lives into their own hands and work on their own terms. However, because so many people love the possibilities of online commerce, it is fair to say that there has never been more competition in just about every niche you can think of. That is why, if you want to run a successful e-commerce store, you really do need to make a big effort to stand out from the crowd.
Okay, but how exactly do you do that? Here are a few effective ideas:
1. Upgrade your images
If you are currently using stock photos or low-quality images of your products or on your social media feeds, then the one thing that will make the most difference to how your business succeeds, helping it stand out in all the right ways, is getting some more unique, professional images uploaded instead. Don’t worry if you do not have any photography skills or the time to create new images because if you take a look at these Soona reviews, you will see it is perfectly possible to outsource photo and video content creation to a third party that will deliver whatever you need quickly and in the best possible format for you.
2. Focus on social media
If you are not already doing so, then something else that will help your online store to stand out more is investing more time and effort into youtube socials. Most people who run online stores spend a few minutes posting ads for their products and little else. If you can do more, p[erhaps by posting funny memes or engaging with your customers, asking them questions, running contests, and letting them see how you all work behind the scenes, they will be far more engaged and far more in sync with your brand, and this will only make it more likely that they will choose your store over the myriad other options available.
3. Add more media
If your online store is all text and images, then you might not be making the most of your opportunities as you could. Sure, it is important, as we discussed, to have lots of high-quality images on your website, and it is also important that you have detailed descriptions of the things you are selling too, but these days, you can also use video product demonstrations and dynamic audio advertising to engage more senses and hold the customer’s attention more easily, so you really should make your e-commerce store as media-rich as possible if you want it to stand out from the crowd.
4. Focus on your unique value proposition
With there being so much competition in just about every niche you can think of, standing out is not always easy, but one thing that will make it a little less difficult is focusing on your unique value proposition. You can bring this to the table that no one else can. It could come in the form of anything from offering free expedited shipping as standard to offering a wider color choice than your competitors, work out what you can bring to the table and make an effort of shouting it from the treetops (metaphorically speaking) to ensure you stand out from the crowd.
5. Listen to your customers
In a saturated market, the importance of listening to your customers cannot be overstated. It’s not just about hearing what they say; it’s about understanding their needs, preferences, pain points, and even what they don’t say. By actively listening to your customers, you can gather insights that are essential for improving products, services, and overall customer experience. This helps to identify what’s working well and what needs tweaking to your online store, so you can make sure your e-commerce company stands out as being uniquely centered on the customer and what they need.
6. Delight your customers
Delighting your customers at every possible opportunity is a key way to help your online business stand out more. Most customers do not expect to get much more than a functional website when they are shopping online. When the website is more than functional, they get a personal experience tailored to them; when they get free returns, delivery, and free samples, they will take note. They will be much more inclined to come to you first when they need whatever it is that you happen to be selling.
7. Differentiate your brand
In a sea of e-commerce sites, standing out requires originality. Being unique and steering clear of generic templates can elevate a brand’s image, making even a small company exude the confidence of a Fortune 500 giant. Your products have a unique flair; why shouldn’t your website? Reflecting the individuality and creativity of your products in the design and content of your e-commerce site will engage customers more effectively. A tailored and distinctive online presence isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a strategic decision that sets you apart from the competition.
8. Shine a light on your customers
A good way to stand out and increase customer loyalty can be to showcase your customers. Interview them for a blog post about their favorite products, and put them on blast (in the best possible way) on your social media. Let them write opinion pieces for you or have a customer hall of fame where you post their picture on your website after they make a certain number of purchases. You can offer something interesting on your socials.
As you can see, it’s actually not that difficult to make your online store stand out more. You may need to change a few things around and think about your store in a new way, but it will be so worth it when your company is recognized for being the unique brand it is.
