Pivoting to E-Commerce to Survive in the New Economy

In March 2020, the world we took for granted changed seemingly overnight.  With a pandemic ramping up throughout the world, a national emergency was set in place that would restrict business hours, occupancy rates, and limit indoor business for the unforeseeable future.   Americans everywhere took on varying levels of “stay-at-home” protocol that altered shopping and eating habits. Those businesses with a keen eye and ability to pivot from in-person to e-commerce sales have successfully navigated through the turbulent times and continue to prosper in the new world.

There’s no end in sight for the trend towards online shopping.

As early as April 2020, Forbes reported substantial growth in E-Commerce as a result of COVID-19.  According to Senior Contributor, Louis Columbus, “U.S. retailers’ online year-over-year revenue growth is up 68% as of mid-April, surpassing an earlier peak of 49% in early January.”   In June, Small Business Trends reported 87% of Americans are now shopping online, with 64% replacing their typical weekly shopping trips with online orders.

Just this month, Digitalcommerce360 shared results of a survey conducted in July of 5,000 shoppers in North America and Europe.  Consumers were asked about their shopping intentions after the pandemic concludes.  Their results were surprising with nearly 40% indicating a desire for a mix of online and in-person shopping, and nearly another 30% saying they will continue mostly online shopping.  Only 24% indicated a preference to return to in-person/in-store shopping.

How can local businesses compete in an online world?

You don’t have to be a large business to have an online e-commerce store.  Our team at Paradux Media Group can help you create an e-commerce strategy by evaluating your in-person business and construct a plan to launch an online shopping site accessible from your website.  Here are just a few ways we can help your small business pivot and take advantage of these heightened trends for online shopping:

• You don’t need to know how to use an online shopping platform. Our team can create the shopping site, photograph your product, and fill it with content.  All you have to do is be ready to accept payments and fill the orders.
• A great way to share information about your products and services is with a regularly updated blog. Blogs share your expertise with the world and invite consumers to try your products.  Our team can provide your site with new content regularly.
• Quality photography of your products and services is key. When selling online, it’s critical your product look its best from a computer monitor or mobile device.  Our team is experienced at taking just the right shots to make your product look irresistible.
• Consider using non-traditional platforms to attract buyers. Today, consumers learn about products and services from Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube.  Our team can work with you to produce attractive videos and social media posts to get attention to your product and direct shoppers to your online store.

Does all of this seem confusing?  We’ve got your back!

A benefit of working with Paradux Media Group as your marketing agency is that you have a team of experienced professionals at your side to make your job easier.  We are committed to your success.  Simply contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help your business achieve success.