When starting small, you'll feel intimidated because you'll be facing larger companies. You don't have ad budgets as big as large e-commerce companies, nor the influence needed for customers to trust you. However, small businesses also have a decent space in online. So, don't get frightened by larger companies because if you know what you are doing, you'll have to be recognized online in no time.
Here are some tips on how to compete against larger e-commerce companies:
Design a better website
A beautifully designed website attract customers because it is easy on the eyes, easy to navigate, and is logically set up to provide optimum customer experience. Present your content in such a way customers want it - free from clutter. Invest in better in-page search engines to make it easier for customers to search for your products.
Know your customers
Since your business is small, you will likely have a smaller customer base. Be sure to know what your customers want in your business. Conduct a survey or ask them personally about what products they want to buy from you? Ask them what else they will be buying if you are selling. Keep yourself informed like how competitive your prices are, or how valuable your service to them is.
You can also use web analytics tool like Google Analytics to learn what your customers want in your site and what they did to get there.
Boost customer loyalty
Smaller retailers must focus on building customer loyalty to improve their retention and increase your chance against larger competitors. Make connections, offer discounts, or just be nice to your customers. Remember that it cheaper to resell to existing customers than acquire a new one.
Spread the word
Do you have a new product to sell? Items that are on stock? Or do you have discounted products or services? Then spread the word online. You may have the best discount in your market but if people don't know about it, how will they take advantage of your offer? Send out emails to your customers, tweet about it or update your Facebook status. You are not just creating a buzz, but also communicate to your customers thus develop stronger relationships with your customers.
Provide contact information
Provide phone number or offer any means of interaction so customers can contact you any time of the day. Provide office hours so they'll know when to contact you and stick to talking to them during these hours. Make yourself available to answer these questions and if there is a problem, try to solve these issues as fast as you can.
Add an "About Us" page in your website so shoppers will know that there are actual people managing their order and managing the store.
Watch your budget
You can't afford to be in crisis at the start of your business. Watch your margins and monitor your campaigns, staff costs, shipping costs, and remember to invest conservatively. Make sure to have a cash for your emergency funds and a decent cash to gather business opportunities.
