It’s 2020 and the landscape of retail is changing dramatically. Consumers who used to regularly shop at brick-and-mortar stores have turned to online providers as a way to stay home and avoid the virus. According to the Common Thread Collective, e-commerce consumer sales rose 95.32% this year and don’t show signs of going down anytime soon.
This is great news for those who run online stores. Sites like Luxanest, where you can order home goods, and PetssKingdom; a one-stop-shop for all of your pet’s needs, are set to gain tons of traffic from the new generation of online buyers.
While the rise in online consumers is exciting, meeting the demand that comes with it can be stressful. So, how can you better manage your online store during this time? Check out these tips to manage your online store
Tip # 1- Dropshipping
Some online store owners are turning to a method known as Dropshipping to lighten their workload. Dropshipping allows owners to sell merchandise without purchasing inventory or handling shipping. Instead, when an order comes in, the supplier is alerted and ships the item directly to the consumer.
Essentially, the owner of the online store is the middleman between the supplier and consumer. AliExpress is a popular option that owners of e-commerce stores use to facilitate their Dropshipping needs.
Tip # 2 – Time Management
Your website is open 24/7 so you’ll need to create a schedule that allows you to tend to the needs of your site. Take control of your schedule by setting strict times for work-related activities and use that time to the fullest. Emails and other online communication will be the lifeline of your operation.
Make sure to set up a communication method to ensure you don’t miss an important message. One online store owner says she has 21 online stores and it takes her about 4 hours per day to check all her emails. As the owner of an online store, your day may run longer than the typical 9-5 job, but don’t overextend yourself.
Make sure to create balance in your schedule so that you don’t burnout.
Tip # 3 – Automate It
Automation will save you loads of time and energy. Automating essential duties like responding to emails, checking inventory levels, and tracking the progress of your orders can increase your productivity. Efficiency is crucial because it’s one of the main customer service qualities consumers will judge your store on.
If there is a lag in communication or shipment with just one order, it can reflect poorly on your site as a whole.
In the spirit of efficiency, adding a frequently asked questions or “FAQ” section to your site will allow customers to answer their own questions and may cut down the number of emails you receive on a daily basis. Check out the FAQ’s on Petsskingdom.com to get an idea of some questions you could use for your own site.
Tip # 4 – Use Social Media
There are many consumers online, but how can you get them to your site? One of the best ways to promote your product and manage your consumer base through social media. Luxanest’s Facebook page is a great example of how you can increase your reach and manage who you are targeting for orders. Currently, Luxanest has over 2,000 Facebook followers and another 2,000 that have “liked” the page. That’s over 4,000 potential customers! Instagram and Pinterest are also fantastic platforms that owners of e-commerce stores can use to build a bigger online presence and manage their target consumer base.
It’s About Working Smarter
In a nutshell, when managing an online store, you want to work smarter and make your life as easy as possible. Using methods like Dropshipping through AliExpress, automating your high-volume tasks, and advertising through social media can lighten your load tremendously. Your time and energy are important so take the necessary steps to conserve them.