November 13, 2024

3 Powerful E-Commerce Strategies to Skyrocket Your Sales This Year

By Jason Dailey

Are you taking advantage of everything e-commerce can do for your business?

In this article, Jason Dailey, CEO and Founder of Brandography, a digital marketing agency with expertise in outdoor sports, explores how retailers and brands can take advantage of e-commerce channels.

Interested in learning more about e-commerce trends and their opportunities for your business? Read the first article from Jason Dailey titled “E-Commerce Trends Every Retailer Should Know.”

E-Commerce Changes to Make Next Year

Use these tips to effect change that gives your business the upper hand both in online spaces and locally.

1.) Maximize your E-Commerce platform

Most website platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.) have built-in tools and functions. You can make front-end and back-end changes to leverage your platform so you can get the most out of your system. These changes include:

Account History. Help people see what they bought! If they have an account, you know how to remarket and retarget those people. Amazon is a great example of this. In your account, you can easily look at sizes and models of past purchases. Now that you’re back on the site, you’re in the perfect place (and mindset) to start shopping.

Abandoned Cart Tools. If people are leaving, you can use a pop-up offer and follow up with an email. (Fleet Farm does this really well!)

Integrated Emails to the Shopping Process. Email is a great way to connect with your customers. You can customize emails based on audience segments. Think about a jewelry store. Marketing to someone who bought a Rolex versus an engagement ring will benefit from two unique approaches in everything from content to design.

2.) Increase your List and Leverage it Often

Your list is vital to your growth. Be proactive about acquiring potential customers and new prospects. As you nurture your list, always provide value to your customers; don’t just ask for sales. This value can be in the form of promotional, educational or even include entertainment!

A note: Be wary of too many promotions—the more often you offer those, the more you train your customers to wait for the next discount. Make sure you’re leveraging your list in a way that extends beyond deep discounts.

Finally, use this marketing as a place to show off your personality! This can be a great way to nurture brand loyalty and keep those customers coming back.

3.) Start using SMS

Short Message Service (SMS) is one of the fastest channels for increasing engagement, with open rates as high as 97-98% (much higher than email), making it a highly effective tool for time-sensitive notifications—order updates or flash sales. As a more immediate mode of communication, it’s a good channel for urgent information, such as abandoned cart reminders or sales alerts. Because it’s easy to personalize, SMS is a great way to make your customers feel valued!

SMS is a relatively low-cost channel with a high ROI, making it an affordable way to boost sales while maintaining strong connections. If you haven’t used it before, I highly recommend trying SMS; otherwise, you may miss vital growth opportunities.

Every e-commerce store should implement these strategies or a combination of them over the next 12 mo to increase Recency, Frequency and Average Order Value (AOV).

Will you be at the 2025 SHOT Show^®?

Want to hear more about e-commerce changes that can directly impact sales? Attend the SHOT University^TM session “10 e-Commerce Changes You Need to Make This Year to Sell More” and access invaluable step-by-step instructions on expanding your email list, making the most of your contacts, maximizing Amazon’s potential and harnessing the advantages of cutting-edge e-commerce platforms. Discover how to enhance communication with customers and draw in fresh visitors to your site effectively. This session promises high returns and includes a downloadable instruction guide along with a whitepaper to kickstart your journey.

SHOT University - 10 e-commerce changes to make this year — **Learn More and Register**

Enroll in this and other educational opportunities during the SHOT Show registration process, or add sessions anytime to your registration. Seats will be limited. Enroll early to get your spot! Enrollment Fees Per Session: $40 NSSF Members | $75 Non-Members. Learn more about NSSF Membership here.

About the Author
Jason Dailey is the CEO and Founder of Brandography, a digital marketing agency with expertise in outdoor sports, which explores how retailers and brands can take advantage of e-commerce channels. Learn more about Jason Dailey here and find him on LinkedIn.