Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart

Top Trending Products to Sell in 2025

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:20 +0000

Keeping up with consumer trends is the key to hitting it big in business. Whether you’re planning to launch a new venture, diversify your offerings, or test a promising product idea, knowing what’s hot in the market can make all the difference.

Wondering what people are searching for, buying, and talking about as the trendsetters of 2025? We’ve got you covered. Using insights from several consumer reports, we’ve curated the ultimate list of trending products to sell in 2025.

How to Identify Product Trends

Why wait to follow a trend when you can spot it early? Understanding consumer behavior through reliable data sources ensures you invest time and money in winning products.

To identify trending products to sell, we used the following tools and consumer reports:

Google Trends reveals long-term search patterns and industry upticks. For this article, we explored Google’s Year in Search and Holiday 100 reports.
The Pinterest Predicts report captures what inspires consumer decisions based on what users are looking for on Pinterest. In addition to reading that report, we suggest taking a look at Pinterest’s Trends tool for more insights.
Exploding Topics identifies products with skyrocketing popularity that are about to hit the mainstream.

These product recommendations are data-based, helping you make smart business decisions.

For the list of trending products below, we picked some of the most popular and interesting items out there. That said, we’d highly recommend checking out these consumer reports for more details and product ideas.

Also, make sure to read more great tips on how to find trending products to sell online.

Top Trending Products for 2025

Now, without further ado, here are the top trending products for 2025 you’ll want to add to your inventory.

Eclectic Apartment Decor

Home design has gone personal. Searches for eclectic apartment rose by 630% on Pinterest, reflecting a global push toward making home spaces more unique. From gallery wall art to vibrant fixtures, these products work best for online stores in the home-and-lifestyle niche.

By late 2024, Pinterest also saw a significant increase in searches for the keyword "modern eclectic home," reflecting growing interest in this design style

Rococo Outfits

The modern revival of rococo fashion is making waves in the world of clothing. Think of ornate details, pastel tones, and luxurious materials.

With a +5465% search spike (according to Pinterest Predicts), this niche market is growing fast among fashion-forward consumers. Perfect for boutiques focused on unique, statement-making attire.

Nesting Party Products

Say hello to the nesting party—the baby shower reinvented! This heartwarming parenting trend is up 205% on Pinterest, and it’s less about the gifts and more about helping new parents get ready for the postpartum period.

This trend is about helping new parents prepare for their baby’s big arrival. Think diaper bouquets, freezer-friendly meals, baby cabinet organizers, and more.

The terms "Nesting party" and "nesting party ideas" stayed popular on Pinterest all year and are expected to grow more by 2025

Padel Rackets

Padel tennis is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with padel rackets reaching a jaw-dropping 1,186% increase in search growth, according to Exploding Topics. This is a niche market worth exploring, especially in regions where this sport is gaining popularity.

Cable Knit Sweaters

Practical and stylish, cable knit sweaters have proven to be a cold-weather staple year after year. Searches on Pinterest have increased by +110%, signaling strong demand. They’re easy to market during the fall and winter seasons—think cozy, chic Instagram campaigns.

Indoor Planters

The houseplant obsession isn’t fading anytime soon. According to Google, searches for indoor planters are up 55%, reflecting an appetite for sleek, Instagram-worthy plant accessories. Market to millennials and Gen Zers who are perfecting their green thumbs.

Plant accessories have the potential to be a profitable product idea

Skiing Fits

Winter sports are trending! With a 255% rise in Pinterest searches, skiing gear and apparel—such as thermal layers, flashy jackets, and performance outfits—offer endless potential. Target outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers.

Products for Pickle Making

Pickling is no longer just grandma’s pastime—it’s a hobby for eco-conscious, DIY-savvy consumers! Look to sell jars, fermentation kits, or specialty spices.

Google Trends listed "pickle recipe" as one of the top searches in the Food & Lifestyle category in the "Year in Search" report, showing that interest in these products is on the rise.

Pickle recipes have become a sensation, earning a spot on Google’s list of top trends for 2024

Interestingly, Pinterest Predicts also spotlighted a growing pickle trend, with top searches including pickle margaritas, fries, dips, and even cakes.

Renter-Friendly Wallpaper

A staggering 8,100% surge in search growth (according to Exploding Topics) proves renters are hungry for stylish, removable wallpaper to personalize their spaces without committing long-term. This is a dream category for home decor online stores.

Workout Essentials

The fitness-at-home trend remains strong. All kinds of workout products, from resistance bands to yoga mats, will remain highly profitable entering 2025. Create bundles or offer customization for a standout edge.

Google Trends’ "Year in Search" report highlighted these trending workout searches—use it as inspiration to shape your product offerings.

Use insights from trending Google searches to refine your product offerings

Moto Boots Outfits

Functional yet edgy, moto boots are more than footwear—they’re a cultural statement. Consumers pair these with casual and rugged looks, and search volumes are up a massive 445% on Pinterest. These boots are ideal for ecommerce stores targeting younger or streetwear-savvy audiences.

Kids’ Scooters

Thanks to active parenting trends, kids’ scooters are seeing a 65% spike in search traffic, according to Google. These products cater to families looking for fun outdoor activities for their children.

If you sell products for kids, consider adding scooters to your product offerings

Boba Tea Protein

The internet never underestimates its love for boba tea! According to Exploding Topics, the fusion of boba tea flavors with protein powder is trending, with an 8,200% rise in search traffic. It’s ideal for foodies with a taste for fun flavors.

White Noise for Sleep Machines

According to Google Trends, "white noise for sleep" searches hit an all-time high in 2024.

With rising interest in wellness and better sleep habits, white noise machines are a go-to gadget. They’re small, affordable for consumers, and perfect for marketing to stressed professionals or new parents.

White noise machines are a perfect addition to any electronics store

Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Over the past five years, more and more people have been searching for "dry January"—taking a month off from alcohol—and it hit an all-time high in 2024. This trend is only expected to grow even more in 2025.

However, the demand for mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks is strong year-round. This makes them perfect for targeting health-conscious or lifestyle-focused shoppers looking for fun, alternative beverages.

Consider offering customizable options that cater to specific dietary restrictions or preferences.

Start Selling Trending Products

Adapting to trends gives your business the edge it needs to stay competitive in fast-changing markets. Offering in-demand products not only helps you attract more buyers but also builds long-term customer loyalty.

No matter what niche you’re targeting—fashion, fitness, home decor, or wellness—there’s something for every business owner on this list.

Create a free online store with Ecwid today and turn your trending product idea into a thriving business. With dozens of ready-made site templates designed for all kinds of niches, you can have your online store up and running in no time.

The post Top Trending Products to Sell in 2025 first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

Text Matters: How to Write Engaging Instagram Captions for Online Stores

Anastasia Prokofieva — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Instagram is where people connect, share, and find inspiration–a perfect place to spotlight your business! But with so much content out there, it can be tricky for business owners to stand out.

A well-crafted Instagram caption can be a powerful thing. Whether showcasing a new product, sharing a behind-the-scenes moment, or highlighting a special offer, a great caption can turn casual scrollers into loyal shoppers.

Let’s dive right into some tips to make your captions pop and make the audience stop scrolling.

Why Are Instagram Captions Important?

With roughly two billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the most popular social networks worldwide.

Instagram has become a vital platform for businesses to engage with customers, build a brand presence, and drive sales. Captions play a crucial role in achieving these goals.

Captions help drive engagement on Instagram, as they can encourage comments and interactions. This engagement is essential for improving your visibility within Instagram’s algorithm. The more your followers engage with your post, the more Instagram will promote it to its users.

As a business owner, it’s up to you to encourage users to engage with your content so your posts get more visibility.

The more engagement you get (likes, comments, shares), the more likely Instagram is to show your content to a larger audience, boosting your visibility and brand awareness.

A well-crafted copy in your captions not only tells your brand’s story but also reflects its personality, helping followers understand why they need your product or service.

In other words, powerful Instagram captions can enhance your social media success—and ultimately drive better business results.

How To Write Engaging Instagram Captions

A good caption can transform an ordinary post into an interactive, shareable experience. It’s not just about describing the photo or video—it’s about capturing your audience’s attention, sparking conversations, and building a connection with your followers.

Here are some practical tips and creative strategies for writing Instagram captions that get noticed.

Begin with the Key Information

People scroll fast, so it’s crucial to catch their attention right away. If you’re writing a longer caption, ensure the first 2-3 lines stand out to get them to keep reading.

Followers won’t miss the sale announcement—it’s right at the top of the post

For example, if you’re sharing a special offer in your caption, start with the word "sale" so it’s the first thing your followers see under the picture.

It’s always a good idea to add a title to your caption (maybe even in all caps) to grab your followers’ attention.

Instagram shows only the first 125 characters of a caption in the feed before cutting it off with a "more" button. If your first few lines aren’t engaging or compelling, users may not bother to click "more" to read the rest of the caption.

The first part of your caption is also indexed for search purposes. Including relevant keywords in the first 125 characters can help improve discoverability.

Format Your Captions

Since many Instagram users browse their feeds on their phones, reading captions can be a hassle due to the app’s small text and cramped line formatting.

For some, skipping the caption is easier than struggling with Instagram’s dense, unformatted text blocks.

To improve readability, use emojis and numbers to create bullet points or break your text into paragraphs.

To add line spacing to your text, write your copy in the Notes app first and then copy it to Instagram.

Emojis can help make your text easier to read

Speak Your Audience’s Language

By now, you probably know your target audience pretty well. So, speak their language!

Great Instagram captions help humanize your brand and make it easier for users to feel connected to your business. Show your followers that you get them by sharing their values and interests with a fun, relatable voice.

Try using humor or emotion to connect with your audience. Whether you want to be funny, inspiring, or get people thinking, your caption should show your personality and match your brand’s vibe.

Storytelling in Instagram captions is another excellent way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Share personal stories or experiences they can relate to. They don’t need to be dramatic—sometimes, everyday moments or struggles can be the most meaningful.

The business owner kicked off the caption with a catchy title and shared a little glimpse into what it means to run a business

Highlight the Benefits of Interacting with the Post

A great caption doesn’t just grab your followers’ attention — it gets them to take action.

Your call-to-action (CTA) is your finishing touch, encouraging your followers to connect with your store in a meaningful way. Whether it’s driving traffic to your website to learn more or shop, a good CTA makes all the difference.

Action verbs like "tap," "tell," "use," and "share" are the key here. For example, "Check out the 5 best tips for wrapping presents in our blog — link in bio."

To boost the effectiveness of your call to action, clearly communicate what your followers will gain by responding. For example, "Comment below to enter the giveaway and stand a chance to win a gift." This emphasizes the benefits your audience will gain by acting on your call to action.

Encourage Followers to Write Comments

Keep the conversation going by asking questions or starting fun discussions with your audience. Encourage your followers to tag their friends in the comments (“tag a friend who’d love this” or "tag a friend who’s always running late") or have them pick their favorite option.

The business owner asks followers to share what they think about the products in the video

For example, ask which product would make the perfect gift for a mom, which item from the gallery they like best, or which packaging idea they prefer. Gather feedback—and later, share it in a post featuring customer reviews.

You can also share the latest industry news and encourage your followers to chat and share their opinions about it.

Ultimately, Instagram remains a social platform at its core, even with its strong emphasis on visual content.

Add Polls to Captions

You can add a poll to your Instagram post to engage with your followers and get their feedback on anything from new product ideas to what they want to see on your page. This is a great way to interact with your audience and show that you value their input.

When creating a poll, keep it simple and concise. Ask one question at a time and offer up to four options for your followers to choose from. You can also add humor to the options to make them fun.

From there, you can use the poll results to guide your content strategy and create more posts that resonate with your audience.

Even a simple poll can help boost engagement on your posts

Make User-Generated Content Shine

Sharing user-generated content is a great way to personalize your feed and show your followers how much you value their support. Ensure your captions go beyond just tagging the photo’s creator—add a little extra love!

Tag the follower who shared this photo or video, give them a big thank you, and share a little bit about what makes this piece stand out. Talk about what you love about it or how it makes you feel. Don’t forget to encourage everyone to check out their page.

When you make the most of user-generated content, you’ll get more customers sharing photos of your products, fresh content for your profile, and a nice boost in brand awareness for your store.

This business acknowledges a baker who sparked a viral cake trend

Use Location Tags

Adding location tags to your posts can help increase the post’s reach. Geotags make finding your business easier for local customers, which can mean more sales.

Rather than just writing in the caption where the picture was taken, try using a location tag and focusing on other important details. Do you deliver to the tagged location? How long does it take? Is your popup store nearby? Maybe add a phone number so people can quickly get more info.

Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags are a great way to boost the visibility of your Instagram posts, but using too many can make your captions look cluttered.

Dropping hashtags too early in your caption might discourage people from engaging with your content, which is the opposite of what you want. Sprinkle your hashtags strategically to get the most out of them while keeping your audience engaged.

Be sure to use hashtags that actually relate to your post. Using random or overly broad hashtags can feel spammy and might make your audience feel less connected to your content.

Using all 30 hashtags won’t magically boost your interactions overnight. Aim for 11 or a bit more hashtags to get the best results.

If long lines of hashtags make your Instagram captions look a bit spammy, try adding them to a comment instead.

Don’t sleep on branded hashtags—they’re a great way to make your company or campaign stand out. They help people discover your brand and encourage them to share their thoughts. It could be your company name, a tagline, or something fun and creative, like a clever play on words.

Zara limits their captions to just two branded hashtags

Remember the Goal of the Post

Before writing a new caption, think about the primary goal of your post. Are you showcasing a product or sharing helpful info? Maybe you’re introducing your brand and building awareness. Or is it a customer testimonial, an announcement, or just a fun way to connect with your audience and share some laughs?

Your caption should support and align with your goal. For example:

If promoting a new product, focus on its features and benefits.
If sharing helpful information, ensure your caption includes a call to action for readers to try out the tips themselves or share their opinions.

When in doubt, keep it simple and concise. You don’t want to overwhelm your audience with too much text in the caption. Instead, use relevant keywords and eye-catching phrases to grab their attention and entice them to read further.

If you have additional information or details that you want to include but may not fit within the post itself, try adding them to a pinned comment instead. This allows for a cleaner and more focused caption while still providing extra context for interested readers.

What’s The Best Instagram Caption Length?

Always consider the appropriate caption length depending on your goals and audience.

Short and sweet is often the norm for higher exposure. Short captions (120-150 characters) are easy to read and straight to the point.

Remember that only the first two lines of a caption will be visible initially

Nonetheless, more extended captions can also be ideal for higher engagement, as people are likelier to engage with posts that ask questions or invite responses.

If you’re writing a longer caption, use line breaks or emojis to make the text easier to read.

In short, 125-250 characters tend to be a good range for most posts, but don’t shy away from longer captions if your message calls for them.

Takeaways for Writing The Best Instagram Captions

Writing great Instagram captions is an art. A well-crafted caption can increase engagement, showcase personality, and drive action.

Remember, writing the best Instagram captions involves more than just clever wordplay; it’s about engaging your audience, enhancing the visual content, and expressing your brand’s or personality’s voice.

Here are some key takeaways for writing the best Instagram captions:

Captions are limited to 2,200 characters
Text previews are cropped to the first two lines in the Instagram app
You can use up to 30 hashtags, but aim for around 11 to keep it balanced
Concise captions tend to perform better–short, punchy lines are easy to digest. No matter how long or short your caption is, ensure it’s adding value.
Polls and location tags can help increase engagement
Storytelling can showcase personality and create a connection with your audience
Use CTAs to get users to like, comment, or visit your bio link.

With the right mix of creativity, relevance, and timing, you can write captions that grab attention, spark engagement, and build a loyal community around your content.

The post Text Matters: How to Write Engaging Instagram Captions for Online Stores first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

Increase Online Store Traffic: 10 Ways to Attract More Shoppers

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:08:51 +0000

Traffic, or the number of visitors to your online store, is the lifeblood of your business. The more people visit your site, the higher your chance of making a sale.

In a world teeming with online stores, how do you differentiate yours and attract more traffic? The digital age offers endless opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive—if you know how to seize them.

Check out proven strategies to drive relevant traffic to your website and turn visitors into customers.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO—Search Engine Optimization—the unsung hero of the digital realm. It refers to the process of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results. When someone types a keyword related to your business, your website will appear at the top of the search results.

Search engine optimization is a must for online stores attempting to increase traffic. To rank higher in search results, focus on keyword research, on-page SEO, and quality content–more on that below.

By the way, if you use Ecwid by Lightspeed for your online store, there are many ways to improve your Ecwid store’s SEO, including customizing product page URLs, setting up a custom domain, and more.

Optimize Keywords

To drive traffic to your online store, you need to rank highly for terms related to your business. You can either handle SEO on your own or hire a skilled analyst to assist you.

There are tools that help you find out where your online store ranks on specific terms, for example, Moz, SemRush, and Ahrefs. Do thorough keyword research and determine which keywords are most relevant to your brand and products.

Once you have a list of keywords, incorporate them into your website content, including titles, descriptions, headers, and body text. Use meta tags and descriptions to help search engines understand what your site is about.

However, be careful not to overuse these keywords, which can lead to keyword stuffing and negatively impact your SEO.

In addition to on-page optimization, off-page optimization is also crucial for improving search engine rankings. This includes building backlinks from reputable websites and using social media platforms to increase visibility and drive traffic to your website.

Remember that SEO is an ongoing process and requires constant monitoring and adjustments.

Enure Your Online Store Is Mobile-Friendly

A website’s mobile friendliness is one of the top-ranking factors, as more and more people are using their phones to browse the internet.

Make sure your online store is optimized for mobile devices. Online stores that only work on desktops will not have as much traffic as mobile-friendly ones.

Making your online store mobile-friendly is easy when you pick the right ecommerce platform. For example, if you use Ecwid by Lightspeed, your online store is automatically mobile-friendly, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Mobile phones drive most digital commerce site visits and online orders globally (Source: Statista)

Use Local SEO

If your business has a physical location, using local SEO can significantly improve your search engine rankings. This includes optimizing for local keywords, creating a Google My Business listing, and getting reviews from customers in your area.

Establish a Referral System

Customer referrals are key to increasing traffic for your site. This is a relatively simple way to use your current customers to create traffic. Encourage your customers to refer their friends and family to your website by offering incentives such as discounts, freebies, or exclusive content.

You can also create a referral system that rewards both the referrer and the person being referred. This not only encourages current customers to spread the word about your brand but also entices new visitors to check out your website.

You could also set up rewards for customers with a certain number of referrals.

Make sure to track referrals using unique codes or links so you can accurately attribute traffic and conversions.

Promote your referral program to ensure all customers are aware of it, for example, by adding a banner on your website or mentioning it in order confirmation emails.

If you run an Ecwid store, you can set up a referral program using the Gratisfaction app.

An example of a referral program you can set up for your store with the Gratisfaction app

Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms offer opportunities to engage with your target audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to your online store.

To drive shoppers to your online store, your content should be high-quality, valuable, and aligned with your brand.

Let’s take a look at some key strategies that work well for driving traffic:

Use a link-in-bio tool: Use tools like Linkup to make it easier for users to access your website or product pages from your social media bio.
Include a call-to-action in your posts: Encourage followers to click the link in your bio or swipe up on Instagram stories to visit your product pages.
Make your content shoppable: If you sell physical products, consider setting up an Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok Shop. This allows users to purchase directly from your posts without leaving the app.

A link-in-bio tool helps direct customers to your website or specific products

Remember, the key to driving traffic through social media is consistency. Regularly posting quality content and engaging with your audience will help build a loyal following and ultimately lead to increased website traffic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and see what works best for your brand.

Set Up Notifications for Return Visitors

Push notifications are a popular way to get people to return to your online store.

Notifications reminding customers of products, deals, discounts, and more pop up on mobile and desktop devices. Customers can click on these notifications to go directly to your website.

This strategy helps keep your brand at the forefront of your customers’ minds and makes them want to return for more.

Notifications for return visitors can be tailored to their browsing and purchasing history, providing personalized recommendations or discounts based on their interests. This way, you are more likely to entice them back to your store and increase sales.

Another tip is to limit the number of push notifications sent in a certain period. Bombarding customers with too many notifications can lead to annoyance and potential opt-outs. Instead, carefully select the most essential updates or promotions to send out through push notifications.

Email Marketing

Email marketing allows you to engage directly with an audience already interested in your content, products, or services, making them more likely to take action.

However, this approach works best for businesses that already have some visitors to their websites. To get people to sign up for your email list via popups or forms, they first need to visit your site.

A great way to collect customer emails is with a popup offering a gift

To get started with email marketing:

Create an email list: Use a lead magnet, such as an e-book, a discount code, a free course, or an exclusive resource, to encourage visitors to sign up for your emails.
Segment your list: Tailor your messaging to different segments based on demographics, past behavior, or interests. This helps increase the relevancy of your emails, boosting engagement and traffic.

If you’re using Ecwid for your online store, you’re in luck! It comes with built-in email marketing tools, such as automated emails, and a handy integration with Mailchimp.

Influencer Partnerships

Influencer marketing allows you to reach new audiences and build trust with potential customers.

Smaller influencers with highly engaged niche audiences can pack a bigger punch than their larger counterparts. Their followers are loyal, connected, and more likely to act—proving that sometimes, less is more.

Select influencers who align with your brand values, target audience, and content style. Consider factors like:

Niche relevance: Choose influencers who operate in your industry or niche
Audience demographics: Look at age, location, interests, and purchasing habits
Engagement rate: High engagement (likes, comments, shares) is more valuable than a large following
Content style: Ensure their style resonates with your brand (e.g., informative, entertaining, or educational).

A survey found 18-29-year-olds bought the most products via influencer recommendations (Source: Statista)

Consider offering influencers an affiliate partnership where they earn a commission for each sale or action driven by their audience. If you own an Ecwid store, there are several ways to set up an affiliate program for your business.

Measure the effectiveness of the influencer campaign through unique, trackable links or promo codes that allow you to monitor website traffic coming from their content, conversion rates, and critical engagement metrics like clicks and shares.

Blogging

A well-crafted blog not only informs and engages readers but also enhances your website’s visibility in search engines, driving organic traffic.

Blogging is considered a cornerstone of inbound marketing, offering multiple benefits that directly impact your website’s traffic:

Each blog post allows you to target different keywords
A blog is a great way to connect with your audience and increase engagement.

As part of your blog strategy to increase traffic to your store:

Offer fresh content: Google loves fresh content. Regularly updated blogs indicate that your website is active, which can improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Focus on SEO: Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner to find keywords related to your niche. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your post.

Focus on crafting completing headlines along with quality meta descriptions, and make use of linking to other relevant pages on your site (internal linking) and authoritative external sources to help you improve your SEO ranking and help readers discover more content on your site.

Ecwid allows you to seamlessly integrate Buy Buttons into your blogs, enabling readers to make purchases

Don’t forget to post about your new blog on all your social media channels, using relevant hashtags to increase its reach.

Reach out to influencers or other bloggers in your industry. You can collaborate on guest posts, mention each other’s work, and get backlinks, which can help with SEO.

Digital Ads

You’ve likely seen them online: ads promoting everything from online courses to sunglasses and beyond. These are digital or banner ads, and their primary goal is to drive traffic to a website or a campaign-specific landing page.

Digital ads can drive traffic to a website quickly by targeting specific audiences through platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. These ads can be tailored to reach users based on their interests, demographics, search behaviors, and online activity.

You can do this yourself or work with a more experienced professional to help you determine the best budget, channels, and ad duration for your needs.

By the way, Ecwid stores have built-in tools to help you run ads on Google, Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

Create Targeted Landing Pages for Ads

Getting visitors to your website with ads is one thing, but turning those visitors into customers is the real goal. That’s where targeted pages can help.

Targeted marketing pages, often called landing pages or destination pages, are designed to focus on a specific audience segment or marketing campaign.

When you direct ad viewers to a specific page, you can tailor the content to their interests and needs, increasing the likelihood of them purchasing or taking an action.

For example:

When someone clicks on an ad for "summer running shoes," they’re taken straight to a page featuring precisely what they’re looking for—summer running shoes. No distractions, no scrolling through unrelated products.
A visitor interested in "digital marketing services" will land on a page focused on that, with tailored copy, testimonials, and case studies.

Podcasts Tailored to Your Niche

A podcast can be an effective tool for driving traffic to your website. It engages listeners meaningfully and leverages audio content’s unique strengths.

If your podcast provides valuable insights, tips, or expert knowledge relevant to your products or services, listeners will naturally seek out your website or store to learn more or make purchases.

Podcasts are also shareable across social media platforms, helping to increase brand visibility. Promoting these episodes via social media and linking to your website drives direct traffic.

Plus, when you feature guests on your podcast, they often share the episode with their followers, expanding your reach and bringing new visitors to your site.

Alternatively, you can guest on other podcasts, exposing your brand to a new audience. This will establish you as an industry leader and attract potential customers interested in your expertise.

Promote Your Content on Quuu

Quuu Promote is a content promotion platform that helps increase engagement and reach. It is designed to help businesses, creators, and brands leverage social sharing.

The platform focuses on creating a network of trusted content promoters who share and amplify content across their social media channels.

The platform helps ensure that the content reaches the right audience by sharing it with a network of users interested in similar topics.

The more engagement your content receives, the more likely it is to appear in social feeds and attract organic traffic.

Promote Your Business and Grow Your Traffic

Increasing store traffic is an ongoing journey that requires creativity, strategy, and steady effort. Have fun with it—think of yourself as a detective! Stay on top of things, track your progress, and keep fine-tuning your approach to ensure your store stays the go-to spot for both new visitors and loyal customers.

The post Increase Online Store Traffic: 10 Ways to Attract More Shoppers first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

11 Top Consumer Trends That Will Shape Retail in 2025

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:06:30 +0000

The retail industry is undergoing a transformation, and 2025 is set to be a pivotal year. For business owners, staying informed about emerging trends is not just a nice to have—it’s a must for staying ahead of the competition.

This blog post highlights 11 key consumer trends shaping retail in 2025 and offers actionable insights to help your business thrive in this new landscape.

Supply Chain Transparency

Today’s customers want to know more than the price—they want the story behind the product. Shoppers increasingly ask questions like, "Where was this made?" and "Is it sustainable?"

According to PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey, shoppers are willing to spend 9.7% more on sustainably sourced goods, even amid cost-of-living and inflation concerns.

Sustainability incentives have a significant impact on what people choose to buy (Source: PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey)

Make your supply chain transparency your superpower by showcasing detailed sourcing and sustainability processes. For example, highlight the following on your website, social media, and marketing materials:

The origin of your products
Use of eco-friendly packaging
Partnerships with local suppliers
The integration of renewable energy into your production process.

Social Commerce Dominates

Social platforms like TikTok and Instagram are no longer just for marketing—they’re becoming the leading destinations for online shopping.

Seven out of ten online shoppers aged 27 to 42 worldwide are already making purchases directly through social media, according to a global survey. That makes millennials the top generation embracing social shopping. Gen Z ecommerce users (ages 18 to 26) are right behind them, with over half reporting they’ve shopped through these platforms.

TikTok lets shoppers purchase products directly from videos without leaving the app

Want to be where the consumers are? Create shoppable posts and live-stream sales to meet your audience in real time.

Running an Ecwid store comes with a significant advantage: the ability to set up shops on top social media platforms seamlessly. With Ecwid, you can sell your products on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, reaching your audience where they already spend their time.

The Resale Boom

Second-hand is having its moment—the resale market is booming! Major brands like Zara, Harley-Davidson, The North Face, and Ikea already launched platforms for pre-loved items.

Reselling isn’t just good for the environment—it can also be a profitable business opportunity. It not only attracts eco-conscious shoppers but also acts as a strategic move to reclaim business that has been shifting to third-party resale marketplaces.

Zara Pre-Owned helps customers extend the life of their clothing, including resale options

To stay ahead of this trend, consider implementing some resale options within your online store. For example:

Create a dedicated section on your website for pre-owned items
Offer customers the option to sell back their gently used items in exchange for store credit
Partner with a resale marketplace to offer your products on their platform, giving you access to a new audience while still retaining control over the resale process
Offer product repairs to extend the life of your products.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a new business, reselling pre-owned or vintage items can be a great way to enter the market. With Ecwid, you can set up a free online store in minutes—perfect for trying out new product ideas.

Embracing resale can also positively affect customer loyalty and trust. Offering ways for customers to extend the life cycle of your products shows that your brand is committed to reducing waste. This can help build a strong connection with eco-conscious consumers looking for brands that align with their values.

Gen Z Is Taking Over the Shopping World

Gen Z makes up nearly 30% of the global population and is expected to represent 27% of the workforce by 2025. As the first fully digital generation, they spend more time online than any other group, with growing spending power.

The share of global population and spending each generation made up in 2024 (Source: Visual Capitalist)

According to this report, Gen Z is projected to experience the fastest growth in spending power compared to other generations. By age 25, their per capita spending in the US will surpass previous generations, debunking the myth that they are the "most broke generation."

Gen Z’s spending power is growing fast — it is projected to reach an impressive $2.7 trillion in the coming years.

Some key takeaways for businesses to appeal to Gen Z’s shopping behaviors include:

Gen Z prioritizes access over ownership, favoring subscriptions and services like streaming, car shares, and rentals.
They value experiences over luxury, ease of use through mobile apps, and seamless online transactions.
While they enjoy in-person shopping, they also expect excellent online options.
Gen Z supports brands with strong values and sustainability practices but demands authenticity.
Digital influence plays a big role in purchasing decisions, with many relying on online research, influencers, and social media to guide their choices.

With these tips, you can tap into Gen Z’s purchasing power and set your business up for success in the future.

Generative Customer Experiences

Gone are the days when personalization meant slapping a customer’s name on an email. Generative AI is transforming the shopping experience in 2025.

Generative AI refers to technology that can produce new, original content or ideas by analyzing existing data. This means retailers can use AI to create personalized product recommendations, targeted marketing campaigns, and even unique shopping experiences for each individual customer.

This approach helps make recommendations so precise they feel intuitive. For example, Walmart uses GenAI-powered tools to predict the type of content shoppers want to see on the site. With this technology, Walmart plans to create a unique homepage for each shopper.

Alternative Options for Small Businesses

While AI-powered tools have grown increasingly prevalent in recent years, many small business owners may lack the resources to develop their own custom AI solutions.

The good news is that plenty of off-the-shelf AI tools can help retailers implement generative AI into their business without breaking the bank.

These tools might not be able to create a sophisticated shopping experience for every customer. Still, they’ll save you time on routine tasks like writing product descriptions, sprucing up product photos, creating marketing materials, and more.

If you have an Ecwid store, you can leverage AI using the following built-in tools:

AI-generated product descriptions and SEO-optimized content (via apps from the Ecwid App Market)
AI-powered product picture enhancer
AI-generated domain name.

Generating a domain name with AI in an Ecwid store

Hyper-Personalization at Scale

Promotions are shifting away from "one-size-fits-all" tactics. 81% of customers prefer companies that offer a personalized experience, meaning businesses need to focus on hyper-personalization. What is it, you ask?

Hyper-personalization refers to a personalized experience tailored specifically for each customer based on their unique preferences, past purchases, browsing behavior, and more. This approach helps create an emotional connection between the customer and the brand, ultimately increasing loyalty.

Here are a few examples of hyper-personalization:

Discounts on favorite products
Dynamic pricing tailored to individual budgets
Loyalty programs that offer rewards a customer values most
Personalized product recommendations based on past purchases and browsing behavior
Email marketing campaigns that reference past purchases or customers’ wishlists.

If you’re ready to jump on this trend, Ecwid’s built-in tools are here to help. Here are some ways to create personalized offers for your customers in Ecwid:

Various types of automated marketing emails, like ones showcasing your customer’s favorite products, offering related items, or reminding them about their abandoned carts
Discounts for customer groups, so you can reward your most loyal customers or offer special promotions to new customers
The Customers dashboard, aka your go-to hub for managing customer relationships. It lets you manage customer info and filter them by their data so you can create personalized promotions
Retargeting ads on Google, Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat that allow you to reach customers who have already visited your store and show them personalized ads based on their previous interactions.

Identifying your most loyal customers in an Ecwid store allows you to create tailored promotions

Next-Level Virtual Shopping

Virtual reality in ecommerce isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about delivering a practical shopping experience.

Imagine virtual dressing rooms where customers can try on clothes from the comfort of their homes or lifelike 3D product inspections that help buyers examine items closely before making a purchase. These immersive experiences not only enhance customer satisfaction but also reduce returns and boost buyer confidence.

The research by Harvard Business Review and a global cosmetics retailer found that customers using AR spent 20.7% more time on the app and viewed 1.28 times more products than those without. More importantly, their likelihood of purchasing was 19.8% higher, showing that AR can help boost business revenue.

Businesses that adopt these tech-driven tools gain a significant edge in a highly competitive market.

Fortunately, AR technology isn’t just for big retail giants anymore. If you’re using Ecwid by Lightspeed, you can create 3D product models that let shoppers use their device’s camera to see the model in their real surroundings.

Customers can view a 3D model on a product details page

Imagine virtually placing a coffee table in your living room before buying it—that’s precisely what this AR tech can do!

Ambient Shopping Experiences

Today’s consumers move across digital, physical, virtual, and social platforms, seamlessly switching between browsing, researching, and buying. This omnichannel shopping behavior is evolving from a focused task, like looking for a specific item, to an ambient experience.

Ambient shopping, or always-on shopping, is an experience that happens spontaneously while people browse social media, stream videos, or use apps. Instead of actively searching for products, shoppers passively encounter opportunities to buy.

You’ve probably experienced this firsthand: scrolling through TikTok, admiring an influencer’s health and beauty haul, and then spotting a link in their bio that leads you to purchase the items via their affiliate link.

Consumers come across new products and services, even while watching a funny sketch

What does this mean for your business? It means you need to connect with customers where they already spend their time and integrate your products into their daily lives.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

Expand your reach and drive purchase consideration organically through influencer marketing, affiliate partnerships, and authentic user-generated content
Make it easy for customers to buy, no matter where they are, by offering social media shopping options like shoppable content on Instagram or TikTok
Use a link-in-bio tool like Linkup to allow customers to easily shop all your products from one centralized link on social media platforms
Offer one-click payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay to make the purchasing process quick and seamless.

With these strategies in place, you can tap into ambient shopping behavior and make it easier for customers to discover and purchase your products spontaneously.

Resilient Supply Chains

Recent years have demonstrated how vital flexible supply chains are in navigating an ever-changing world. From global pandemics to natural disasters, disruptions can strike anytime, leaving businesses scrambling to adapt.

Large companies are staying ahead by leveraging AI and machine learning to predict potential challenges and prepare for the unexpected. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends, forecast demand, and streamline inventory management, ensuring a business is always one step ahead.

If you’re not ready to invest in such tech, here are some other strategies to build a resilient supply chain:

Diversify your suppliers and have backup options in place
Stay informed about global events and anticipate potential disruptions
Maintain good relationships with suppliers and work together to find solutions when challenges arise
Consider using drop shipping services to reduce the risk of inventory shortages
Make demand forecasting a priority to avoid overstocking or understocking.

A resilient supply chain means your business is better equipped to handle unforeseen challenges and can meet your customers’ demands even during uncertain times.

Ecwid’s inventory management tools allow you to easily track inventory levels and make real-time adjustments to ensure your business runs smoothly.

A Product Sales and Stock Overview report in the Ecwid admin

For example, built-in inventory and sales reports allow you to identify popular products and plan for future demand, while low-stock notifications help you avoid running out of products.

Autonomous Retail

Imagine a store that runs itself, where technology takes care of the hard work.

Autonomous tech is changing the way businesses operate, offering self-checkout systems, automated inventory tracking, and even self-driving delivery vehicles. These advancements, which once sounded like science fiction, are now becoming a reality.

Better yet, affordable options are emerging, making these tools accessible to businesses of all sizes. For example, cashierless payment systems can speed up checkouts and reduce lines, improving customers’ shopping experience.

As for online stores, chatbots and AI-powered assistants can handle customer inquiries and help with common questions or product recommendations, freeing up time for you to focus on other aspects of your business.

If you run an Ecwid store, you can leverage chatbots using apps from the Ecwid App Market, such as Desku, Chaport, and more.

Privacy-Concerned Consumers

According to the Deloitte survey, consumers increasingly worry about being hacked or tracked through their devices. Nearly 60% of survey respondents fear security breaches, like hackers stealing personal data, and an equal number are concerned about being tracked by others.

Consumers aren’t just concerned about hackers; trust in devices and service providers is also declining. Only half of respondents believe the benefits of online services outweigh their privacy concerns.

Consumer concerns about personal data privacy when interacting with companies worldwide, by type (Source: Statista)

What does this mean for your business? Prioritize data privacy and security for your customers. This commitment can become your strongest competitive advantage in today’s privacy-conscious world.

Here is how you can do that:

Use secure payment gateways like Lightspeed Payments, PayPal, or Stripe
Offer transparent privacy policies, such as clearly stating what data you collect from your customers and how it is used (if you use Ecwid, you can do that with a cookie consent banner)
Provide opt-out options for targeted advertising and personalized content
Use secure website hosting through services like Ecwid’s SSL and TLS certificates for your online store
Communicate steps taken to protect customer information.

Plus, following industry rules and best practices shows you’re serious about protecting customer data, which goes a long way toward building trust with your customers.

The Bottom Line

Retail is evolving fast—these trends are proof of that. But you don’t have to tackle them all at once. Whether implementing generative AI, aiming for your supply chain transparency, or tapping into social commerce, even small changes can set your business up for success in 2025.

Take the next step toward future-proofing your business by exploring Ecwid’s ecommerce tools. With integrations for everything from social commerce to AR, this platform can help you stay ahead of the curve.

The post 11 Top Consumer Trends That Will Shape Retail in 2025 first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Figure Out Where to Sell Your Products – Complete Guide

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:21:58 +0000

As an ecommerce business owner, deciding where to sell your products can feel overwhelming. With so many sales channels available—each offering unique opportunities—it’s easy to get stuck wondering which one is best for your business.

The good news? You don’t have to choose just one!

From selling on your own website to leveraging social media or online marketplaces, each platform caters to specific types of businesses, products, and goals. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of various sales channels and how you can make each option work for you.

Plus, we’ll introduce the power of omnichannel selling, and how an ecommerce platform like Ecwid by Lightspeed can help you simplify the process and find your customers—wherever they are.

An Ecommerce Website

In 2023, ecommerce made up over 19.4% of global retail sales, according to Statista. By 2027, it’s expected to reach nearly a quarter of total retail sales worldwide.

An ecommerce website is an online store where you can easily sell your products directly to customers.

Having your own website with an online store is like having a digital storefront that’s open 24/7. It puts you in complete control—no sharing profits with other platforms or adjusting to their rules. Platforms like Ecwid make it easy for small businesses to set up beautiful, customizable stores in minutes.

Benefits of Selling Through Your Own Website

There are several advantages to selling via an online store:

Higher margins: No commission fees for each sale (if you use Ecwid.)
Ownership: If you sell through social media or a marketplace, all the traffic you generate is helping the platform. But when you own your own store, you own the traffic, too. This gives you more opportunities for marketing and monetization. Plus, it helps you build brand equity and makes your business more resellable down the line.
Data collection: Having your own store allows you to gather valuable customer data, such as email addresses and website activity, providing deeper insights into their behavior. This information helps you create a tailored customer experience that drives higher sales and fosters stronger connections.
Control: An online store allows you to sell whatever you like, however you want. There is no need to follow a marketplace’s rules.
Branding: When you use a marketplace or social media, your brand is tied to the platform and its limitations. With your own store, you can create a unique customer experience that reflects your brand values.
Marketing: Owning your store makes marketing easier. You can direct visitors to dedicated landing pages and create custom offers.
Customer expectations: Customers expect brands to have their own online stores. Even if they’re shopping with you on marketplaces or social media, they’ll likely check out your store for more products or special discounts.

By the way, you can have a website up and running in under an hour with one of these 40 free ecommerce website templates.

Using a pre-designed template is the quickest way to set up your ecommerce site

Challenges of Selling Through Your Website

Selling via an online store offers many advantages, but there are also some challenges:

Attracting customers: It’s up to you to bring traffic to your website. Unlike social media or big marketplaces, no "built-in" audience is waiting for you.
Learning curve: Running an online store has a slight learning curve. The more control you have, the steeper it gets. This is why marketplaces, with limited control, are easier to start selling on.
Maintenance: Managing your website requires updates, hosting fees, and potential troubleshooting.
Legal responsibilities: As the store owner, you are in charge of handling any legal matters. Ensure you follow your country’s privacy and data collection laws.
Shipping: Some marketplaces, like Amazon FBA, handle shipping for their sellers. With your own store, though, you take care of shipping the product to your customer.

Is This Right for Your Business?

An online store is perfect for businesses that want to build a lasting brand, sell products directly, and scale long-term. It works well for various products and services.

Having your own online store is a must-have in your ecommerce strategy. It’s the ideal place to guide all your customers, whether they discover you through marketplaces or social media.

Owning your traffic and data helps you understand your customers better and create products they’ll love. Plus, a sleek, professional website makes your brand feel more trustworthy.

An example of an ecommerce website you can create with Ecwid

No matter where you start selling, setting up your own store is worth considering sooner rather than later. That said, it’s okay to put your online store on hold if you’re just testing the waters, don’t have much technical experience, or are navigating industries with tricky legal, shipping, or payment rules.

For example, if you’re trying to gauge interest in your handmade crafts, a marketplace like Etsy might be a more practical choice than building a full online store.

Selling on a Blog

If you already have a website and it’s your blog, you can place a Buy Button on nearly any page, including your blog posts. This lets readers shop for products without leaving your blog. Plus, with all the space a blog gives you, it’s the perfect place to share the story behind your product and highlight its benefits.

Consumers can buy directly from the blog post while engaged with the content and interested in the product

Selling on your blog is an excellent option if you don’t want to run a full online store or if you like educating your customers before they make a purchase. That said, a blog might not be the best fit if you have many products or are aiming for a more traditional ecommerce setup.

Online Marketplaces

A marketplace is like a virtual mall where different sellers come together to offer their products.

Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are bustling hubs of activity. These platforms boast millions of active buyers who are ready to shop.

With 4.8 billion monthly visits, Amazon is the world’s most popular online marketplace. eBay comes second with 1.2 billion visits. Selling on marketplaces allows you to tap into that massive audience with minimal setup effort.

Amazon is one of the top online marketplaces where global shoppers recently made their latest cross-border purchase (Source: Statista)

Advantages of Selling on Marketplaces

Selling on marketplaces provides retailers with distinct benefits, including:

Low startup costs: Selling on a marketplace costs little beyond your inventory (though fees vary depending on the platform). Anyone can jump in as long as they have something to sell.
Built-in audience: Marketplaces come with a ready-made crowd of eager buyers. Instead of struggling to attract traffic on your own, you can tap into their audience and start making sales immediately.
Trust factor: Shoppers feel safer sharing their payment info with big names like Amazon or eBay than with a brand-new online store. As a new seller, using a marketplace can help you build trust right off the bat.
SEO-friendly: Big marketplaces are search engine powerhouses with optimized site structures, making it easier for customers to find your products online.
Easy to use: Marketplaces handle all the tricky stuff—payment systems, site design, layouts—so you can focus on selling. It’s perfect for anyone who’s not super tech-savvy.

Challenges of Selling on Marketplaces

Selling on marketplaces has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges to keep in mind:

High competition: With so many sellers and a big audience, competition can get intense—especially in popular product categories. To stand out, you might need to lower your prices (which can eat into your profits) or focus on niche categories to attract customers.
Fees: Marketplaces take a cut of your sales or charge listing fees. These fees can shrink your profit margins and make the already tough competition even trickier.
No ownership: Any traffic or audience you build belongs to the marketplace, not you. If you ever leave the platform, the audience and any brand loyalty you’ve worked hard to create will stay behind.
Limitations: Marketplaces decide what you can sell and what kind of data you can access, which can limit your marketing options and customer insights.

Is This Right for Your Business?

Marketplaces are ideal for businesses:

selling niche, high-demand items
testing new product ideas to gauge demand
who want to start selling quickly without the hassle of setting up a store (like dealing with domains, design, SEO, and more).
working in an industry with trust challenges or limited customer demand (like niche handicrafts).

While marketplaces can be a great way to get started, it’s essential to build your audience in your store as soon as possible. Since you don’t fully own the traffic or have access to detailed customer data, relying only on marketplace sales might be tricky in the long run.

Keep marketplaces as a part of your omni-channel strategy. When you’ve got the resources, it’s worth prioritizing your own store.

Using Ecwid as your ecommerce platform, you can sync your online store with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and more.

Social Commerce

Social commerce involves selling directly through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest. These platforms have evolved to offer ecommerce features like shoppable posts, in-app checkout, and personalized recommendations.

One-third of shoppers discover a new product or brand through social media, compared to 60% of Gen Z consumers. Gen Z is also twice as likely as the overall consumer base to find products through influencers and make a purchase.

Share of Gen Z vs. total shoppers who found and bought a new product or brand on social media (Source: Statista)

Advantages of Selling on Social Media

Selling on social media platforms offers several benefits:

Targeting: Social networks like Facebook have loads of information about their users. You can tap into this to create super-targeted ad campaigns.
Ease of use: Social selling is relatively easy to start. Most platforms offer simple tools and options for setting up an online store or shoppable posts.
Discovery: Social networks are a fantastic way to help customers discover your products. Their visual nature makes them perfect for showcasing items, especially if your product is highly visual or works best when demonstrated.
Trust factor: Just as with marketplaces, people often feel comfortable purchasing through social media due to the platform’s well-established credibility.

Platforms like Instagram let you make your content shoppable

Challenges of Selling on Social Media

Social commerce also has its challenges:

Platform limitations: Each platform has its rules and guidelines for selling products and posting content, so you may need to adjust your marketing and content strategies accordingly.
Limited data access: While social platforms have tons of data on users, they might not necessarily share it with retailers. This can make it harder to track customer behavior and optimize your strategies.
Fees: Selling on social media platforms can come with additional fees or charges, which can eat into your profits.
Changes in algorithms or policies: If a platform suddenly changes its policies or algorithms, it can significantly impact your sales.

Is This Right for Your Business?

Social selling may be a good fit if you:

have a highly visual product that lends itself well to social media
target younger demographics who are more likely to discover products through social networks
want to tap into the targeting capabilities of social media platforms.

However, like marketplaces, it’s important to also focus on building your own online store and audience. Social commerce can be unpredictable and relies heavily on algorithm changes, so it’s essential to have a backup plan and a strong presence on your own website.

With Ecwid, it’s easy to connect your online store to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat to sell your products through a shop or reach your audience with targeted ads.

Offline Commerce

Brick-and-mortar stores, pop-ups, and local markets provide a tangible, personal experience that online selling cannot replicate. The key is integrating offline efforts with digital tools, such as POS systems, which allow tracking of both online and offline inventory and sales.

While 43% of US consumers enjoy shopping online more than in-store, shoppers in other countries still prefer the experience of physical stores—like in Austria, Finland, and New Zealand.

Benefits of Selling Through a Physical Storefront

Offline commerce provides unique advantages:

Customer experience: A physical retail space gives you full control over how customers experience your brand. They can touch and try your products while enjoying an environment that reflects your brand’s values. Plus, certain products, like clothing or furniture, benefit from being experienced in person.
Personal touch: Building customer relationships through in-person interactions can help foster loyalty and trust.
Instant gratification: Customers can purchase and take home a product immediately, which can appeal to those who don’t want to wait for shipping.
Targeted audience: Pop-ups or local markets allow you to target specific demographics or locations that align with your brand.
Walk-in customers: Retail stores naturally attract walk-in shoppers, and a great location can help you grow your customer base.

Challenges of Offline Selling

Offline commerce also has its challenges:

Higher upfront costs: Renting or buying a retail space, designing and decorating it, and purchasing inventory can involve significant upfront costs.
Limited reach: You are limited to selling to customers who visit your offline store or pop-up location. A location with limited accessibility or low walk-in traffic can make things tough for a store.
Legal requirements: Running a physical store means obtaining permits and licenses from local authorities. This can quickly add to the already high startup costs.
Seasonal business model: Some businesses may only have success during certain seasons or times of the year (e.g., holiday markets).

Is This Right for Your Business?

Running an offline store can work well in certain situations, such as:

You have access to affordable retail space in a great location
Your product needs an in-person experience to shine
You want customers to connect with and experience your brand vision firsthand.

However, if you’re just starting, don’t have a big budget, or aren’t sure about the demand for your products, opening a physical store might not be the best first step. Instead, it’s smarter (and less expensive!) to test the market online before investing thousands of dollars into a retail space.

If you sell online with Ecwid, you can sync your product catalog with Lightspeed Retail POS. Your product details will transfer smoothly, making it easy to take online and in-store orders without worrying about overselling.

Mobile Apps

Think of a mobile app as your online store’s handy sidekick, made just for phones. Instead of opening your website in a browser, customers can simply download your app and easily shop from their phones.

Mobile phones are at the heart of digital shopping, driving most website visits and online orders. In 2024, smartphones made up 77% of retail site traffic and brought in 68% of online purchases.

Advantages of Selling via a Mobile App

Mobile apps make online shopping easier and more enjoyable for customers—and they’re great for business owners, too:

Better experience: A mobile app is built specifically for mobile devices, giving customers a smoother, more user-friendly experience than using a website through a browser. Plus, you can tailor the shopping experience to fit mobile users’ needs with features like larger images and bigger buttons for easier navigation.
Customer loyalty: Mobile users don’t like cluttering their phones with too many apps. If you convince them to download yours, they’re less likely to turn to your competitors. It’s a great way to build a more loyal customer base.

A mobile app makes it easy for customers to shop using smartphones

Challenges of Selling via a Mobile App

However, mobile apps aren’t without their challenges:

User acquisition: Customers need to install the app, which can be an obstacle. Some people are downloading fewer apps and opting for mobile websites instead. This makes it tougher to convince them to install your app.
Development and maintenance: Building an app isn’t always budget-friendly for smaller businesses. Plus, running a dedicated mobile app is another platform to manage. It can get pricey and take up a lot of resources.
Little advantage over websites: These days, mobile websites can do everything a native app can. For most businesses, having a mobile app isn’t a priority.

Is This Right for Your Business?

Mobile apps work for brands with loyal customers. They’re particularly effective for subscription boxes or repeat-purchase products like coffee beans or skin care. They can also be an excellent choice for businesses with younger customers who shop on their phones.

Skip the mobile app if your customers are older, aren’t big on smartphones, or your product catalog is very small. In these cases, a mobile-friendly website will do the job just fine.

Omnichannel Selling Is the Future

Why limit yourself to just one sales channel when your customers are everywhere? That’s where omnichannel selling comes in.

Omnichannel selling means offering your products through multiple channels and connecting them seamlessly.

The benefits of omnichannel selling:

Enhanced customer experience: Meet shoppers wherever they are—online, offline, or mobile.
Brand consistency: Ensure a consistent shopping experience across all channels to build trust and loyalty.
Increased sales: Reach more customers through multiple channels, maximizing your sales potential.
Streamlined operations: With the rights software, you can manage inventory and orders from a single system while avoiding overselling.

Simplify Omnichannel Selling with Ecwid

Choosing the right platforms to sell your products shouldn’t be complicated, and managing those channels shouldn’t be, either. That’s why hundreds of thousands of small business owners trust Ecwid by Lightspeed.

With Ecwid:

Sell across multiple platforms, including websites, marketplaces, social commerce, and in-person POS.
Manage all your products, orders, and customer interactions from one simple dashboard.
No tech skills? No problem! Ecwid is user-friendly and built for small business owners ready to grow.

So, whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your business, omnichannel selling with Ecwid can help you reach more customers and grow your sales.

Wrap Up

When deciding on your business’s best sales channels, consider your target audience, product offerings, and budget.

While physical retail stores may still be necessary for certain businesses, online selling channels like websites, mobile apps, and omnichannel platforms offer endless growth potential.

Remember, with the right tools and strategies, you can reach more customers and boost your sales no matter where they shop. So why limit yourself?

Embrace the power of multiple sales channels today with Ecwid by Lightspeed. Its user-friendly platform allows you to sell your products on multiple platforms while managing everything from one simple dashboard.

The post How to Figure Out Where to Sell Your Products – Complete Guide first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Sell and Advertise on TikTok

Anastasia Prokofieva — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:05:54 +0000

People are swarming to TikTok like bees to honey, all for the edutainment, music, dance moves, hilarious pets, and whatever else tickles their fancy. That’s the magic of a video feed so personalized it might know you better than your friend!

Being one of the world’s fastest-growing social media platforms, TikTok is a fantastic way to connect with your audience and reach new customers in a relaxed, natural way. Keep reading to discover the best TikTok tools for small business owners.

Why Should You Use TikTok for Your Business?

Let’s kick things off with a question on everyone’s mind: should you use TikTok for your business? And why is TikTok a big deal for businesses?

To tackle those questions, let’s highlight what makes this platform stand out from other social media channels:

TikTok Boasts a Big and Loyal Fan Base

TikTok not only has a huge fan base but it’s also filled with loyal users who are eager to connect with brands:

TikTok has 1.5 billion monthly active users worldwide
TikTok users are 5.2 times more likely to say it’s the best place to connect with brands compared to other social and video platforms.

TikTok’s audience boasts users from various age groups (from 10 to 50+ years) with diverse interests. There are many communities on TikTok, such as #baketok, #synthtok, #parenttok, and so on. That makes the platform an excellent spot for advertising, no matter what you sell.

Demographics of TikTok users by age and gender

TikTok’s Recommendation System Is Off the Charts

TikTok’s recommendation system determines which videos will appear on a user’s For You page (the steady stream of videos they see when they open the app).

As TikTok puts it, the For You page "is powered by a recommendation system that delivers content to each user that is likely to be of interest to that particular user."

To curate this unputdownable feed, TikTok considers everything about your interactions with videos or accounts. For example, it considers clips you like or share, creators you follow, comments you post, and content you make.

Recommendations are also based on video information (captions, sounds, hashtags), your device type, and account settings (language and country).

The magic of the recommendation system allows TikTok to present users with content they like constantly. People open the app and get an endless stream of videos they are interested in. Which brings us to our next point:

People Spend a Lot of Time on TikTok

When we say "a lot," we mean A LOT.

Users worldwide spend about 34 hours on TikTok per month. In the UK, the average is over 49 hours, while in the US, it’s 45 hours and 37 minutes.

According to Emarketer, US adults ages 18 to 54 spend more time on TikTok than any other popular social platform.

TikTok leads time spent on social for most US adults

As a business owner, you want to reach your potential customers where they already spend time. Not only does TikTok have a super big and engaged audience, but it continues growing thanks to the recommendation system that users love.

So, when promoting your brand on social media, TikTok should be at the top of your list of platforms to test out.

Products Can Go Viral on TikTok

Check out the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag—it has billions of views in the app. On TikTok, products can go viral—just like songs, trends, or filters.

You’ve probably seen the viral video of a woman’s car that burned to a crisp—yet her Stanley cup survived, still holding ice. That video got 97.1 million views, not counting re-shares and media coverage.

Stanley’s marketers acted quickly. They supported their super fan by gifting a new car and highlighted their product as more than just another trendy cup—it’s durable and high-quality.

This viral video ensured that everyone became aware of Stanley cups

However, your product doesn’t need to survive fire to go viral on TikTok.

Many products have been flying off the shelves because of users’ enthusiastic review videos. For example, some CeraVe skincare products, roller skates, the Pink Stuff cleaning paste, Zara jeans, Peter Thomas Roth firming eye cream, Prepdeck kitchen organizer, and Cat Crack catnip. The list goes on and on!

TikTok users can duet, stitch, and react to each other’s videos, which, besides promoting co-creation, works as social proof for product testing. When you see dozens of videos on your For You page with different people (not brands) testing the same product, you’ll believe it’s genuinely worth the hype.

Now, let’s explore how to use the app to grow your brand visibility and sales.

How to Sell Products on TikTok

Sellers in certain countries can enjoy TikTok Shop, a handy feature that lets customers buy your products directly on the app.

How Does TikTok Shop Work?

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your For You page when a cool video pops up. Suddenly, you just have to have the product they’re showing! No worries—just tap the bag icon in the video and snag that awesome item.

How great is that? TikTok Shop makes this fun and easy shopping experience possible for your potential customers.

Shoppers can buy a product they spot in a video without leaving the app

You can also add a Shop tab to your TikTok profile that displays products from your catalog. Customers can browse your products in the app just as easily as they can browse your videos.

An example of a Shop tab in a TikTok profile

After customers tap a bag icon in your video or click on a product in your Shop tab, they can view the product’s name, description, photos, price, and *drum roll, please* a link to buy the product in your store.

Which Countries Have Access to TikTok Shop?

TikTok Shop is now available in the United Kingdom, the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

How to Set Up TikTok Shop?

The easiest way to set up a TikTok Shop is to connect your product catalog to the TikTok Seller Center via your ecommerce platform.

If you use Ecwid by Lightspeed as your ecommerce platform and your business is located in the US and UK, setting up a TikTok Shop couldn’t be easier.

All you have to do is to connect your Ecwid catalog using the M2E Multichannel Connect app (for both the US and UK) or the TikTok Shop Connector app (for the US only). If your business is outside the US and UK, you can create a TikTok Shop manually.

One of the best things about syncing your product catalog with TikTok via Ecwid is that any changes you make in your Ecwid admin show up in your TikTok Shop. Whether adding products or toggling them on or off, everything updates seamlessly, saving you time managing products across platforms.

Ecwid is one of the few ecommerce platforms that allows you to connect your online store to TikTok to advertise and sell your products on the app. You can also connect your Ecwid store to other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and eBay.

With Ecwid, you can sell your products everywhere–on your website, social media, marketplaces, and even in person. All your products and sales will be synced, and you can manage them from a single dashboard.

If you’re ready to sell your products on TikTok, click the button below and follow the step-by-step instructions for getting started.

Sell on TikTok

How to Advertise on TikTok

TikTok has been ranked number one globally for ad equity two years in a row. In other words, users value the ads on the app. This is thanks to TikTok’s unique ad formats that let you promote your products and services in a natural way.

The result? 61% of users have purchased directly on TikTok or after seeing an ad.

One great thing about TikTok Ads is that they’re available in many countries. So, even if TikTok Shop isn’t in your country yet, you can still connect with potential customers on the app.

Let’s explore how you can advertise your business on TikTok.

To start running effective ad campaigns, connect your online store to TikTok for Business through your ecommerce platform, aka Ecwid by Lightspeed.

Connecting your online store to TikTok for Business allows you to run effective ads. For example, display ads that show a specific product to people who were checking out that item on your website. Or promote your products to people who have a lot in common with your customers and are likely to be interested in what you have to offer.

After you connect your online store to TikTok for Business with Ecwid, you’ll be able to:

Feature Products in Your Ads

Syncing your product catalog and your TikTok for Business account allows you to create and manage ads that display your products–Spark Ads, Lead Generation Ads, Collection Ads, or Catalog Sales Objective Ads.

Spark Ads are your organic in-feed videos that you can turn into ads and add a call-to-action button. With your product catalog and your TikTok for Business account synced you’ll be able to link to your product page in your Spark Ads.

You can also use organic videos of other creators that feature your product and turn them into Spark Ads to promote them in the feed.

TikTok ads blend into the platform, offering an organic feel

Lead Generation Ads help you capture leads through contact forms. When someone taps the CTA button in your video ad, a popup form appears instantly.

Collecting leads on TikTok stays within the app, so there is no need to redirect users elsewhere

Collection Ads allow customers to browse a collection of products right in the app. You can pick the items to show yourself or let TikTok Ads Manager display the most relevant products for each potential customer.

Shoppers can explore a variety of products all from one ad

Catalog Sales Objective Ads display specific products to people who have expressed interest in them on your website (this feature is available only in the US and Indonesia for now).

Depending on your experience, you can choose between a simplified way of creating ads and a fully customizable ad campaign creation.

Ecwid provides a light version of TikTok Ads Manager that you can access right from your Ecwid admin. It is a simplified experience for creating an ad campaign in no time—perfect for beginners.

Pro users can go to their TikTok Ads Manager (that can be done from the Ecwid admin) and get the full control experience on setting up an ad.

Run More Effective Ad Campaigns

When you connect your Ecwid store to TikTok for Business, you automatically gain access to a smart analytics tool called TikTok Pixel. It comes pre-installed in your store, so it can start working immediately to help you better understand potential customers’ behavior on your website.

But what does TikTok Pixel do exactly? We’re happy you asked!

TikTok Pixel tracks customers’ actions on your website, such as how many people view a specific product page, search for an item, add something to a cart, or purchase. This allows you to find the right audience for your ads.

For instance, you can use Pixel’s data to reach out to people who behave similarly to your current customers or those who previously engaged with your store.

The key to running ads that bring you sales is advertising to the right audience–people who might be interested in your products. With Ecwid, you can get data from TikTok Pixel to analyze your ad performance and adjust your ads to ensure your products are displayed to the right people.

Advertising on TikTok is available for sellers in all countries supported by TikTok. So what are you waiting for?

Advertise on TikTok

If you need help connecting your store to TikTok or want to learn more about advertising on the app, our detailed Help Center instructions will definitely come in handy.

Start Selling and Advertising on TikTok

Besides being the world’s fastest-growing social media platform, TikTok is a fantastic way to connect with potential customers in a fun and natural way.

With thoughtfully targeted ads and built-in shopping, you can reach both new and loyal customers right where they love to spend time (because, let’s face it, once you start scrolling, it’s tough to stop).

Sign up for Ecwid to create an online store and connect it to TikTok to showcase your products to a large and diverse audience.

The post How to Sell and Advertise on TikTok first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Make Money as an Ecwid Partner

Anastasia Prokofieva — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 05:20:00 +0000

Have you noticed any of your friends or the people you follow on social media recommending products or services in their feed or on their websites? Chances are they are taking advantage of referral programs to make money.

Do you want to get some additional profit, too? Everyone can use some extra cash. And with Ecwid, you can earn money both in your online store and by recommending Ecwid to your friends.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an Ecwid store owner or just a supporter of our product — you can take part in the affiliate program and get rewarded for every new Ecwid user you bring in!

If you are a web agency or a developer, there are even more options for partnering with us.

Below, we’ll provide some more details to help you choose the partnership option that suits you best.

Affiliate Program for Ecwid Users and Enthusiasts

This program works for everyone: Ecwid store owners, website owners, bloggers, freelancers, and active social media users. Initial investment is not required to become an Ecwid Affiliate, and you’ll earn a percentage from each new paid store.

How It Works

To participate, register in the program and get a unique link, then provide that link to anyone interested in launching an online store with Ecwid. Each person that opens an Ecwid store through your link becomes your referral customer.

When that person upgrades to a paid plan (Venture, Business, or Unlimited), you’ll receive $100 commission. You’ll be able to track the number of referral clients and fees in your partner account.

Bonus: Ecwid affiliate partners get access to closed beta versions of new products and the chance to advertise their business by writing a guest post on the Ecwid blog.

Get your affiliate link

Developer Program

If you’re a web agency or developer, there are plenty of ways to partner with Ecwid.

Creating Custom Sections & Templates for Instant Site

The Ecwid Instant Site is a website builder tailored to meet the demands of various ecommerce businesses. It provides ready-made site sections and templates that enable users to create unique and functional online stores.

Sometimes, business owners want a personal touch to ensure their website matches their business needs. As a developer, you can help them reach their goals by crafting custom sections and templates for Ecwid Instant Sites.

Custom sections allow you to create features for Instant Sites such as bestseller slides, brand video galleries, customer reviews, and more.

Custom templates let you create an Instant Site that fits your client’s unique business needs perfectly, no matter how niche. Need a booking feature or a unique homepage design? With custom templates for Instant Sites, you can make it happen.

Learn more about creating custom sections and templates for Instant Sites.

Headless Ecommerce

Headless ecommerce is a favorite among developers because it offers flexibility and customization options, giving them more control over design and user experience.

Whether you’re looking to build an online store from scratch or add ecommerce capabilities to an existing website, headless ecommerce gives you the freedom and flexibility to create a unique and personalized shopping experience for your clients.

If you’re using Next.js Commerce, a ready-made site template for selling online, you can easily choose Ecwid as your headless ecommerce provider.

Find everything you need about adding Ecwid as your ecommerce provider on Next.js Commerce in the Help Center.

App Development

Are you a talented developer? Add your apps to the Ecwid App Market and share them with over one million potential users from all around the world!

We’re fine with both small apps for a limited target audience, as well as bigger software for analytics and sales. All apps help Ecwid users run their businesses more successfully, and you get the profit.

How It Works
It’s up to you to decide if your app is free or paid, and you can set your own price.

And if you don’t have the ability to accept payments from customers, no sweat! Ecwid can process your payments.

How to Become an App Partner
If you want to create apps for the Ecwid App Market, we recommend that you submit your app’s details to Ecwid, and then you’ll be able to read our API documentation and create an Ecwid account to get access to the API. Then you can build out the app as you’ve designed it.

As soon as your app is ready to launch, fill out this form and describe your app’s key features. We’ll add the app to the App Market, and you’ll start earning.

Submit your app

It doesn’t matter whether you are a developer or just an Ecwid enthusiast — join one of our partner programs and watch your profits grow. And if you have other ideas for a partnership with Ecwid, feel free to reach out and share them with us.

The post How to Make Money as an Ecwid Partner first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Advertise on Pinterest: Make the Most of the Product Inspiration App

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:27:15 +0000

Pinterest is more than a platform for DIY crafts and home decor ideas. For savvy small business owners, it represents a goldmine of potential customers eager to discover new and exciting products.

Discover the benefits Pinterest offers for business owners, explore which products perform best, get some helpful advertising tips, and learn about a nifty tool called the Pinterest tag.

Why Is Pinterest a Profitable Channel for Selling Products?

Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform; it’s a visual search engine. This distinction is crucial for businesses looking to increase their product visibility.

Pinterest Inspires Consumer Buying Decisions

Users come to Pinterest armed with intent—an intention to discover, pin, and often purchase. According to the platform, the top reason people use Pinterest is to discover new products and brands.

Content "Lasts Longer" on Pinterest

The longevity of organic Pinterest content means your pins can continue to garner traffic long after they are posted, unlike other platforms where posts quickly fade from view. This sustained engagement means ongoing sales with less effort.

Given that there are 537 million monthly active Pinterest users worldwide, your content can reach a large and diverse audience, increasing the potential for sales and brand recognition.

Monthly active Pinterest users worldwide from 2016 to 2024 (Source: Statista)

Pinterest Simplifies Shopping for Pinned Products

Apart from allowing users to pin inspiring content onto thematic boards, the platform provides direct pathways to online purchases.

Pinned products act as direct conduits to your online store, transforming casual browsers into potential buyers with a few clicks.

The numbers prove that this approach works. 85% of weekly US Pinterest users have made a purchase based on content they have seen from brands on the platform.

Pinterest Provides a Range of Ad Options

On Pinterest, you can run various types of ads tailored to different assets and goals. However, they all share a common thread: the potential for increased sales.

Here are the types of ads you can run on Pinterest:

Carousel ads let people swipe through multiple images
Shopping ads showcase one image at a time and let people buy products they discover on Pinterest
Collections ads appear as one main image with three smaller ones underneath in the mobile feed.
An Idea ad is a set of videos, images, lists, and custom text all in one Pin. You can promote an organic Pin as an Idea.

An example of an Idea ad

A Showcase ad is a multi-layered format with swipeable cards. Each card lets advertisers highlight up to three features, with links to more content, products, and more.
A Quiz ad is an ad format featuring multiple-choice questions and answers. Each quiz result can include links to content, products, and more.
Image ads feature one image.
Video ads feature either a video the same size as a regular Pin or a video that expands across people’s entire feed on mobile.

An example of a Collection ad

Understanding Pinterest Audience

Before you start pinning away, understand who you’re targeting. Pinterest’s demographics skew towards a female audience, with a high percentage of users under the age of 44.

Pinterest is most popular with women aged 25 to 34, making up 20.4% of its global audience. Additionally, over 19% of users are women aged 18 to 24.

Global Pinterest audience breakdown by age and gender (Source: Statista)

Here are some more demographic statistics from Pinterest:

The Pinterest audience is 70% women and 30% men
Pinterest reaches 40% of US households with an annual income over $150K.9
Gen Z is their fastest-growing audience, making up 42% of their global users. They’re searching, saving, and ready to shop more than other generations.

As for other age groups, in the US, Pinterest reaches:

46% of people ages 18-24
40% of people ages 25-34
39% of people ages 35-44.

The United States leads with nearly 90 million Pinterest users, the highest globally. Brazil comes next with about 39 million users, and then we’ve got Mexico, Germany, and France following along.

Countries with the highest number of Pinterest users (Source: Statista)

Pinterest’s audience is often characterized by a keen interest in lifestyle and personal development topics. They also love gearing up for seasonal events and holiday planning. Let this guide your content calendar, tapping into their interests and boosting engagement.

How to Advertise Your Products on Pinterest

Pinterest’s ad platform lets you target users based on their interests and behaviors. This way, you can reach audiences that are more likely to engage with your ad. To get started, you’ll need a Pinterest tag.

What Is a Pinterest Tag and How Does It Work?

A Pinterest tag is a piece of code that gets embedded in your website to spot visitors. It then uses that data to build audiences for advertising based on their actions in your online store.

The Pinterest tag helps you connect with eager shoppers who visited your store but didn’t make a purchase. This tactic is called "remarketing," and it has proven more effective than traditional ads.

The Tag sees some customers’ actions, giving you the ability to shape audiences for remarketing:

Page Visit: a visitor lands on the page
View Category: a visitor browses products from a specific category
Add To Cart: a visitor adds products to their cart
Start Checkout: a user clicks the checkout button
Checkout: a customer completes their purchase
Search: a visitor uses the search box to find something in your store.

The Tag also lets you sell on Pinterest to users similar to your existing customers, known as "actalike" audiences.

But it doesn’t stop there. Your Pinterest tag also tracks what users do after clicking on your ad. Rather than count ad clicks (which doesn’t equal purchases), your Tag lets you see how much your ad has generated. That helps you see how effective your ads are.

Pinterest ads seamlessly integrate with organic content

Even if you’re not quite ready to hop over to selling on Pinterest, install the Pinterest tag now to gather audiences of almost-there customers to remarket whenever you’re ready.

How to Add a Pinterest Tag to Your Online Store

To install the Pinterest tag, you typically have to modify your site header code and add pieces of code on every page where you want to track events. However, some ecommerce platforms, such as Ecwid by Lightspeed, make it easier for you.

With Ecwid by Lightspeed, you don’t just get a robust online store—you gain access to a suite of promotional tools, including options for advertising on Pinterest. Create your online store with Ecwid to start selling on your website, social media like Pinterest, and marketplaces.

With Ecwid, your Pinterest tag requires no extra coding, meaning you can get started without special skills. The process is simplified–all you need is a single copy-and-paste in your Ecwid admin.

To start with Pinterest tag, set up a free Pinterest business account and verify your website. See the detailed step-by-step instruction in the Help Center.

Adding a Pinterest tag to your Ecwid store requires a quick copy-and-paste

How to Create Ads on Pinterest

Once your business account and Pinterest tag are set up, you can start creating ads on the platform. Here’s how to get started.

Navigating all the advertising terms can be tricky, but don’t worry! Below is a handy overview to help you better understand Pinterest Ads.

To advertise on Pinterest, you begin by running a campaign.

In any campaign, you’ll find several ad groups—think of these as chapters. This is where the action takes place! Set a bid and budget, target specific audiences, and create multiple ad groups to achieve different goals and share various parts of your business story.

Once you’ve set up your ad group, you can start promoting Pins that align with your campaign goals. These Pins will appear as users browse their home feed or search for relevant keywords.

What Products Sell Best on Pinterest?

Pinterest is all about inspiration, so it’s no surprise that products embodying an aspirational lifestyle perform well on the platform. Think dreamy vacation destinations, luxury goods, home décor items, fashion choices—you get the idea.

Pinterest users are drawn to aesthetically pleasing visual content, so products with high-quality images or videos perform best.

The most popular categories on Pinterest include:

Home Decor & DIY

Home decor remains one of the top categories on Pinterest, with ideas for interiors and garden beautification dominating searches.

DIY products, tutorials, and kits also have carved out their space on Pinterest. Offering both a product and an experience, they have an undeniable appeal among Pinterest’s active DIY community.

Pinterest is a hub of inspiring design ideas

Fashion & Beauty

Fashion and beauty products follow closely behind, with users seeking style tips and product recommendations to enhance their style. The vibrant visuals associated with apparel and cosmetics create allure and motivate people to purchase.

Users turn to Pinterest to curate outfits for every occasion

Food & Drink

Food and drink-related items also perform well on Pinterest. Whether specialty ingredients or artisanal kitchen gadgets, these categories have a dedicated following of connoisseurs eager for culinary exploration.

Recipes rank among the most popular types of content on Pinterest

Travel & Tourism

Pinterest offers a wealth of inspiration for travelers, from dream destinations to practical packing tips. Products that cater to wanderlust and make travel more convenient are highly sought after on the platform.

Pinterest is a popular platform for trip planning and finding destination inspiration

Health & Fitness

Pinterest is ideal for promoting health and fitness products. From workout gear to meal plans, users who are looking for ways to improve their wellness are constantly browsing for fresh ideas and recommendations.

A healthy lifestyle can also be an inspiration on Pinterest

More Ways to Promote Your Products on Pinterest

Beyond advertising, Pinterest offers various methods to promote your products. Here are a few strategies:

Optimize Descriptions and Include Keywords

Since Pinterest functions like a search engine, it helps to incorporate keywords within your pin descriptions. This ensures your content shows up during relevant searches, increasing your pins’ discoverability and engagement.

Act on Pinterest Insights

The Pinterest Trends tool lets you see what people are searching for on Pinterest. You can explore by demographic, region, and other handy filters to discover what your audience is excited to try next.

Understanding changing trends allows you to launch relevant ad campaigns on Pinterest before big spikes happen. Your ads show up at the right time, boosting your chances of converting viewers into customers.

Pinterest Trends shows you what content is popular and when people start searching for different trends

Submit Your Content for Shopping Spotlight

Shopping Spotlight lets you highlight your trendy, seasonal content on one of Pinterest’s busiest surfaces. Your products and ideas can appear as Pins on Pinterest’s search landing page, making it easy for users to find and engage with them.

To submit your content for Shopping Spotlight, ensure that your topic is a highly-searched term during the desired period.

Use Automated Posting

If you sell online with Ecwid by Lightspeed, you can use the Outfy app to create content showcasing your products and automatically post it on Pinterest and other social networks. You can create collages, videos, animated gifs, and sale promotions.

Start Promoting Your Business on Pinterest

With its visual and discovery-focused platform, Pinterest can help you reach new audiences and drive sales for your business.

Whether you advertise on the platform or use other promotional strategies, it’s worth investing time and effort into building a strong presence on Pinterest. So why not take advantage of this powerful marketing tool?

With Ecwid by Lightspeed, it’s easier than ever to get started and see actual results. Create your online store and install the Pinterest tag to reach new customers on Pinterest through more effective ads.

Happy pinning!

The post How to Advertise on Pinterest: Make the Most of the Product Inspiration App first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Support via Facebook Messenger

Anastasia Prokofieva — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 08:15:00 +0000

Offering customer support right where it matters the most—on your website—might be just what you need to turn more shoppers into happy customers. That’s where Facebook Messenger steps in. As one of the world’s favorite messaging apps, it also lets you add live chat to your online store for instant customer support.

Keep reading to learn how to grow your online store using Facebook Messenger and explore proven marketing strategies you can implement with it.

Why Use Facebook Messenger Live Chat on Your Site

Facebook Messenger live chat keeps you connected with your customers, lets you chat smoothly, and gives friendly reminders to shoppers about offers and discounts.

Let’s explore how you can use Facebook Messenger for your online store.

Shoppers Already Use Messenger

The number of Facebook Messenger users is massive — 1,010 million worldwide. If you have a Facebook page (which most of us do), you’re already on Messenger.

If you’re selling in the US, Facebook Messenger is indispensable. A survey of US consumers revealed that Facebook Messenger is their preferred platform for communication.

Messaging Creates a Personal Connection

In our bustling ecommerce world, people still love shopping from small businesses, whether they offer 2-day delivery or not. Why? Because smaller stores provide something special — quick, personal communication. Connecting and chatting with customers where they are builds a personal bond that brings your brand to life.

A store with Facebook Messenger live chat opens up chances for real conversations that bigger marketplaces and brick-and-mortar stores just can’t match. It’s like being your customers’ personal shopping assistant, suggesting items based on their needs, helping them pick the right size, or offering tips on using your product.

Shoppers Love Live Chats

Consumers appreciate live chats for a clear reason: they get help in real time without dealing with complicated menus or waiting for email replies.

Easiest-to-use customer service channels in the US (Source: Statista)

Let’s take a look at some survey data to back up the point:

66% of consumers say that they are more likely to purchase from a brand that they can contact via messaging
61% of consumers think chatting with an agent is the easiest customer service channel
85% of shoppers feel satisfied when they use live chat for customer service.

Linking Facebook Messenger to your store lets you use the app as a live chat, improving your customer service.

Messenger Live Chat Is Easy to Use

There are loads of fancy live chat platforms out there, but if you’re after a simple way to chat with your customers without needing a tech degree, this is the tool for you. Its user-friendly nature makes selling on Messenger a breeze.

Conversations Are Saved in Messenger’s Inbox

Imagine a customer asking you a question in a live chat while you’re offline. With Facebook Messenger live chat, the message waits for you and pops up once you’re back online, so you won’t miss a thing.

Keeping Facebook Messenger live chat on your platform means you stay connected with your clients whenever and wherever they reach out—whether on your website or directly in Facebook’s Messenger app.

Live Chat Assists Shoppers in Making Purchase Decisions

We’ve all been there. You’re browsing an online store and have a question—maybe the sizing is confusing, or you need more details on warranty, service, installation, care, and maintenance. That’s where Messenger comes in. Just click on Facebook Messenger live chat, and voilà! Instant customer service with a real-time chat.

Remember that some purchasing situations call for a bit more privacy and personalized service. Think about pharmaceutical cosmetics, lingerie, security products, gifts, and similar items.

Live chat helps your customers feel more at ease and allows you, as the seller, to connect with them on a more personal level.

While exploring products, customers can easily contact the business

Now, let’s explore how to connect your store to the app and start selling on Facebook Messenger.

How to Add a Facebook Messenger Live Chat to Your Online Store

First things first: if you still don’t have an online store, it’s time to create one. If you’re hunting for an online store that’s as powerful as it is easy to use, Ecwid by Lightspeed is your top choice.

Once your online store is up and running smoothly, connecting it to Facebook Messenger is a breeze.

If you’re using Ecwid, you can easily do this with a variety of apps from the Ecwid App Market. For example, Chaty, Chatway, WhatsApp Chat, and more. Simply search for "Facebook Messenger" in the App Market and pick the app that suits you best.

One awesome thing about these apps is that they let you offer multichannel support all from one spot. You can manage customer inquiries from Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, email, and other messaging platforms in one central hub.

This way, you save time switching between communication channels, ensuring you don’t miss anything and your customers aren’t kept waiting.

How to Use Facebook Messenger for Your Business

To get the most bang for your buck with Facebook Messenger’s live chat, check out the practices below.

Get the "Very Responsive" Badge

The "Very responsive to messages" badge is available to businesses with a response rate of at least 90% and a response time under 15 minutes. Earning that badge can boost customer trust — people love it when a business is quick to respond to their questions.

Automate Your Responses

Facebook Messenger allows you to set up automated responses, which can be a huge time saver. You can create instant replies for common questions or when you are away from your computer. This ensures that your customers receive quick and consistent responses even when you are not available.

This automated message informs customers of when they can expect a response

Automating responses also helps earn that "very responsive" badge, as it ensures that messages are always answered promptly.

This feature is especially useful for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs who may not have the resources to constantly monitor and respond to messages.

Below are the responses that can be automated in Facebook Messenger:

Instant replies: Automatically send a hello when someone messages you. Customize your message to greet them, share more about your page, or let them know when you’ll get back to them.
Set away schedule and message: Schedule your page’s status to away during specific hours. Keep customers informed when they can expect a response. (Messages received when your page status is away won’t affect your response rate or time.)

Here’s how to set up automated responses for Messenger.

Set Up Messenger Greetings

You can set a custom greeting to welcome anyone starting a conversation with your page. This friendly greeting pops up before any messages are sent and can share helpful info you’d like people to know before they reach out.

Here’s how to set up an automated custom greeting.

Use Saved Replies

Saved replies let you write, save, and reuse messages with ease. They’re super handy for addressing common questions like your business hours, email, or phone number.

You can create a saved reply from any chat in Messenger. Simply click "Insert saved reply" and choose "Add new."

Try Inbox Suggestions in Meta Business Suite

Meta Business Suite is your go-to tool for handling everything Meta-related. That includes Inbox, where you can view and manage all your messages in one spot, whether they’re from Messenger, Instagram DM, or comments on Facebook and Instagram.

Plus, Inbox has a nifty tool called suggestions that can help you save time and stay organized. For instance, when you’re chatting with a potential customer, Meta might suggest a reply based on your conversation’s context. You can take this action from your Inbox.

Or, if you find yourself answering the same questions in messages often, Meta might suggest creating a handy FAQ based on your chat history. You can edit the suggested FAQs before saving them.

Learn more about Inbox suggestions in Meta Business Suite.

Start Selling with Facebook Messenger

Now you’re all set on how to sell on Messenger—exciting, right? The rest is in your hands! To offer top-notch customer service to your store visitors, consider adding Facebook Messenger live chat to your marketing tools and see your ecommerce game take off.

The post How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Support via Facebook Messenger first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Max Komonov — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:44:59 +0000

Running an ecommerce brand has plenty of perks, but it’s not without its challenges. One big hurdle is relying on shipping companies—unless, of course, you have your own courier service.

Usually, an ecommerce business owner doesn’t feel the strain of this partnership, but when big moments come up, like a global sales campaign, it’s important to make sure your shipping partner has your back.

As we approach the end of 2024, every major shipping company is experiencing the holiday rush. To ensure your packages arrive on time, they’re kindly reminding sellers to ship their goods by specific dates.

To help ease your stress and ensure your customers’ purchases arrive on time, we’ve put together a list of deadlines from major shipping companies for domestic deliveries.

Make sure to inform your customers about the recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25, and plan your shipping accordingly.

The United States Domestic Delivery Deadlines

USPS

USPS Ground Advantage	Dec. 18*
First-Class Mail	Dec. 18
Priority Mail	Dec. 19
Priority Mail Express	Dec. 20**

* Dec. 16 for Hawaii and Alaska

** Dec. 20 for Hawaii and Alaska

UPS

UPS Ground	Calculate on the site
UPS 3 Day Select	Dec. 19
UPS 2nd Day Air	Dec. 20
UPS Next Day Air	Dec. 23

FedEx

FedEx SameDay	Dec. 24
FO, PO, SO, Extra Hours	Dec. 23
2Day & 2Day AM	Dec. 20
FedEx Express Saver	Dec. 19
FedEx Ground	Dec. 17
FedEx Home Delivery	Dec. 17
FedEx Ground Economy	Dec. 13

Canada Domestic Delivery Deadlines

Canada Post

Local (Priority, Xpresspost)	Dec. 23
Local (Expedited Parcel or flat rate box	Dec. 20
Local (Regular Parcel)	Dec. 19
Regional (Priority, Xpresspost)	Dec. 23
Regional (Expedited Parcel or flat rate box)	Dec. 18
Regional (Regular Parcel)	Dec. 16
National (Priority)	Dec. 20
National (Xpresspost)	Dec. 20
National (Flat rate box)	Dec. 12
National (Regular Parcel)	Dec. 10

Australia Domestic Delivery Deadlines

Australia Post

Parcel Post	Dec. 13-20
Express Post	Dec. 20-23

Greate Britain Domestic Delivery Deadlines

Royal Mail

2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For	Dec. 18
1st Class and 1st Class Signed For	Dec. 20
Royal Mail Tracked 48	Dec. 20
Royal Mail Tracked 24	Dec. 21
Special Delivery Guaranteed	Dec. 23

Germany Domestic Delivery Deadlines

DPD

Standard	Dec. 20
Express	Dec. 23

Download and Print the List

To easily keep track of shipping deadlines, feel free to download this list to print or save on your device.

Remember to keep your customers in the loop about these deadlines: pin a post on social media, add a "Holiday Shipping" section to your homepage, or send a newsletter.

Happy holidays!

The post 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Handle Negative Feedback: A Practical Guide

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:45:55 +0000

Imagine this scenario: you’ve poured your heart into building your brand, only to find a scathing review online. It’s easy to see why many business owners dread negative feedback, but what if we told you it doesn’t have to be a nightmare?

When handled correctly, negative feedback can be a powerful tool for brand reputation management.

Today, we’ll explore how negative reviews can serve as opportunities rather than setbacks. You’ll discover why these reviews aren’t always bad news and how they can even bolster your business’s reputation.

Understanding the Impact of Negative Feedback

Negative reviews can seem daunting, especially when you’re putting your best foot forward. But before panic sets in, remember that even the most successful companies have their fair share of criticism.

A single negative review doesn’t define your business; rather, it’s an opportunity for growth and connection.

The Psychology Behind Negative Feedback

Why do negative reviews carry so much weight? It’s simple human psychology.

Studies show that people tend to remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones. This is known as the negativity bias, where negative events impact our emotional state more significantly than positive ones.

Surveys also reveal the impact of negativity bias on shopping, with 96% of customers actively seeking out negative reviews.

However, 88% of consumers are more inclined to overlook a negative review if they see that the business has responded and addressed the issue appropriately.

For businesses, this means that addressing negative feedback with empathy and understanding can leave a lasting impression on customers and even turn skeptics into loyal advocates.

A few negative reviews aren’t disastrous — 85% of respondents consider the average star rating a key factor when evaluating a business through reviews (Source: Statista)

Navigating Customer Perceptions

Negative feedback isn’t just about the words in a review but the perception it creates.

Customers want to know they are heard and valued. Ignoring or dismissing their concerns can damage your brand’s reputation. Addressing issues can enhance your reputation, showing that you care about your customers’ experiences.

Research proves that negative reviews can positively influence your brand’s perception:

46% of shoppers are wary of products with a perfect five-star rating.
88% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company that replies to all its negative and positive reviews.

How Reviews Affect Your Site Rankings

While you don’t want negative reviews since they can discourage consumers from purchasing, there’s also a less apparent reason why they might impact your business.

Negative reviews can affect the traffic you receive from Google since star ratings appear in search results. Google gathers these ratings from online reviews on its own platform, Google My Business, as well as from third-party sites.

If your rating is low or you don’t have any ratings yet, other websites might show up in the search results instead. Your listings may not stand out, and Google users might not click through to your site. Each time that happens, it could mean lost opportunities, as customers might choose a competitor with (good) star ratings.

This lack of click-throughs can affect your website’s overall ranking on Google, as it considers customer experiences a ranking factor.

How to Track Negative Reviews

When you have only a few customers, manually tracking reviews can be manageable. Here are some ways to do it:

Check major review websites every day, such as Trustpilot, Google My Business, or Yelp.
Set up Google Alerts for your company name as a keyword.
Frequently search for your brand name on social media, and check your branded hashtag on Instagram if you have one.
Explore YouTube for potential video reviews of your products.

The downside of this method is that reviews might not always be in the Google index, so you could spend some time searching and still miss a few.

As you gain more customers, you’ll see an increase in ratings and the number of platforms where they appear. Keeping track of reviews can get tricky.

The good news is that some ecommerce platforms offer built-in tools for managing customer reviews.

Take Ecwid by Lightspeed, for example. It provides you with a robust online store and allows you to collect and manage customer feedback.

A review showcased on a product page within the Ecwid store

All you have to do is turn on the toggle to start collecting reviews in your online store. Your customers will receive a feedback request email prompting them to share their experience with your product.

Once a customer submits a review for a product, you can manually publish it on your online store for everyone to see.

Learn more about collecting reviews in your Ecwid store:

Another great way to manage reviews is to use a service that tracks them for you.

Platforms like Trustpilot, Google My Business, and social media monitoring tools track reviews and mentions, providing you with real-time alerts. These tools help you stay proactive, allowing you to respond quickly and prevent issues from escalating.

For instance, Trustami lets you gather ratings and reviews from over 20 platforms (like eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Amazon, Trusted Shops, and Google Shopping) and manage everything in one place.

Ecwid stores are integrated with Trustami and other review tools like TargetBay, HelpfulCrowd, and more. Check out more rating and review tools in this article:

Now that you know how to track reviews, let’s figure out how to handle them.

Turning Negative Reviews into Positive Outcomes

Negative feedback can seem like an obstacle, but in reality, it’s an opportunity to showcase your brand’s dedication to customer satisfaction.

Check out a step-by-step plan to follow when a negative review catches you off guard.

Determine if the Review is Fair

Don’t lose hope if you spot a malicious message and think the review is unfair. You can try to get the review taken down.

Reach out to the platform, but be prepared with solid reasons for your removal request. Some reasons could include inappropriate language, targeting the wrong review, or an unverified transaction.

If you suspect a comment on Amazon is fake or irrelevant, you can report it

Acknowledge the Feedback & Show You Care

If the review is fair, acknowledging the feedback is the first step towards turning a negative review into a positive outcome.

Respond promptly, thank the customer for their input, and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Avoid getting defensive or making excuses; show empathy and understanding toward the customer’s concerns.

An ideal response to a negative review should:

Show you acknowledge the issue and offer a sincere apology.
Offer a clear path to resolution, whether it’s a refund, replacement, or additional support.
Be genuine and personable.
Gracefully highlight a positive aspect of your business.
Demonstrate learning from the experience and reassure them about preventing future issues.

In this example, the store recognizes the issue and provides a solution

Gracefully Handle Unfair or Aggressive Reviews

Sometimes, a negative review might come across as aggressive or unfair. In such a tricky situation:

Don’t ignore a bad comment. Although it might be tempting to put it aside, try not to leave the website before resolving the issue.
Don’t take it personally. Focus on helping your customers.
Take a moment before reacting. Rushing can lead to emotional or unprepared responses. Pause to think it over and gather as much detail as you can about the issue. For example, review past communications with the customer or check the order details.
Avoid starting a long discussion publicly. Your message on the public platform should include facts, a brief explanation, and an invitation to discuss the issue with the customer in more detail through direct messaging. Aim to say more than just, "I’m sorry. Give me a call, and we can resolve the situation." Try to address each point mentioned about the circumstances.
Try not to be defensive or overly apologetic. Instead of blaming someone or repeatedly saying sorry, focus on finding a way to prevent this from happening again.

While the brand can’t control customs fees, they courteously responded to the negative review

Exercise Caution with Automation

Automation can be a game-changer when managing feedback at scale, such as social media comments and mentions. You can achieve this with platform tools like Facebook Messenger’s auto-reply or social media automation tools like NapoleonCat or Agorapulse.

However, balance is key; while automation streamlines processes, personalized responses to feedback show customers that they matter.

It’s great to automate responses to comments with frequently asked questions, but be careful with negative comments — automated replies might come off as insincere. Plus, they don’t provide the solution right when it’s most needed.

To avoid this, stick to human responses for negative reviews and use automation for types of comments that don’t require a personal touch (like asking what are your working hours or if you offer free shipping).

Automation helps manage some social media comments, like requests for purchase links. However, it’s best to handle negative comments personally.

Turn Setbacks into Solutions

When customers share negative reviews, they hope to see that you’ll use their feedback to make improvements.

Share the steps you’re taking to prevent similar issues in the future to show customers that you’re committed to continuous improvement.

Once you’ve handled the issue, follow up with customers who have had negative experiences to ensure their concerns were addressed and ask for their feedback on any changes implemented.

Long-Term Solutions for Minimizing Negative Feedback

The best way to handle negative reviews is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Here are some tips for minimizing negative feedback:

Provide Clear Product Information and Policies

When customers have complete information about your products, they can make informed purchase decisions and won’t be disappointed with what they receive.

Set Realistic Expectations

Be transparent about shipping times, return policies, and other important details to avoid any surprises that could lead to negative reviews.

Maintain Consistent Communication

Communicate with customers throughout the whole purchasing process. This includes sending confirmation emails, tracking numbers, and responding promptly to customer inquiries.

For example, in Ecwid, you can let your customers track their orders with Apple Wallet, so they can always stay updated on the status of their orders.

Encourage Positive Reviews

While negative reviews are inevitable, positive ones can also be cultivated. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by making the process easy and rewarding.

Send follow-up emails after a purchase with a gentle request for feedback. Consider offering incentives for leaving a review.

For example, in Ecwid, you can send an automated review request with a discount code for the next purchase.

You can also offer a discount for a review as an incentive

Use Feedback to Improve Products and Services

Use feedback as a catalyst for improvement by identifying areas where your product or service falls short. Implement changes based on customer insights and communicate these enhancements to your audience.

Monitor Review Platforms Regularly

Stay on top of your brand’s online reputation by regularly checking and responding to reviews across all platforms.

Analyze feedback regularly to identify trends and opportunities for enhancement. Share insights with your team to foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness.

Wrap Up

Negative feedback doesn’t have to be the villain in your business story. Instead, it can be a powerful ally in your pursuit of excellence.

Customers who leave negative feedback often do so because they care enough to voice their concerns. Addressing these issues head-on demonstrates your commitment to improvement and customer satisfaction.

To simplify managing customer reviews, pick an ecommerce platform that offers built-in review tools and integrates with popular review sites, like Ecwid by Lightspeed.

Remember, negative feedback is an opportunity to learn, improve, and build stronger relationships with your customers. Embrace it, respond thoughtfully, and watch your business thrive.

The post How to Handle Negative Feedback: A Practical Guide first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How Ecwid Igniter Helps You Stay Ahead of Ecommerce Trends

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:18:40 +0000

In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, staying ahead of the curve is not just a goal — it’s a necessity.

Enter the Ecwid Igniter, your essential guide to the latest advancements in digital selling. This biannual overview showcases cutting-edge tools designed to propel small business owners beyond their competition.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how these new features reflect current ecommerce trends and empower business owners to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

What Is Ecwid Igniter?

Imagine having a toolbox filled with the newest gadgets that cater to the dynamic needs of your online store.

That’s precisely what Ecwid Igniter offers. It’s a comprehensive collection of tools and enhancements released every six months, each one crafted to address specific challenges and opportunities within the ecommerce landscape.

Whether you’re looking to streamline operations or captivate customers, the Ecwid Igniter has something for you.

If you can’t wait to dive in, click the button below to explore the incredible tools Ecwid has to offer.

Ignite your growth

Staying Competitive with Ecwid Igniter

Let’s delve into how new Ecwid features meet the current demands of the ecommerce industry.

We’ll explore a selection of the most prominent features, so be sure to click the button above for a comprehensive overview of all 40 tools. Moreover, the features listed below are already available, while the Ecwid Igniter page also offers exciting sneak peeks of tools that are coming soon.

Ecommerce Trend 1: Data-Driven Decisions

Companies that leverage data are 23 times more likely to surpass their competitors in acquiring customers, about 19 times more likely to remain profitable, and nearly seven times more likely to retain their customer base.

Data is king, and Ecwid provides robust tools for data analysis.

Sales reports like view-to-cart reports and checkout steps tracking provide invaluable insights into consumer behavior. They show you how many product views turn into items added to carts and how many of those carts actually lead to sales.

With this info, you can spot any potential issues and fix them, helping to cut down on abandoned carts in your online store.

A Product Sales and Stock Overview report in Ecwid admin

Ecommerce Trend 2: AI Streamlining Everyday Tasks

72% of businesses have integrated AI into at least one business function. This trend offers advantages across all niches, so make sure to embrace it.

With Ecwid’s AI photo enhancer, your product photos can achieve studio-quality presentation with minimal effort.

From background replacement to shadow addition, AI technology ensures your images pop, capturing the attention of discerning customers.

That’s not all! The Mercury AI app simplifies the process of crafting marketing texts for your store and social media, using AI-generated copy tailored to match your brand voice.

Ecommerce Trend 3: Personalization Is a Must

71% of consumers want companies to give them personalized interactions, and if they don’t like their experience, three out of four will switch to another company.

A great way to enhance customer experience is by providing personalized deals. Discounts can drive significant traffic and sales, especially during peak shopping seasons.

Ecwid’s smart discounts allow you to schedule time-sensitive offers and increase order value with cart total discounts and customer group discounts, effectively motivating customers to purchase more while feeling rewarded.

Scheduling a sale takes just a couple of clicks in Ecwid

Efficiently managing customer data is vital for personalized marketing efforts. Ecwid’s capabilities to export and import all customer data simplify the process, enabling you to update and migrate data with ease and precision.

However, personalization extends beyond just offering deals. The website experience matters, too.

Ecwid’s latest report on visitors by country and language provides insights into which languages to focus on for website localization. You can also tailor payment and shipping options based on customers’ preferred language or shopping region.

Ecommerce Trend 4: Enhanced User Experience

Did you know that 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience?

User experience is paramount, and Ecwid’s latest tools are here to ensure your customers enjoy seamless navigation.

With dropdown subcategories, customers can effortlessly find exactly what they’re looking for. This feature reduces friction and enhances the shopping experience, keeping customers engaged and ready to purchase.

A product category menu in the Instant Site header

To upgrade your online store’s look and feel or add specific functionality, like a booking form, customizable Instant Site sections are just what you need.

Custom Instant Site sections allow you to tailor your storefront to reflect your brand’s unique style. From interactive elements to bespoke contact forms, personalization has never been easier — or more impactful.

Ecommerce Trend 5: SEO Optimization Matters

Search engine optimization continues to be a critical component of online visibility. Organic search produces 27% of overall website traffic for retail, making SEO one of the critical factors in driving online sales.

Ecwid’s introduction of custom URL slugs enables your product pages to rank higher in search results. Clean, descriptive URLs not only attract more traffic but also create a trustworthy link that stands out to both Google and potential customers.

An example of a custom slug for a product URL in an Ecwid store

Ecommerce Trend 6: Video Content Reigns Supreme

Videos are a powerful marketing tool — product pages with videos convert 80% better than those without.

With Ecwid’s full-screen video background display, you can captivate audiences right from your homepage. Embed videos from platforms like YouTube and TikTok to showcase your brand story, highlight products, or engage customers with vibrant visual content.

Ecommerce Trend 7: Mobile Management for On-the-Go Business Owners

Managing your store on the fly is a must in today’s fast-moving world. Ecwid’s mobile solutions, such as product reviews management and checking store metrics from mobile, empower you to stay responsive and nimble, ensuring your business never misses a beat — even when you’re on the go.

Ecommerce Trend 8: Global Payment Solutions

One of the primary reasons for cart abandonment is the absence of a preferred payment option. Not to mention, expanding your payment options is crucial for international market reach.

Ecwid’s Lightspeed Payments is available in multiple countries, including the Netherlands and Ireland, and offers secure, familiar payment methods like iDEAL, increasing the likelihood of closing sales globally.

To recap, Lightspeed Payments is available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.

Empower Your Business with Ecwid Igniter

Ecwid’s latest updates aren’t just about keeping pace with ecommerce trends; they’re about empowering you to seize new opportunities and grow your business.

Discover the full range of features in the latest edition of Ecwid Igniter. Explore, experiment, and implement these tools to ensure your business remains competitive, innovative, and customer-focused in today’s dynamic ecommerce environment.

Go to Ecwid Igniter

The post How Ecwid Igniter Helps You Stay Ahead of Ecommerce Trends first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

11 Game-Changing Ways to Automate Your Business and Save Time

Anastasia Prokofieva — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:38:05 +0000

Time is a precious commodity for small business owners — every second counts. Whether managing inventory or responding to customer inquiries, the hours can slip away before you’ve even had your morning coffee.

That’s where automation comes in.

Imagine a world where tedious tasks handle themselves, freeing you to focus on what truly matters — growing your business.

This article will guide you through proven strategies for automating various aspects of your online store, making it more efficient and profitable year-round.

No online store yet? Get started with Ecwid for free — it’s a breeze! (You can also migrate your existing online store to Ecwid.) Plus, it lets you effortlessly automate your online store tasks using all the methods described below.

Send Automated Marketing Emails

Automated marketing emails are like little reminders that keep your store at the top of your customers’ minds. Once set up, these emails work their magic by automatically sending out whenever a specific event occurs.

Imagine this: your customer adds a product to their cart but then abandons it… and bam! They get a friendly, personalized message that keeps them connected to your brand.

An example of an abandoned cart email you can send with Ecwid

Abandoned cart emails aren’t the only emails you can automate. From favorite item reminders to post-purchase thank-yous and related product recommendations, marketing automation keeps communication flowing smoothly and consistently.

Automated emails are timely and relevant to the recipient, so they help bring clients back to your store, generate sales, and increase customer loyalty. Think of it as having a virtual assistant ready to engage your customers at every stage of their buying journey.

Learn what automated marketing emails you can set up in your Ecwid store.

Schedule Sales to Start and End Automatically

Planning promotions is a vital part of retail strategy. The problem? It can be time-consuming to manage manually, especially when you have a lot of products in your online store.

Fortunately, some ecommerce platforms, like Ecwid by Lightspeed, make it easy for you to schedule sales to start and end automatically. This way, you ensure your discounts go live precisely when you want them to, without lifting a finger.

Scheduling a sale takes just a couple of clicks

This tool allows you to plan for peak seasons, holidays, or special events, giving you more time to prepare other aspects of your business.

Discover how to strategically schedule your promotions and explore additional tips to run a successful sale.

Run Automated Google Shopping Ads

You know the drill — Google is where people search for everything, including your products. Wouldn’t it be awesome to meet them right at that moment before they explore all the competitors down on the SERP?

It’s totally possible with Google Shopping ads. You can put photos and a short description of your products above search results, which makes them hard to miss. And yes, you can automate running ads, too.

With automated Google Shopping ads, you save time on setup and monitoring while maximizing your reach. Set your audience, select categories, and estimate your budget. The system handles the rest, bidding strategically to optimize your ad spend.

Shopping ads at the top of the Google Search tab

Automating this process means you can focus on creating great products instead of worrying about each ad campaign. It’s like having a dedicated marketing team working tirelessly to ensure your products stand out on Google, even while you sleep.

If you run an Ecwid store, here’s how to run automated ads on Google.

Launch Remarketing Ads on Social Media

Remarketing ads are designed to reach people who’ve previously interacted with your brand, for example, by visiting your website or adding products to their cart but not completing the purchase.

Automating this process on platforms like Facebook and Instagram lets you effortlessly remind past visitors of the value you offer with dynamic ads.

Dynamic ads customize product offerings based on a user’s previous interactions, making them more relevant and effective.

For example, if a customer was browsing your selection of shoes, they’ll see ads featuring those specific styles instead of generic advertisements, increasing the chance of conversion.

This retargeting ad is aimed at consumers who have previously shown interest in these specific products

Whether you’re running a seasonal sale or launching a new line, automated remarketing keeps your brand top of mind without requiring constant manual input from you.

With Ecwid, you can easily run remarketing ads wherever your target audience hangs out — whether on Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or Pinterest.

Automate Tax Calculations

Tax compliance might seem daunting, but it’s vital to any business.

Manually crunching numbers for various locations can be tedious and error-prone. Why not simplify your life? Automate your tax calculations and ensure you’re always spot-on with the right rates.

With automatic tax settings, your ecommerce platform keeps up with changes in tax legislation, applying the latest rates without requiring any action from you. It saves you time and eliminates the stress of manual updates.

This tool guarantees peace of mind, knowing you’re compliant with current tax laws, allowing you to focus on more strategic business initiatives.

Learn more about setting up automatic tax calculations in your Ecwid store.

Show Real-Time Shipping Rates in Your Online Store

Another critical aspect of running an online store is ensuring you charge customers the correct shipping costs. You certainly don’t want to cover extra shipping fees because your store’s rates were outdated.

Offering real-time shipping rates elevates the customer experience by providing precise costs right at checkout. With automation, your store can fetch live rates from carriers, taking into account package size, weight, and delivery distance.

Accurate real-time shipping rates are displayed at the checkout in an Ecwid store

This transparency builds trust with customers, who appreciate knowing the exact cost. It also prevents unexpected charges that could lead to cart abandonment. Plus, it helps you dodge those extra shipping charges from using the wrong rate.

Implementing real-time shipping automation ensures you offer competitive, accurate rates, keeping you and your customers happy. Here’s how to do that in your Ecwid store.

Get Automated Restock Reminders

Running out of stock on bestsellers or popular products and watching customers walk away is every business owner’s worst nightmare! Stay ahead of demand and stock those shelves to ensure your customers return for more.

Automated restock reminders ensure that you’re always stocked up on key products. Set alerts for when stock levels get too low, and you’ll receive timely notifications to reorder.

This proactive approach prevents lost sales and keeps your store well-stocked, maintaining your reputation for reliability.

In Ecwid, setting up automated restock alerts is as easy as clicking a couple of buttons — here’s how you can do it.

Automate Selling on Marketplaces and Social Media

Expanding your reach is a must for business growth. Today’s savvy consumers shop everywhere — from Amazon and eBay to Facebook and TikTok and beyond. Are you ready to meet them where they are?

With Instagram Shop, you can let customers buy your products right in the app

Selling on marketplaces and social media can really propel your business, but manually updating product info on each platform can be a time drain, taking away from all your hard work.

Syncing your product catalog with marketplaces and social media ensures your products are visible across multiple platforms without the need for manual updates.

This approach syncs product details, inventory levels, and pricing, ensuring consistency wherever your products appear. It also reduces the risk of errors that can arise from manual input.

Automating multichannel selling with Ecwid allows you to capture a wider audience and increase your sales potential. You can connect your Ecwid store to dozens of marketplaces and key social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Automate Collecting Product Reviews

When did you last buy something online without checking the reviews? Chances are, your customers do the same!

Product reviews are a fantastic way to build trust and credibility. However, gathering them regularly often slips off busy business owners’ to-do lists.

Fortunately, gathering reviews is a breeze to automate — just a couple of clicks, and you’re set!

You can also offer a discount for a review as an incentive

Automating the review collection process allows you to invite customers to share their feedback without nudging them constantly.

In Ecwid, automatic review requests are sent post-purchase, prompting customers to rate their experience and share opinions. This process not only saves time but also builds a repository of testimonials that can influence future buyers.

Learn all about collecting customer reviews in your Ecwid store.

Implement Apple Wallet Order Tracking

One of the questions business owners often hear from customers is, "Where’s my order?" Responding to each inquiry can take time, especially during peak shopping seasons.

Minimize customer inquiries about order statuses and spare them the hassle of searching for and entering order numbers to track shipments. With Apple Wallet, customers can effortlessly track their orders in real-time on their iOS devices.

Viewing order details and current status in the Orders section of the Apple Wallet app

This tool elevates the shopping experience, reducing anxiety around shipping and enhancing overall customer service.

Here’s the best part: if you have an Ecwid store, you don’t need to lift a finger to enable Apple Wallet order tracking! As soon as customers place an order, they can start tracking it right from the order confirmation screen.

Sync Your Online Store with Other Tools

Think about how much time you spend on repetitive tasks each day. For instance, creating an invoice in your accounting software whenever a customer makes a purchase in your online store. Or, adding a customer’s email to your email platform.

Even the smallest tasks can add up, taking away hours of your time each week. But what if you could eliminate repetitive tasks completely?

That’s possible with automation platforms like Zapier. They connect your store with applications for accounting, email marketing, and more. This way, you can create a cohesive and efficient workflow ideally suited to your business needs.

If you run an Ecwid store, you can easily connect it to over 2,000 business tools via Zapier, all without any coding needed.

Get Started with Automation

Automation is the way forward for modern businesses. It not only saves time but also ensures consistency and reliability in your operations.

Investing in automation tools can also give a business a competitive edge, allowing it to focus on growth and providing exceptional customer experiences.

With Ecwid’s easy-to-use automation features, you can streamline your business and improve customer experiences without breaking a sweat. So why wait? Start automating today and see the difference it makes in your success.

If you still lack an online store, don’t get left behind — create one with Ecwid and take advantage of its automation options.

The post 11 Game-Changing Ways to Automate Your Business and Save Time first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

How to Monetize Instagram: Insights for Businesses and Creators

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:43:08 +0000

Instagram began its life in 2010 as a modest social platform for sharing photos — a little of last Friday’s party here, an adorable couple picture there. And, of course, a very respectable selection of cats.

Fast-forward for over a decade, and it’s almost impossible to imagine the app without ads, influencers, reels, and branded content. Instagram is more than an image-sharing app — it’s a place to make money.

From sponsored posts to subscriptions, Instagram has all the money-making tricks up its sleeve. Discover the monetization options below and transform your Instagram presence into a profitable business.

What You Should Know to Monetize Your Instagram

You might believe that an Instagram account’s power lies in numbers — the more followers, the better. However, that’s not entirely accurate.

Purchasing 20,000 bots might boost your follower count, but bots can’t engage with your content. What’s the value in sharing content if your audience can’t truly interact with it?

The true power of social media lies in engagement. When followers share your posts, comment frequently, and tag their friends, it can translate into earnings, regardless of whether you have 500 or 500,000 followers.

Each tactic we’ll discuss in this blog post thrives on active human engagement for success.

Before you start making money on Instagram, it’s a good idea to first check your engagement rate. This metric shows you how well your audience responds to your content.

To calculate the engagement rate, add your total interactions (likes, comments, shares, etc.), divide by the total number of posts, then divide by your followers, and multiply by 100.

For reference, a 2-3% engagement rate is considered average, while a 4-6% rate is considered high.

Various tools, including this one from Phlanx, can help you calculate engagement rates. You can also review your engagement in the Insights section of the Instagram app or within the Meta Business Suite.

To improve your engagement rate, you need to figure out what content resonates with your target audience. These blog posts are here to help you get started:

Now that you understand that an engaged audience is your ticket to monetizing your Instagram account let’s explore your options.

Collaborate with Brands for Sponsored Content

One of the most lucrative methods to monetize Instagram is through sponsored partnerships.

Sponsored content mimics regular editorial content, but instead of featuring your favorite avocado toast, you receive a fee to promote an advertiser’s product on your profile.

Brands love this type of marketing because consumers naturally trust an unbiased third party more than traditional ads. Some influencers even mention some of the product’s drawbacks for authenticity.

@alexandramadisonn crafts a comedic sketch to promote Klarna

There are several ways to connect with brands for partnerships:

Directly reach out to companies you believe align with your brand and offer sponsored content.
Use Meta’s native Creator Marketplace. This platform connects creators with brands for sponsored content opportunities.
Join influencer marketing platforms such as Tribe, AspireIQ, or Influence.co, where you can connect with brands seeking sponsored content.

When searching for a brand to team up with, choose those that align with your values and your audience’s interests.

When reaching out for partnerships, tailor your proposals to demonstrate how your profile can benefit their brand. Highlight your engagement metrics and past successful collaborations to build credibility.

Finally, always maintain transparency with your audience. Use the appropriate tags like #sponsored or #ad to disclose partnerships. This honesty fosters trust between you and your followers, enhancing your reputation and leading to more partnerships in the future.

Enable Instagram Subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions is a feature that allows creators to earn a steady income by offering exclusive content to subscribers for a monthly fee.

You can share exclusive content for subscribers through stories, posts, reels, subscriber channels, and highlights.

To qualify for Instagram subscriptions, you must have a professional account with a minimum of 10,000 followers. (Check out other requirements and availability across countries.)

To make the most of this feature, offer unique content that your regular followers can’t access. This could include tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, or one-on-one interactions.

@maddison.noel provides subscribers with exclusive content through stories

For example, if you’re a makeup artist, you could offer your subscribers exclusive tutorials and personalized makeup recommendations. Or, if you create comedy skits, consider offering your subscribers bloopers or creating videos inspired by their ideas.

Here are some tips to increase your Instagram subscribers:

Promote your Instagram subscription by highlighting its value. You could even offer a discount or a free trial to attract subscribers!
Share sneak peeks of the exclusive content to entice your audience to subscribe.
Show your appreciation for subscribers’ support by offering personalized content and cool perks to keep them excited about staying subscribed.

Monetize Reels and Lives with Gifts and Badges

Instagram Gifts is a feature that allows you to earn money from your audience. Whether they’re followers or not, people can show their appreciation by sending virtual gifts on your reels.

To be eligible to earn from gifts, you must have at least 500 followers and live in a country where Instagram Gifts is available.

Followers can buy Stars and use them to send you gifts on Instagram. The platform will then provide you monthly with a revenue share from your reels that received gifts. Every Star you get from fans equals $0.01.

Creators can view the gifts received for each reel and estimate their earnings across all reels

Badges are a similar tool for monetizing your Instagram. They let you earn money when you go live. Consider
using Badges if you frequently host live sessions with many followers attending.

Keep in mind that you need at least 10,000 followers to monetize your Instagram with badges (see other requirements here). Visit your Professional Dashboard to check your eligibility. A "Set Up Badges" button will be visible if you qualify for monetization.

Badges pop up next to someone’s Instagram username during live videos. When supporters buy badges in Live, they stand out in the comments and unlock extra features, like a spot on the creator’s list of badge holders and a special heart during the live video.

Badges show up next to someone’s Instagram username during lives (Image: creators.instagram.com)

To get paid for Instagram gifts and badges, you need to set up a payout account.

Here are a couple of ideas to make the most of Gifts and Badges:

Promote your live sessions in advance. Use countdown stickers in stories to build anticipation. Inform your audience about the content they’ll receive during the live session.
Offer valuable content during live sessions. Whether it’s a tutorial, an insider look at your business, or an interactive Q&A, providing value encourages your audience to support you financially.
Encourage your viewers to purchase Gifts and Badges as a way to support your content.
Give a shoutout and thank those who contribute — this builds a sense of community and appreciation. Share your gratitude through stories or posts.
Gifts are one of your fans’ strongest signals about what content they love. Consider that in your content strategy and focus on reels that resonate with your audience.

Earn with Instagram Bonuses

Instagram Bonuses are incentives Instagram offers to creators who meet specific engagement criteria.

Instagram might have special bonus programs for creators, but they’re invite-only and available for a limited time in certain countries. Keep in mind that there’s a bit of randomness involved since they’re testing things out. Plus, since it’s more like a testing phase, the bonus program could wrap up at any time.

You can check your earnings in your professional dashboard (Image: creators.instagram.com)

Go to your professional dashboard to see if you’ve been invited to try out a bonus program. If there’s no invitation, you’re not part of the test group.

The bonus program is still in test mode, and let’s be real — Instagram can’t pay every creator because it just doesn’t make financial sense. So, don’t count on this alone. Keep an eye out for an invite to the program, but definitely explore other ways to make money on Instagram, too.

Sell Your Merchandise

Merchandising is another powerful strategy for Instagram monetization. This method works best when your followers are heavily invested in your brand and actively support you.

Start by designing merchandise that represents your brand’s identity. Consider what your audience values and create products that align with those interests.

Perhaps you draw comics — why not create products featuring your characters? If you’re a lifestyle creator who gets many questions about your photo or video editing, consider offering photo or video presets for a small fee.

Another great option that suits all kinds of Instagrammers is branded merchandise. Just pop your logo or catchphrase on t-shirts, mugs — anything easy to print — and let your brand shine as the product!

@yoleendadong sells posters featuring her artwork as her merchandise

The simplest way to create and sell your branded merch is with print-on-demand services. All you have to do is come up with a design, and the service will print it on a product you choose and ship it to the customer. No upfront costs and no need to handle orders — perfect for creators.

Consider Ecwid by Lightspeed to create your merchandise store. It seamlessly integrates with popular print-on-demand services like Printful and Printify, making it easier than ever to bring your creative ideas to life and start selling.

Plus, Ecwid supports Instagram Shopping, so you can connect your shop to your Instagram business profile, allowing followers to purchase directly from your posts. This seamless shopping experience increases conversion rates.

Sell Your Product or Service

Selling your product or service is another direct way to generate income through Instagram.

Instagram is a great place to sell anything from clothes to furniture, so with the right approach, your business can really thrive on this visually driven platform.

Selling Products on Instagram

If you sell physical products, make sure to set up an Instagram Shop. This feature lets sellers tag products in posts and stories, making it easier for followers to purchase. Plus, having an Instagram Shop gives your business more credibility and trust with potential customers.

Followers can tap on a post to see detailed product information

One of the easiest ways to set up an Instagram Shop is through Ecwid by Lightspeed. This ecommerce platform provides you with an online store that you can connect with your Instagram page to tag products in your content. Learn more about requirements and setup process in the Ecwid Help Center.

To boost your selling skills on Instagram, take a look at these articles:

Selling Services on Instagram

If you’re thinking about selling services, help your audience by sharing your niche skills through courses or downloadable guides. Whether it’s new languages, healthy eating, photo editing, or whatever your expertise might be, Instagram is the perfect platform to showcase your knowledge and promote your services.

Use your Instagram bio to direct potential customers to your website. You can also use a link-in-bio tool like Linkup to showcase all your links in one place and make it easy for your followers to access them.

Since Instagram Shops don’t allow digital product sales, Linkup is a great workaround. You can use it as a handy landing page for your services and digital products right in your Instagram bio.

Linkup is also an alternative solution when Instagram Shops are unavailable in your country

Promote Affiliate Products

Affiliate marketing on Instagram involves promoting other businesses’ products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link or promo code. The latter is better suited for Instagram, as links can only be placed in your bio.

@marianodivaio encourages followers to click an affiliate link in stories

Consider brands that might be helpful to your audience and see if they have affiliate programs. They probably do! Reach out directly or use services like ClickBank or Amazon’s Affiliate Program to get started. Instagram has its own affiliate program, too.

Choose products you genuinely believe in to maintain authenticity. Your followers will appreciate honest recommendations.

Create engaging content around these products. Use Instagram’s various formats — posts, reels, and stories — to showcase the product in action. Share personal reviews and experiences to build trust with your audience.

Include your affiliate link in your bio or stories. Encourage your followers to use your link, emphasizing the added benefits they gain, such as discounts or exclusive access.

Here’s the Recap on Monetizing Your Instagram

Next time you’re scrolling through Instagram, remember that it’s not just a platform for sharing pictures and videos. It’s also a powerful marketing tool that can help you turn your passion into profit.

Keep in mind that monetizing through Instagram may not happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and consistency to build a solid following. Then, engage with your audience by sharing content that resonates with them.

Once your Instagram account has an active following, it’s time to start monetizing it.

While some options like subscriptions, gifts, and badges work best for creators, businesses can leverage print-on-demand services, set up an Instagram Shop, or partner with influencers for sponsored content.

However, both creators and businesses can tap into a variety of Instagram monetization options to diversify their income streams. Try out different approaches to see what clicks best for you and your audience.

With these tips and tools at your disposal, you can start monetizing your Instagram account and make money doing what you love. So go ahead and give it a try — who knows, maybe one day you’ll be making a living off of those perfectly curated posts!

The post How to Monetize Instagram: Insights for Businesses and Creators first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

The Essential Guide to Holiday Promotions for Eсommerce Stores

Anastasia Prokofieva — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 02:00:57 +0000

For retailers, the holiday season is the pinnacle of business opportunity, with consumers eager to spend generously on gifts and treats for their loved ones.

However, preparing for the holiday season as a business owner is not as relaxing as holiday shopping. How should you strategize promotions to capitalize on this seasonal surge? Which promotional channels are most effective for your store?

If you’re pondering these questions, this blog post is for you. Check out a comprehensive guide to holiday promotion strategies and beyond.

The Holiday Season at a Glance

Maybe you’re still on the fence about maximizing your holiday promotions.

In that case, these statistics might change your mind:

In 2023, the most popular sales events were Cyber Monday and Black Friday.
The NRF forecasts that in 2024, winter holiday spending is anticipated to increase by 2.5% to 3.5% compared to 2023.
In the US alone, the projected number of Black Friday shoppers is 130.7 million.
In 2023, 78% of US consumers intended to shop during the holiday season, a trend mirrored in Canada, Poland, and Germany.
In the UK, millennials are expected to be the biggest spenders on Black Friday 2024, planning to spend an average of 188 pounds.

It’s crucial to note that most consumers plan to shop online — a key insight for ecommerce businesses:

Almost 68% of US shoppers and 40% of Canadian consumers said they planned to shop online for Black Friday.
Among European consumers, 70% of respondents in Italy plan to shop exclusively online during Black Friday. Similarly, over 50% of the shoppers in Spain and France expressed the same preference.

The most popular sales days among consumers are Cyber Monday and Black Friday

Clearly, shoppers are spending massive amounts of money during the holiday season. For ecommerce store owners, this is an opportunity to cash in big.

When Should You Plan Your Holiday Promotions?

The short answer is as early as possible.

Traditionally, the shopping season doesn’t truly kick off until late November, following Thanksgiving. However, an increasing number of consumers are beginning their shopping earlier to avoid the seasonal rush and capitalize on Halloween promotions.

In fact, nearly 6 in 10 shoppers start their holiday shopping in October or November.

Starting your promotions in early October is a wise strategy. This ensures that your marketing efforts are fully operational and on time for the year’s biggest sales event — Black Friday.

Bearing this in mind, let’s explore how to effectively plan your holiday promotions.

What Holiday Promotions to Run?

When it comes to holiday promotions, there are a variety of options available to businesses. The key is to select the ones that will best resonate with your target audience and drive sales.

Discounts and Special Deals

One popular option is offering discounts or special deals on products or services. These can take the form of percentage off, buy-one-get-one-free, or other creative offers.

Customers are always looking for ways to save money during the holiday season, so this promotion can attract their attention and encourage them to purchase.

ASOS compares the sale price to the original cost to highlight the savings. You can do that in your Ecwid store, too

The ecommerce platform you use for your online store typically includes tools for promotions. Ecwid by Lightspeed, for example, offers a robust online store and built-in tools for running various promotions, saving you time.

If you run an Ecwid store, you can schedule your discounts to start and end on specific dates automatically. This makes it easy to plan and saves time on sales setup.

Scheduling a sale with Ecwid is as simple as making a few clicks

With Ecwid, you can also run a variety of buy-one-get-one-free promotions. Discover the details in this article:

Also: 6 Cool "Buy One Get One Free" Promotions for Online Stores

Gift Cards

Another option for holiday promotions is offering gift cards. This allows customers to purchase a gift card for a certain amount, which they can use for future purchases.

This strategy not only boosts sales during the holiday season but also encourages returning customers to redeem their gift cards in the new year, often spending beyond the card’s value.

With Ecwid, you can seamlessly sell gift cards directly without needing third-party applications.

An example of a gift card in an Ecwid store

Free Shipping

Shipping costs can often deter customers from purchasing, especially during the busy holiday season. Offering free shipping as part of your holiday promotion can entice them to buy from you instead of your competitors.

To increase average order value and prevent revenue loss from shipping costs, consider offering free shipping for orders exceeding a specific threshold, such as $50. Here’s how to do that in your Ecwid store.

Inform your customers about free shipping with a promo bar. Here’s how to set it up in your Ecwid store.

Select from a variety of promotional bars for your Ecwid store

Gift Sets and Bundles

Another effective strategy is creating limited-time bundles or gift sets. These curated packages can offer convenience and value for customers who may be struggling with gift ideas.

You can offer a discount on bundles to make them more appealing or create themed bundles for different recipients, such as "Gifts for Parents" or "Gifts for Friends." This can also help increase cross-selling opportunities and encourage customers to purchase multiple items.

CultBeauty has a Gift Sets section on their website, a strategy worth considering for your store too

In Ecwid, you can create discounted product sets with the help of the apps from the Ecwid App Market, such as Upsell and Cross Sell Product Kit or Product Bundles.

There are also other ways to create product bundles in Ecwid — check them out in the Help Center.

How to Select Marketing Channels for Holiday Promotions

With countless marketing channels available today, how do you determine your primary focus? Which ones can you afford to overlook?

Before selecting a marketing channel, here are some insights you should consider:

Budget

Marketing channels vary significantly in cost. For instance, PPC requires a much larger budget compared to inbound marketing. If your budget allows, paid advertising is recommended. However, if funds are limited, consider "free" methods like social media and content marketing, where your primary investment is time.

Existing Expertise

It’s more effective to concentrate on a channel you already know well rather than spending time mastering a new marketing medium. If you (or someone on your team) excel in PPC, focus on paid ads. If you’re a master of memes, prioritize content marketing on TikTok. If you have a talent for photography, dive into Instagram and so forth.

Audience Demographics

Ask yourself: where are my target customers most likely to be found? For instance, if you sell hearing aids, Snapchat might not yield significant results. Similarly, you can’t ignore TikTok if your target audience is primarily Gen Z.

Or, if you specialize in selling home decor, product tagging on Pinterest is just what you need.

Since people often seek decoration inspo on Pinterest, it’s perfect for showcasing your home decor products

Product Type

Lifestyle, food, and fashion products thrive on discovery-driven platforms such as Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram. Tech products thrive on blogs, where shoppers can access research and reviews, or YouTube channels that offer comprehensive overviews of tech gadgets.

How to Prepare Your Online Store for the Holiday Promos

Before diving into a full-blown promotional campaign, it’s a good idea to get your business ready for the holiday rush.

Here’s how:

Step 0. Stock Up on Inventory

Few things are more frustrating than executing a successful promotional campaign only to discover you’ve run out of stock and must turn away customers.

Ensure you have enough inventory to handle an increase in sales during the holiday season. Take some time to analyze your sales data from previous years and use it as a guide for how much stock you should order this year.

If possible, consider partnering with suppliers who can provide extra inventory quickly if needed. Also, keep track of popular products so you can prioritize stocking them during the holiday season.

Step 1. Create a Holiday Promotions Calendar

Keeping a clear overview of your promo schedule — knowing where and when they’ll happen — helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t overwhelm your customers by spacing them out nicely.

To get started on your promo calendar:

Create a list of holiday promotions. Identify when your business experiences the highest sales volume and use this insight to pinpoint key holidays. Generally, if your business offers affordable, "impulse buy" items, expect a surge in sales either at the start of the season or right before major holidays. If you sell expensive products, shoppers might hold out until November, anticipating discounts.
Compile your promotional materials, such as emails, graphics, banners, and ads, and organize them by holiday. Place all Halloween-themed promos in one folder and Black Friday-themed ones in another. Then, review your graphics and ads to identify any that can be repurposed for multiple holiday campaigns.

It’s good to remember that shoppers often spread their purchases over several days instead of limiting themselves to just one or two days of shopping. Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday are key highlights for your sales promotions, it’s wise to extend promotional efforts throughout the entire holiday season.

Step 2. Ensure Your Website Runs Like Clockwork

This holiday season, the last thing you need is a web host failure or a broken website. Before launching promotions, ensure your website is well-prepared to handle the impending surge in traffic.

Here are some steps you can take:

Improve your website’s loading speed. Slow loading times can lead to potential customers abandoning their carts and looking for alternatives.
Test your website on different devices and browsers to ensure it is compatible with various platforms and does not have any technical hiccups.
Upgrade to a faster web host. Understand how your provider manages its infrastructure during the holiday rush and ensure it can handle significant traffic spikes. If not, it may be time to consider a change.
Make your website mobile-friendly. Smartphones make up more than three-quarters of retail site visits in the US and produce about two-thirds of online shopping orders. Optimizing your website for mobile devices opens up a huge market and boosts your SEO performance, too.

By the way, Ecwid stores are optimized for mobile use and prepared to handle a high volume of shoppers during peak sales events.

Ecwid stores are designed to enhance speed and user experience

Step 3. Establish a Social Media Presence

As an ecommerce business owner, you understand that social media offers a significant opportunity, which remains true during the holiday season.

Gen Zers are more than twice as likely (42%) as average (20%) to buy holiday gifts via social media in 2024, according to research from Basis Technologies and GWI.

Instagram (57%) and Facebook (56%) are the top platforms for buying holiday gifts via social media, followed by TikTok (43%) and YouTube (38%), as stated in the same research.

To fully leverage the benefits of social media, ensure you do the following:

Choose popular social media platforms among your target audience and focus on building a strong presence there. The holiday season is a busy period, so you won’t have time to engage with every platform.
Add a link to your website with holiday-themed promotions in your social media bio.
Create holiday-specific content, such as gift guides, home decor ideas, or celebration tips, to attract and engage potential customers. This will not only showcase your products or services but also provide value to your audience.
Use influencer marketing by partnering with popular social media influencers who align with your brand and target demographic. They can help promote your holiday offerings to their engaged followers.
Run targeted ads on social media platforms to reach a wider audience and increase visibility for your holiday deals and promotions.

Social media is a great source of inspiration for consumers, so focus on creating holiday-themed content

Step 4. Gather Essential Tools

To run promotional campaigns, you will need to gather some essential tools.

Here are some examples of the tools you might need:

An email marketing tool like Mailchimp to send out all your promotional emails, newsletters, and autoresponder sequences.
A landing page tool for crafting holiday-themed promotional pages and capturing leads and sales. If you manage an Ecwid store, you can create such pages in no time.
A pop-up tool to capture leads and offer discounts and deals to shoppers. If you run an Ecwid store, look for popup apps in the Ecwid App Market.
Analytics software helps you figure out where your traffic and sales are coming from and steers your marketing strategy. Google Analytics is a great free tool. If you have an Ecwid store, check out key store stats in the Reports section.

To Sum Up

The holiday season can be challenging for store owners, yet it also presents incredible opportunities. Maximizing your shop’s profit potential requires hard work, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Now go out there and earn that holiday money. You can thank us in the new year!

The post The Essential Guide to Holiday Promotions for Eсommerce Stores first appeared on Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart.

Ecwid | E-Commerce Shopping Cart

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