Successfully Manage Communications & Expectations with an eCommerce Agency

Successfully Manage Communications & Expectations with an eCommerce Agency

Managing communications and expectations between an eCommerce agency and your internal stakeholders can be a daunting task. It’s your job to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding objectives and expectations – while still retaining control of the workflow. Whether you have just partnered with an outside agency or are overseeing in-house teams, successful communication management will maximize productivity, minimize the unknown and produce greater quality work. We should know we’ve been in the eCommerce business for 25 years. 

In this blog post, we’ll delve into practical techniques you can utilize for managing communications and setting realistic expectations with your eCommerce partners.

Start with a specific, limited scope

There’s nothing wrong with being a little nervous about handing over the keys. After all, working with a new eCommerce partner can be intimidating – you both want to make sure it’s a proper fit, and the work is good. However, we recommend that you ease into a partnership rather than jumping straight into the deep end. Start by establishing a very specific, and perhaps limited, scope of work. This would allow both of you to understand the team dynamics and address communication styles and cadence. In addition, it’ll allow both teams to get used to providing and receiving feedback and updates. Setting these sorts of expectations early on in the journey will set both parties up for success throughout the course of the partnership. And if things go well early on, you’ll both trust each other more and expand your scope and projects. 

Provide Support

Be prepared to provide some level of support, especially early on in your partnership. Your ability to provide the necessary resources and guidance at the outset of a project will have an invaluable impact on your relationship. Supporting your partner with comprehensive brand guides, market research, and other critical intelligence can mean the difference between the success and failure of any project. Rather than leaving them to ’figure it out,’ proactively show your commitment by filling out their questionnaires or offering sound advice and direction when needed. Simply put: give your partner the elements they need to succeed – because in the end, if they succeed, you succeed. All of this may sound overly simplistic and obvious, but often, partnerships and projects die on the vine due to a lack of support.

Put Experienced Employees in Charge

Establishing an eCommerce partnership should not be taken lightly. Suppose you don’t put the right people in charge of managing your creative business partnerships who have a firm grasp of handling the process. In that case, the partnership is at risk of failure, and productivity could drop off quickly, which is why you should never assign a new hire to any new eCommerce partnership. Investing in the partnership from the start by having experienced, knowledgeable professionals oversee it will save time, money, and hassle down the road. If you have a new employee with whom you want to gain experience, that’s perfectly normal and, in many ways, to be expected. But we recommend making them a #2. Let them learn from your more veteran team members on what to do and, perhaps most importantly, what not to do.

Be Aware of Human Limitations

As experienced professionals, we must also recognize our partners are people too and remember that compassion and understanding are essential components of any partnership, which is why both sides must remain aware of each other’s limitations and establish parameters upfront. Of course, we all have to work within the parameters of time, resources, and capabilities. Still, when working with partners, meeting established deadlines is essential to any project, and it’s important to understand that sometimes it really is ‘too late’ to make last-minute changes. And if your new partner consistently misses deadlines or delivers nothing but excuses, you should address it immediately to protect yourself and your company.

It is also essential to be aware that we are in a global workspace. So, if your eCommerce partner is in a different timezone or even on another continent, we recommend giving them time to receive your correspondence and reply. And as with all aspects of modern life, think twice before you fire off an angry email or text message.

Be willing to take risks! 

We list this recommendation last because this step naturally comes after trust is established and rapport has been built. Although client trust and rapport are invaluable business foundations, both sides should be open to capitalizing on their collective experience and introducing fresh ideas that may take both parties outside their comfort zones. For instance, you may be a worldwide leader in Widgets, but your eCommerce partner understands how to make digital strategies successful. Whether it be leveraging the latest marketing strategy or tweaking the design of your Widget, have confidence that both parties’ diverse skill sets will help lead the endeavor to success. After all, two heads are better than one – and you may even create something revolutionary together!

Bringing it all together

We have certainly learned a thing or two about eCommerce partnerships. Achieving the right balance between internal deadlines, having a top-notch communication process, and implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy are the keys to a successful eCommerce business. In addition, as we have learned over 25 years of business, innovations come at a rapid pace, so staying nimble, open, and willing to adapt is critical.

If you’d like to poke our brains a little more about eCommerce, please reach out to us below.

    Get expert help today!

    An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

    Drop Us a Line At:

    Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
    Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

    4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
    Cincinnati, OH 45241

    Great Traits & Red Flags – What to look for (and avoid) in an eCommerce agency

    Great Traits & Red Flags – What to look for (and avoid) in an eCommerce agency

    Whether you’re an eCommerce manager, owner, or CEO – choosing the right eCommerce agency to work with is a critical decision that can make all the difference in the success of your business. With the ever-evolving technology landscape, an experienced agency is a great asset to drive online revenue growth and boost your long-term viability. But how do you identify whether a specific organization is proper for your needs? And on the flip side, can you recognize potential red flags when making this critical decision?

    In this blog post, we dive into great traits and red flags – what exactly should you look for (and stay away from) in an eCommerce agency? Let’s get started!

    A Proven Track Record

    You can’t afford to have a rookie team when the playoffs start. You need veteran players and managers to handle the pressure. When selecting an eCommerce agency to be your business partner, experience with Adobe Commerce, BigCommerce, Shopify, and WordPress should be the top priority. Demanding that your eCommerce partner has a proven sales and maintenance track record on one of these major platforms may sound straightforward, but it is essential for your project’s long-term success. By vetting an agency on their knowledge base and past performance with any of these popular solutions, you can determine whether they are the best solution to execute your vision. If you want to build and maintain a high level of sales and ensure that your site will function properly at peak times, then you must pick an agency that has accomplished this and multiple times over.

    Accessible

    Speed is of the essence – especially when it comes to eCommerce. This is why partnering with an eCommerce agency that encourages an open line of communication and accessibility is essential. When a crisis arises, you should have quick and easy access to your account manager so they can solve those issues in the timeliest manner possible. Waiting for someone on the other side of the world to begin their day and addressing your ticket cannot be your only option. If your eCommerce store goes down, that means fulfillments aren’t being made – every moment matters, so finding an agency that is reliable and reachable can genuinely make all the difference.

    Speak Your Language

    Your ideal eCommerce agency also needs to speak your language and we’re talking the language of business as each business and industry comes with its own unique customs, language, and lingo. If your partner agency is unable to understand or convey that language effectively, then this could prove problematic not just to the health of your working relationship but also your desired target audience. Simply put: you can’t sell car parts to car people if you don’t understand the world of cars. And that approach can be applied to any industry or vertical.

    Make sure to research and ask very specific, pointed questions before signing with an eCommerce agency; look for one that understands not only the technical aspects but also communicates within the language of your industry.

    Specialize, Not Generalize

    We strongly believe, “if you’re a master of all, then you are the master of none.” No matter what type of projects may be in your pipeline – your partner agency needs to possess that particular expertise and experience. Seeking an eCommerce agency specializing in your needs can make all the difference between getting a professional job done or one with lackluster results. If you need video work, find a video agency. If you need development work, that’s the type of agency you need to target. Your project will invariably reap much more substantial rewards by targeting an agency with years of practice and complementary capabilities!

    Red Flags

    Too Eager to Close – Before entering into a business relationship with an eCommerce agency, it’s critical to consider their approach and intentions. Are they focused on providing quality client interactions and results, or are they simply interested in amassing a more extensive client list? If an agency appears too eager to close the deal and bring you onboard without taking the time to understand your needs as an eCommerce customer, this is a huge red flag that should not be ignored. Investing in researching agencies can help ensure that you enter into agreements with vendors who will provide good service for years to come.

    Overpromising – Be wary of any agency that promises the Moon. It’s true what they say, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” If a company guarantees success right away or makes unrealistic promises, chances are you won’t get the results you’re looking for. Ask for recommendations before making any commitments – if a company can fulfill their promises, then there should be no shortage of satisfied customers they can refer you to. Don’t be duped into something that simply looks ‘perfect’ on the surface. Taking additional steps will mean you end up with an agency that delivers what they promised, and both partners go home happy at the end of the day.
    Lacking relevant experience – When selecting an agency partner for your eCommerce venture, experience matters. Ensuring your agency partner has extensive experience in relevant projects, talents, and industries is key to a successful outcome of your business. Selecting an agency with years of expertise on their side, you can rest assured that you are not the trial for a firm’s newest concept but instead supported by seasoned professionals who understand the complexities of the eCommerce landscape. Leaving nothing to chance, you simply can’t undervalue years of agency experience when protecting your business’s success.

    Bringing it all together

    With these factors in mind, you should be well on your way to choosing an eCommerce partner that fits your businesses current needs and future aspirations. Remember as you move through this process that the decision you make today will have a lasting effect on your business so choose wisely! And if you find yourself at the end of your search and are still looking for the right fit, or if you’re just getting started and don’t know where to look, contact us today. One of our knowledgeable account managers would be happy to walk you through our platform and answer any questions you may have.

      Get expert help today!

      An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

      Drop Us a Line At:

      Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
      Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

      4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
      Cincinnati, OH 45241

      Boost Your Conversions with Rich Content

      Boost Your Conversions with Rich Content

      After hours of writing and rewriting the content, scheduling the ideal publishing time, and promoting it on social media, your content is bringing in traffic but not converting…now what?
      Cross your fingers and hope that eventually, enough people see it, and it begins to bring in the numbers your team forecasted?

      Hubspot research found that over 60% of marketers measure the success of their content marketing strategy through sales. However, the most successful marketers understand that an effective content strategy that converts browsers into lifelong customers is the foundation of any successful marketing campaign.

      That’s why in this blog post, we’ll provide you and your team with tips to boost conversion rates ranging from refocused SEO to CTA tweaks. And the best part is that all these tips are things your content team could start doing immediately.

      So get ready to take notes.

      What do we mean when we say ‘content marketing’ and ‘conversions’?

      Before we jump into the helpful tips, let’s define what content marketing and conversions mean.

      ​​Content marketing is explaining to customers how your product or service can solve their issues through written text, images, or videos. It is intended not to be sales-y, but educational, explaining how a product works, its benefits, and the issues it can solve. For more on content marketing, read our blog post, Content is King.

      Conversions are centered around a user completing a pre-determined action on your website. For instance, a conversion could be a user sharing one of your blog posts, clicking on a product recommendation, or subscribing to your newsletter. The percentage of users that complete the desired action is your conversion rate.

      How to boost conversions with content

      Ultimately, the content your team creates aims to increase your conversions. Simply put, your content should be enticing and direct your audience to take action. So, how can your eCommerce website’s content achieve this?

      • Increasing awareness: Your content should be designed to be sharable across multiple  social media platforms. While the nature of these various platforms prevents your content from being perfect or ideal across all your sites, you can take a larger piece of content and break it up so that it works more efficiently on other platforms. Example: a 10-minute Youtube livestream doesn’t stream or upload directly to Twitter. But you can take that 10-minute Youtube livestream and share short clips uploaded directly to Youtube. This means that visitors to your e-Commerce site who read your content are more likely to share it themselves – which quickly and easily increases the reach of your content and your company. By reaching more people, you can increase brand, service, and product awareness, ultimately leading to more conversions.
      • Linking your products/services: Whether you want people to book your services, or buy your products, ensure that all of your content links back to what you are trying to get viewers to purchase. By linking your content to your product or services page, you provide potential customers with a positive user experience by making purchasing quick and easy. For instance, add your product links to the very top of the video description on your business’ Youtube. 
      • Building brand authority: Whatever your industry may be, tailoring your content according to your audience’s needs and pain points helps show how much industry knowledge your company has and can quickly establish your brand as a go-to. It can boost your website’s standing and help build trust with customers, who may be more likely to make a booking or purchase from your site over the competition.

      How will you optimize your content for better conversion?

      • Improve the content on your landing page/site to be mobile-friendly: Even though mobile commerce now has a sizable user base, the industry’s growth shows no signs of slowing. According to BigCommerce, by 2022, mobile e-commerce sales are expected to account for 6.9% of all US retail sales, double the sales percentage in 2018.  When creating dynamic content on mobile, think about how users navigate Instagram and other social media platforms – the content is usually swipeable and scrollable with large, bright buttons as they move from Point A to Point B. Your content pages should follow similar principles – be easy to navigate with minimal interruption and aim to make a seamless experience for users to navigate to your predetermined CTA.
      • Visible and robust CTA’s: First, ensure your CTA is easily noticeable for your customer. And while you want a clear and straightforward call to action, you still want it to be descriptive. That goes back to good content being inspiring! For instance, would you be more likely to read a story about a man in love or a man whose heart does the cha-cha every time the love of his life enters a room? Depending on your choice, you can see that specifics make a difference. So instead of writing, “Try this free trial,” you could say, “Become more mindful by completing our free 30-day yoga trial.” The specifics will help your customer understand what they will get from the deal. The key here? It won’t matter how well-written your CTA is if the viewer cannot see it or skim right past it.
      • Incorporate client testimonials and customer reviews: According to BigCommerce, 92% of shoppers read internet reviews before purchasing. Therefore, including testimonials and reviews on your website might demonstrate your professionalism and industry expertise. Case studies are one way of doing this, as they can help you present relevant data on how your clients have grown due to utilizing your services or benefits. 
      • Increasing traffic: Stay on top of relevant trends, create “how-to” blog posts, and frequently update older content to ensure you continue serving your audience with valuable and timely information. You can even accomplish this by updating content long after it’s initially published. Regularly updating your content can organically drive more traffic to your website and more traffic means more opportunities for conversions and, ultimately, more sales.
      • Shorten your sign-up forms: Long forms can quickly frustrate customers and make them less likely to convert. For instance, if you have a lengthy form, people may not want to fill it out because it takes too much time and can lead them to abandon your site altogether. It’s your job to eliminate that doubt by making your forms short and painless. That’s why we recommend asking for the bare minimum, such as their name, email, and phone number – this makes it quick, easy, and less likely that they’ll abandon the form midway through. 
      • Skimmable content: No matter the industry or brand, unfortunately, most website visitors won’t read every carefully produced word on a webpage. And although having a lot of content on your website is beneficial for SEO, you don’t want to overwhelm your visitors. Therefore, ensuring your content is formatted to highlight the essential parts of your blog, products, or services pages is important. Some formatting tips we recommend incorporating include eye-catching headlines (see below for more tips), short paragraphs, incorporation of videos and eye-grabbing imagery, and bulleted or numbered lists. 
      • Well-written headlines: You have just seconds to grab your customers’ attention when they reach your website. Luckily, that’s what your headlines are for. Some tips we recommend when creating well-written headlines include:
        • Give the right amount of information and fast – tell them what they want to know about your product or service within ten words or less.
        • Nobody likes clickbait, so make sure your headline aligns with the ad copy or content used to get them to click on your site.
        • Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. Some customers will go on to read the rest of the content on the page, so make sure your headline matches up with what’s to come.

      Bringing it all together

      At its core, increasing conversions is all about creating exciting and engaging content to get people to click on from a Web search and stick around on your site through purchase. 

      Are you looking for a way to capture the attention of potential customers by presenting meaningful content from a position of authority and converting them into buyers?

      We can help you build brand awareness, trust, and loyalty with your audience through excellent site content. Whether that entails helping you develop a site content strategy or direction for your copy by either writing it for you or working with you to edit existing content – we are here to help.

        Get expert help today!

        An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

        Drop Us a Line At:

        Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
        Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

        4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
        Cincinnati, OH 45241

        The Tech & Trends Shaping Automotive in 2023

        The Tech & Trends Shaping Automotive in 2023

        The automotive industry is amid a period of change and challenges. Supply chain issues continue to trouble manufacturers, while dealers face rising costs and a growing regulatory landscape. Meanwhile, the industry appears to be in transition toward a bigger focus on electric vehicles (EVs), digitalization, and a mix of other technological innovations, making it hard for some companies and consumers to keep up.

        In this blog post, we will highlight the answer to this exact question and how this is similar to other disruptions we have seen in the past – think Nokia and Apple.

        The Top Tech Disruptors

        The automotive industry is at a crossroads where the vehicle itself and consumer experiences are rapidly transitioning from physical to digital. More and more, consumers are shopping online to educate themselves, compare features and prices and also make the major investment of purchasing totally online. To capitalize on these disruptions, automakers will need to shift from their conventional, disconnected, and analog manufacturing methods to a connected and digitized environment.

        Strict Regulations: New regulations and testing approvals are pushing traditional automakers to acquire or collaborate with innovative autonomous start-ups. For instance, many states and localities, such as the EPA and the California Air Resources Board, have upped their emissions standards, which immediately impacts your bottom line. In addition, the kinds of vehicles that can be designed to reduce emissions will be costly both in time and money. These incentives will further push manufacturers to include more electric and hybrid cars in their fleets and set the stage for rapid competitive consolidation. In other words, strap up because there’s a massive disruption ahead, and Tesla is winning the race. Consumers need to know the total cost of long term ownership of these vehicles and how it also impacts their bottom line.

        Batteries and Motors: The most prominent disruptive trend has to be the innovations in the past couple of years in battery and motor technology. Lithium batteries and electric motors are not a new concept or technology; however, they, along with electric motors, will soon become products every company will try to recreate a better version of, almost like the individual parts of smartphones or PCs. Customers are more likely to look at who makes the best batteries than who brought about the use of lithium batteries. In around a decade, Tesla could own 15% of worldwide EV battery production, which will only give a minor competitive advantage. Likewise consumers need to know the value and life of these new batteries and motors–but how do they learn?

        Increased cutting-edge production: Modern technologies are reshaping how the automobile industry manufactures cars. One such breakthrough technology is 3D printing to make vehicle parts. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is an excellent source of product innovation. Metal 3D printing is already becoming mainstream, and this is just the beginning of what is to come in the automotive industry.

        Augmented reality: Auto giant Toyota has joined forces with some digital transformation companies to create an augmented reality system that requires no mobile application and enables consumers to get to know the car models without even setting foot in the brand showroom. Using VR capabilities, auto companies can allow consumers to see inside and outside their potential new model and hear authentic sound effects with 360 degrees. Even on websites like TrueCar and Edmunds, all pertinent buying information is available in a second and at the click of a button. Another AR innovation that will take consumers by storm is displaying information on windshields. This technological safety advancement will allow drivers to process important data without taking their eyes off the road.

        Internet on things (IoT): Used to describe the ever-growing networks of physical objects that are online, connected, and capable of communicating and sharing information with us and with each other. The total number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is projected to surpass 43 billion by 2023. As a result, enterprises have begun to adapt to this growing imperative for connectivity, from our homes to smart TVs, connected kitchen appliances, smart alarm systems, and more. The number of businesses deploying IoT technologies has nearly doubled in less than a decade. Still, the pace of past evolution doesn’t compare to what we’ll see in the near future, especially in the automotive industry.

        EV pay-per-mile vehicles: We expect companies that develop new, innovative pay-per-mile users-based models, especially in the commercial vehicles and buses space, to attract huge investments. Even during the most challenging periods of the pandemic, EV start-ups continued to pull in sizable funding investments. By showing us carbon-free ways to transform how people and goods are transported, backed by low CAPEX and lifecycle total cost of ownership models, they have put themselves in a position of strength.

        Software Integration: Another significant disruption to the auto industry is Tesla and how it’s proving its autonomy of innovations to be the best in the industry. For instance, they are responsible for creating a single integrated computer system that controls their vehicles. Creating a system designed by the combination of separate incompatible computer systems from different suppliers could revolutionize the way Tesla and other companies who want to keep up with this competitive advantage build their products. In addition, Tesla is trying to perfect its Autopilot system to make it the best in the field; however other companies, such as Waymo, are already expanding self-driving cars to public transit. So the question is, how well does your autonomy need to be? How many companies could achieve that? Not to mention that data systems are changing daily, and every innovation must adapt to them, making it hard to keep up.

        Evolving Customer Behavior

        Current ecological, social, and technological trends are encouraging innovative manufacturers to offer consumers something much more than a typical metal box powered by engines. Carmakers are also showing interest in making good cars on the road and an enclosed space with high-end technology. For many years, carmakers were primarily focused on enhancing manufacturing to become more efficient at scale; the future is about redefining the role of the vehicle.

        Consumers are looking for environmentally-friendly vehicles: People’s quest to search for environmentally-friendly cars is increasing. Green earth is a new concept that is attracting wide attention. Moreover, recent wildfires and glacier melting incidents have triggered people to focus on climate change. Henceforth, people look for electric vehicles (EVs) to minimize carbon emissions.

        Demand for luxury/premium: Take trucks here as an example. Most people used to associate trucks with off-roading and rugged work, but those are assumptions of the past. Over the years, trucks have become more than that, with consumers preferring to buy luxury and power trucks as a status symbol. In addition to power, luxury trucks have features like extra towing capabilities, spacious seating, panoramic sunroof, rear-seat touchscreen entertainment, advanced safety features, and motorized tailgate and running boards that maximize comfort and style.

        Spike in millennial purchasing habits: ​​While many think millennials are not buying cars, the data available tells a different story. In the first quarter of 2018 alone, millennials accounted for all new car sales growth in the Northern American auto industry, with a 6.45% growth in the same period. This statistic has drastically increased since then, as more millennials buy cars when triggered by life-changing events such as switching jobs, getting married, or having children. Consider this statistic when marketing and focus targeted messaging on this segment.

        Consumers doing online research: Buying a car is not a task most consumers look forward to, as it can be stressful and time-consuming. Still, since mobile phones have become a part of everyday life, it is easy to look for everything online, vehicles included. A report unravels that eight in ten car buyers use online sources as part of their vehicle purchase process. Moreover, of all online resources, automotive marketplaces are the most popular source used by 77% of new and used buyers. Insert Carvana, who jumped on this opportunity and changed the customer experience by giving power back to customers and letting them find their perfect car from their homes without having to haggle with salespeople. Online does not only mean a Chat bot feature but a real person and toll-free number to connect with for a better experience.

        Disdain for the Retail Experience

        For most people, buying a car is the second-biggest purchase they will make in life. And while it’s an exciting milestone, many also find it to be full of anxiety and time-consuming. And as more and more consumers discover that they can buy a new car (or leasing?) from the comfort of their home – with voluminous information available about vehicles they’re considering – they’re unlikely to ever return to the old way of doing business. The ability to negotiate with multiple dealers simultaneously without the pressure of the showroom and the time spent going from dealer to dealer will likely become an expectation. Dealerships that adapt will thrive, while those that don’t, will suffer.

        How to adapt to DTC purchasing behavior

        Unfortunately, no silver bullet can overcome the traditional automotive purchase model. However, there are still significant opportunities for automobile marketers to get up to speed with direct-to-consumer automotive in incremental ways:

        1. One significant DTC opportunity is selling aftermarket parts, which offers big margins and comes directly from the manufacturer.
        2. End-user services related to data connectivity or insurance and financing provider, may provide other possibilities.
        3. Replicating showrooms and sales interactions online.

        The digital transformation of some aspects of the buying process is a starting point for building and sustaining connections directly with consumers.

        The Future of Car Retail

        As the world has already approached digital transformation, the automotive industry is increasingly making technological breakthroughs to stay relevant in today’s competitive landscape. From autonomous vehicles to connected cars and augmented reality dashboard displays to full integration with phones and smartwatches, the automotive industry is on the cusp of innovation, delivering users an enhanced automotive car experience.

        When it comes to this experience, Tesla and Carvana stand on top. Why are customers so fanatic about these brands? Is it their sleek design, innovative delivery features, or eco-friendly nature? It is all those things and the forward-thinking, innovative individuality they provide to their customers; which often leads to incredible loyalty and growth. Let’s dive a bit deeper into this.

        The hallmark of Tesla’s personalization efforts is its driver profiles. Each driver can change their settings with the single push of a button. For example, instead of manually adjusting things like the wheel and mirror location, Tesla vehicles can make those changes automatically based on who is driving. Other manufacturers may change the seat location setting based on which key is used to open the car door, but Tesla driver profiles go beyond typical car personalization to adjust things like suspension, braking, lights, radio presets, and even driving style to match each user.

        Carvana also has a competitive advantage because they meet its customers where they are and provide a solution to one major consumer pain point. They replaced consumers’ time-consuming car dealership visits with a virtual experience. Using their patented 360-degree photo technology, they captured vehicle details from every angle, allowing consumers to browse for a car and explore its features and any imperfections directly from their website or app. And they don’t stop there. They provide customers with the option to either pick up their car or have it delivered to their home. A great option for ecommerce business local or long distance to have this choice based on where they are and how quickly needed.

        Simply put, both of these manufacturers have a solid understanding of who their customers are. By understanding each customer, what they are looking for in a driving experience, and why they decided to shop with them, both companies can tailor the experience and change how the car drives to best meet their needs. For instance, a busy professional with a long commute will have different needs and, therefore, a different driving experience than a mom driving her kids around town. In addition, by staying in tune with data, Tesla and Carvana can regularly update their digital offerings, finetune their software and build experiences and features that resonate with each user.

        Bringing it all together

        As you can see, the decade ahead is going to be very interesting and exciting for the automotive industry, and for you as well. And we’ve only scratched the surface of all of the new developments occurring and forthcoming. Maybe we’ll see Google, Samsung, or Apple enter the market in the future. Maybe cars will begin gathering data on traffic conditions, air quality, and the weather.

        Are you ready to capitalize on these disruptions and shift your current manufacturing and customer sales methods to increase your capital and gain a competitive advantage? Schedule a call with a member of our team today.

          Get expert help today!

          An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

          Drop Us a Line At:

          Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
          Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

          4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
          Cincinnati, OH 45241

          The 5 Most Vital Roles for any B2B eCommerce Team

          The 5 Most Vital Roles for any B2B eCommerce Team

          Running a successful B2B eCommerce business requires a lot of teamwork. From marketing and product development to fulfillment and customer service, each role is critical to the success of your online shop. In our previous blog, How to Build a Successful B2B eCommerce Team, we analyzed the strategy for building a team. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll look at who to staff on your B2B eCommerce team so that your vision can be executed. 

          Without further to-do, here are five key roles you need on your B2B team to make your eCommerce business thrive.

          Manager!

          The old saying goes, “a business is only as good as its management.” Old sayings and clichés become so ubiquitous and a part of our day-to-day lives because they are often true. And this is no different when it comes to managing an eCommerce team. A competent eCommerce manager is essential for ensuring that a business runs smoothly and efficiently. No matter what staff or plan you have in place, it will be for nothing if you fail as a manager or select the wrong team leader. A good manager must plan and organize work tasks, delegate responsibilities, and keep track of progress all while strategizing and keeping an eye on the long term. A successful manager must be able to spot potential problems and take steps to resolve them before they become serious. In short, a successful manager is essential for ensuring that a business runs smoothly and meets goals. In this current marketplace with all its unique challenges, finding and retaining a manager who can be all these things for you may be the toughest HR test to complete. Let’s be frank; it’s much easier to fill many other roles we’ve discussed through gig sites like Fiverr or Upwork, staffing firms, networking, or simple outreach. But you can’t afford to have a revolving door or an incompetent person in your manager role and still expect your eCommerce store to run well. This role is your highest priority.

          Digital Copywriter

          When it comes to B2B eCommerce, a qualified and experienced copywriter is truly crucial. These professionals understand the language and selling points that appeal to online businesses. More importantly, they effectively communicate these points through website content, product descriptions, advertisements, emails, social posts, and more. For the sake of conversation, let’s say you are in the financial services industry and require a copywriter. You may have a financial services copywriter at your disposal with a long track record of traditional marketing, but if they lack experience writing in the digital space, their financial services expertise may be lost on your audience. Writing for a digital audience differs entirely from writing for print or other traditional marketing avenues. The strategies that work in a mailer or a brochure do not always translate to social posts and subject lines. 

          A skilled B2B copywriter also knows how to incorporate essential keywords for SEO purposes, helping your eCommerce site rank higher on search engines. In addition, they provide insights on how to engage B2B customers through email campaigns, social media strategies, and other digital marketing tactics. Overall, having an experienced B2B copywriter on your eCommerce team can increase sales inquiries and conversions in a highly competitive market.

          Web Developer

          For any business working in the digital space, having a highly skilled web developer on your B2B eCommerce team isn’t just a significant asset; it’s a must. Your website is often the first point of contact for potential B2B clients, and a well-designed site with smooth functionality can make all the difference in closing a sale. An experienced web developer also helps you stay ahead of current trends and technologies, ensuring that your own B2B eCommerce efforts are modern and effective and can be applied to your clients. Developers also see a unique set of problems and pain points than creative types since they are the ones working the back-end of websites. They see for themselves what logistically works and what doesn’t. They provide valuable user experience insights, helping improve customer satisfaction and increase conversions. Their unique insights can be used to build better sales campaigns, troubleshoot problems, and present a greater image of your company. Also, having a developer on staff will make your digital life much easier. There will always be functionality and programming issues arising from your site and its various appendages, and you’ll need a developer to fix them.

          Designer

          When it comes to B2B eCommerce, having a talented designer on your team makes a huge difference in your status and public perception. A good designer has the skills and experience to create visually appealing and professional web pages and promotional material. They understand the importance of functionality, ensuring that your company’s visual messaging matches the intended audience and your own internal standards. The odds are that the first exposure potential clients have to your brand will be created by your designer. Whether that’s a display ad, a social media post, or the header image on an email, your designer will have had a hand in creating that. As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The branded material you share with the world needs to make a strong impression that informs and directs your audience to take action. You can’t expect clients to put their faith in you if the elements that bear your company name aren’t good enough.

          Marketing Director

          Having a strong leader at the helm of your team is crucial. This level of leadership goes for any organization in any line of work. An experienced marketing director understands the intricacies of B2B sales and how to navigate the digital world. They also bring a wealth of expertise on how to reach and communicate with other businesses effectively. Furthermore, a skilled leader will know how to guide their team towards success, ensuring that all efforts are strategically aligned with overall company goals. In short, B2B eCommerce is a unique and ever-evolving space, so take notice of the value of an experienced marketing director as your team’s captain.

          As a business-to-business company, a marketing director needs to think and plan for the long term. They need to have a strong understanding of current trends in eCommerce and how they may change in the future. This level of experience requires not only being able to analyze data and consumer behavior but also having creativity and foresight when it comes to developing marketing strategies. In addition, the marketing director must serve as a leader within the company, inspiring and guiding their team towards successful campaigns that drive profits and meet our long-term goals. A successful B2B marketing director must think about more than just the here and now but envision where we want to be in the future and create a plan to get there

          Bringing it all together

          Now that you know what your B2B eCommerce team needs and who they need, it’s time to get to work! We hope this guide comes in handy. But remember, there is no better teacher than ‘doing.’ So go find your eCommerce all-stars, put our strategies to work and always be nimble.

          If you’d like a little more guidance on the B2B marketplace and how to succeed, book a chat with one of our team members today.

            Get expert help today!

            An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

            Drop Us a Line At:

            Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
            Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

            4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
            Cincinnati, OH 45241

            How to Build a Successful B2B eCommerce Team

            How to Build a Successful B2B eCommerce Team

            We’ve been in the B2B eCommerce business for some time now, nearly 25 years, to be exact. And we’ve learned a thing or two about the industry, but we’ve also banked a couple of lessons about internal success as well. The B2B eCommerce world comes with its own unique challenges. You need to have a team and structure in place that is capable of overcoming them. Part 1 of our B2B Team Building series will explain how to fill, support, and manage a successful B2B eCommerce team in today’s digital, remote age.

            Seek Talent with Digital Marketing Experience

            While there’s no doubt that traditional marketing has its place, the truth is today’s digital world, experience in digital marketing is becoming increasingly important. For one thing, how consumers interact with brands has changed dramatically in recent years, with more and more people using digital to research products and make purchase decisions. To reach and engage these consumers, businesses must have a solid digital presence. Additionally, digital marketing offers several advantages over traditional marketing, including tracking results and measuring ROI more effectively. As the importance of digital marketing continues to grow, experience in this field is becoming increasingly valuable.

            Don’t be Afraid of B2C Talent

            When it comes to business, there are two types of customers: business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B). Each type of customer has its own needs and wants, and it’s important to understand the difference when it comes to marketing and sales. Too often, B2B businesses overlook people with B2C experience, thinking they can’t transfer their skills to the B2B world. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, B2C experience can be precious in a B2B setting. B2C businesses are experts in understanding customer needs and desires, and they know how to craft messaging that resonates. They’re also skilled in managing customer relationships, using data to drive decisions, and creating loyalty programs. All of these skills are transferable to the B2B world. Businesses that overlook people with B2C experience miss out on a real asset. And, let’s be honest, B2C employees use the same platforms and strategies as B2B employees – Salesforce, Mailchimp, Dropbox, Hootsuite, Hubspot, and all of their competitors are used by both B2B and B2C brands alike. None of their offerings or capabilities are exclusive to either B2B or B2C.

            Filling a Team via In-House or Outsource

            There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to build an in-house team or outsource team-building services. An in-house team requires a significant initial investment, including the cost of hiring and training staff. Outsourcing team building can be a more cost-effective option since you won’t need to cover overhead expenses.

            If you’re looking for team-building services that are highly specialized or cutting-edge, you’ll likely need to look outside of your organization. On the other hand, an in-house team may be a better option if you have a vision for your team-building activities. With an in-house team, you’ll have more control over the direction of the team-building process.

            Finally, you’ll need to consider the size and scope of your team’s needs. If you have a large, complex organization, opting for an in-house team may make more sense. However, outsourcing may be the more practical solution if your team-building needs are more modest.

            Be Flexible with Remote Employees

            Working from home has become the new normal for many people, but that doesn’t mean it’s been a smooth transition. As an eCommerce employer, it’s essential to be flexible regarding remote workers. If you’re not open to Remote Employees, you will limit your talent pool severely. Your perfect, most ideal, most punctual, and productive employee is out there and is ready to join your team, but if you can’t get over the fact that they are in a different time zone, then you’ve already lost that resource.

            Simply put, our digital eCommerce space gives us the ability to allow for more flexibility and  give our employees the time and space some of them need to be their most productive. Some people may prefer to work early in the morning, while others may choose to work late at night. Some people may need regular breaks to take care of family members, and others may need to juggle childcare responsibilities. The key is to provide employees with the freedom to work when and how they need to be productive. It may be hard to let go of the reins as an owner or manager, but it’s a must in today’s job economy. You can still schedule regular meetings and check-ins. There is no reason your deadlines or expectations need to shift just because your eCommerce employees are working a schedule considered ‘non-traditional.’ 

            Additionally, it’s essential to make yourself available for questions and concerns. Remote workers often feel isolated, so it’s important to check in regularly and create a supportive environment. By being flexible and understanding, you can create an extremely productive and happy workforce.

            Make Purchases as Easy as Possible 

            According to a recent study, even B2B customers prefer to do their business online versus through a sales rep. This mindset is a shift from previous years when the personal touch of a sales rep was seen as essential in B2B transactions. However, the study found that B2B buyers now see the Internet as a more efficient and convenient way to purchase products. In addition, buyers believe that they can get a better deal by purchasing online. As a result, B2B eCommerce companies that do not have an eCommerce presence are at a significant disadvantage.

            There are several reasons for this shift. First, the Internet has made it easier for all buyers to research products and compare prices. Buyers can also read reviews and get insights from other customers. Second, the rise of social media has made it easier for buyers to connect with each other and share information. Finally, the growth of mobile commerce made it possible for buyers to purchase products and services anytime, anywhere. It can’t be overstated how phone-adverse many people have become. They prefer to have their interactions be digital rather than face-to-face. 

            This shift to online purchasing is likely to continue as more buyers prefer the convenience and efficiency of the Internet. B2B. Companies that do not have an eCommerce presence will need to adapt or risk being left behind. What does this mean for your B2B eCommerce business? It means that your website needs to do more than host case studies. Your website needs to present prices, details, and timelines of your products and services. You need to design it so potential companies and partners can click PURCHASE on your Content Creation offerings just as easily as they would on Amazon. If clients want to reach out to a Sales Rep and do business the ‘old fashioned way,’ then give them that option. But just as your eCommerce brand wants to remove barriers to purchase for your client’s websites, you need to do the same to yours. Applying a little bit of B2C ease-of-purchase to your B2B site could go a long way.

             

            Bringing it all together

            This all may seem like a lot, and a tad overwhelming. If you’re feeling that way, it’s ok, because this is a lot and it can be very overwhelming. Staffing and leading a successful B2B eCommerce team will be one of the deciding factors in your success. Check back in next week as we break down the most vital roles for your B2B eCommerce team.

            We’ve learned a lot about building and eCommerce team in our 25 years. We’ve also learned a lot about eCommerce as well. We’re more than happy to share our knowledge and experience with you, but you have to let us know you’re interested in learning more. Click here to contact us or use the form below.

              Get expert help today!

              An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

              Drop Us a Line At:

              Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
              Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

              4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
              Cincinnati, OH 45241

              Holiday Season 2022: Engaging with Boomers 🎅🎄

              Holiday Season 2022: Engaging with Boomers 🎅🎄

              Marketing to Baby Boomers can show significant returns for your business if you take the time to do it correctly. Despite the misconception that they are not particularly technologically inclined, the reality is they are pretty friendly when it comes to technology. According to a report from Statista, 78% of this age group own a smartphone, 66% own a laptop, 58% own a desktop, and 46% own a tablet.

              Those numbers begin to waver, though, with wearables and home assistants, like Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Still, that leaves a wide berth for you and your team to get their foot in the door when targeting this generation who make 20% more online purchases than Millennials and spend more than $200 billion more annually than Generation X.

              As you embark on this holiday season, building a connection with one of the largest sectors of shoppers could be the X-factor in a crowded eCommerce space. Read on for a few key strategies that will help you increase sales and give you a leg up on the competition this holiday season.

              Don’t miss our other popular holiday blog, ‘Engaging with Gen Z.

              What Do We Know About Boomers?

              The second-largest generation, the Baby Boomers, also referred to as the ‘Me Generation’ consist of those born from 1946-1964. This generation is marked by a more traditional worldview, dominated by the ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ and ‘the customer is always right’ mentality.

              What Do Boomers Want?

              They are more interested in not only getting the most bang for their buck, but they seek products and services that will add adventure to their lives. Unlike Millennials, they are far less interested in brands’ moral and ethical persona.

              Instead, they want businesses to impress them with results that speak louder than any targeted email or direct mail campaign, social media marketing, or PPC advertising strategy.

               

              Boomers expect brands to stand behind their claims and are more than willing to search online, or in-person, for product information before spending their hard-earned cash. That puts a lot of pressure on businesses that want to effectively market and grow online sales with Baby Boomers.

              Side Note: Baby boomers spend an average $203 on each online purchase, far surpassing the average spend of their millennial counterparts.

              Tips for Engaging with Baby Boomers 

              Because they are both progressive and traditional, many digital retailers like yourself face challenges reaching Baby Boomers. To help, we want to leave you with some tips you can start working on more effectively today to reach this generation.

              Leave Behind the Notion that Baby Boomers Don’t Use the Internet –  It might come as a shock to those who believe that it’s only worth executing a digital marketing strategy for the younger generations, Gen Z and Millenials, but 51% of Baby Boomers spend 15+ hours a week online, compared to 41% of Millennials. And according to Forbes, 96% of Baby Boomers use search engines as one of their top resources to gather information on products and services.

              In addition, more than half are on Facebook and other social media channels such as YouTube and LinkedIn, but where should you funnel your budgets and strategy?

              Boomers Use Social Media to Connect with Family and Friends – While positive sentiments about social media may seem optimistic at face value, you and your team should consider that Baby Boomers see advertising as intrusive and not engaging. This is because they want their social media experience to center around connection instead of commerce. Boomers post and search a lot on social media. They don’t shop. 

              The only exception to this general rule is to introduce them to video and related blog content that centers around non-sales topics. In terms of overall presence, YouTube is the most popular “social media platform,” with 68% of this generation saying they regularly use it. Baby Boomers often engage with the video content socially by sharing with friends, adding comments, and reposting. This is where your opportunity to find creative ways to skip the sales act and educate them on your product or service by providing insights and information that align with their interests. Create ads masked as shareable content (news articles, how-to guides, crafting activities to do with your grandkids during the holidays, etc.). Tie in features about your company’s products and services.  This will get their attention before any retargeted ad or branded content on social media. 

              Don’t Discount Good Customer Service –  As already noted, this generation craves a connection with others, even when it comes to your brand. What are we getting at? Baby Boomers want to speak to a real person. Whether through FaceBook messenger or your eCommerce website, you can help ensure this generation is satisfied with your level of customer service by incorporating non-automated live chats similar to big retailer giants like Amazon or Starbucks.

              Skip the Hashtags and Slang – Since Baby Boomers see themselves as active, we recommend staying away from words that mention aging like ‘golden years’ or ‘elderly’ and explicitly referring to them as ‘Boomers.’ Reflect this in the imagery you use in your marketing materials. Whether it shows them kayaking or working out, active, aspirational imagery will resonate with your prospects, who don’t see themselves as old.

              They also are not “hip” to internet slang so steer clear of trendy terms that younger generations might be more accustomed to. For instance, you may know what “lol” or” smh” mean, but some Baby Boomers may not. That’s why we recommend passing on the internet shorthand when marketing to Baby Boomers as there’s a high likelihood your message will be misunderstood. Since this generation and consumers, in general, won’t buy a product that confuses them, it’s best to keep your message clear and concise and you’ll gain more traction.

              Include Price at the Top of the Funnel – While Baby Boomers have more disposable income than any other generation, they still are comparing prices at the top of the funnel. What does this mean for your marketing strategy? You should always include pricing information or verbiage that highlights a sale or clearance.

              Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Clickbait  – Although Baby Boomers are digitally savvy, they don’t always possess internet knowledge to decipher between what is legit versus what is not, and thus they may be prone to respond to clickbait headlines. If you want to capitalize on this, avoid writing headlines that are vague or don’t offer them any benefit. When developing your messaging, think about some of the things Baby Boomers value, such as family, health, and finances, then build the rest of the headline from there.

              Focus on Keywords and SEO – Search engine optimization (SEO) should top your priority list if you want marketing to Baby Boomers to succeed. If you’ve taken the “set and forget” approach with SEO, now is a good time to refresh your campaign. Ensure you’re targeting the keywords your prospects are searching for so that they can find your community in search engine page results.

              Like other consumer demographics, Baby Boomers are careful to do their research before they buy. They like to read reviews and recommendations, and even visit the company’s site to research the product or service. In fact, 70% use search engines to find information about products prior to purchase. Don’t let your SEO strategy fall by the wayside.

              With this group spending 27 hours per week online, that’s plenty of screen time to catch their click with the tips addressed above. You could boost a post about an upcoming event or display an ad that touts their ‘active lifestyle.’ The possibilities are endless!

              Bringing It All Together

              The holidays will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to start showing Baby Boomers why your business stands out from all other options at their fingertips. Because of the size of the baby boomer population, nearly every eCommerce retailer has an audience available to them in this marketing sector. Reach this audience and capitalize on their disposable income by marketing with the right tone, speed, and story on the platforms they express they gravitate towards the most – FaceBook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. This is how you can get this generation to interact with your business. In return, they will richly reward you with their loyalty and disposable income.

                Get expert help today!

                An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

                Drop Us a Line At:

                Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
                Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

                4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
                Cincinnati, OH 45241

                Holiday Season 2022 UPDATE: Engaging with Gen Z 🎅🎄

                Holiday Season 2022 UPDATE: Engaging with Gen Z 🎅🎄

                During the last couple of years, marketing to millennials, the trendsetting generation, remained the spotlight for ads and promotions. However, times are changing and there is a new sheriff in town – Generation Z. 

                Gen-Z is finally taking the limelight from its more well-known and overly studied predecessors.  According to research from Bloomberg, Gen-Z surpassed Millennials in 2019 as the most populous generation, comprising roughly 32% of the population with more than 68 million young people in it while millennials account for 31.5%. That’s 68 million potential customers and this number is only expected to keep growing. 

                Read on for marketing strategies to consider to engage Gen Z to be customers for the holiday season… and for life.

                What Do We Know?

                Generation Z, those born from 1995-2005, is known for being significantly unhappier than other generations. Not only are they anxious about their careers, but they are more concerned about social equality, speaking up for what they believe in, and ensuring individuals of all backgrounds have a voice than they are about what celebrity you have endorsing your product. To reach this audience, you need to think through new techniques and strategies or you risk losing them as a consumer altogether. 

                Tech devices, apps, and social media have also been ubiquitous throughout the lives of this generation. A Pew study last year found that nearly half of all Americans aged 13 to 17  said they were online “almost constantly,” and more than 90 percent used social media. The platforms that they expressed they gravitate towards the most include Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

                The 2021 holiday season saw some fascinating stats for Gen Z that are expected to continue into 2022’s holiday season.

                • 59% of Gen Z shoppers are concerned that COVID-19 complications and supply chain interruptions will make it harder to shop
                • 49% of Gen Z shoppers say they search the web for gift ideas
                • 41% of Gen Z shoppers say they will use some sort of installment payments to cover the cost of holiday gifts
                • 44% of Gen Z shoppers say they will do most of their shopping online

                How to engage the new generation

                Given this group’s purchasing power and self-identity, it is critical that you adjust your offerings and marketing tactics to meet this demographics’ wants and needs in a way you may have never marketed to other generations in the past. This holiday season, not only must your product either work or be made well, but it also needs to be appropriately priced, readily available and sustainably made. Let’s dive a bit deeper into why. 

                Step away from traditional ways of advertising and get creative

                Gen Z customers are used to hearing about and personally experiencing hacking scandals, data leaks, and cyberattacks over their lifetime because they have grown up in a digital bubble. A bubble where communication with their friends and information can be obtained instantaneously. While they understand the pitfalls that come with living in the digital bubble they also understand its potential. With that, they are not looking for a hit and quit product, they are looking to make a connection; which is where your marketing tactics can step in and gain their trust. 

                Generation Z is cautious when it comes to traditional advertising from brands some of us might not think twice about purchasing from because this audience values the opinions of their friends and social media influences over brand messaging itself. Therefore, if you want to succeed with Gen Z, you not only have to have a thriving social media page, but you have to be in the conversation, and social media influencers can make that happen. How can you do this? Shy away from using traditional big name celebrity endorsers like LeBron James to humanize your brand (even if you can afford them) and start thinking about employing influencers on social media platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. 

                According to a 2019 Rakuten marketing study, 65% of consumers follow an influencer on Instagram and many of them discover new brands and products by following them; which is why you should consider dedicating some of your marketing spend to spend on influencers. Depending on your budget you can either target micro-influencers (those with 50,000 or fewer followers) who are relatively less expensive than if you were to hire macro-influencers (think celebrities with mega followers). For more on micro influencers and their rise then click here.

                Have an open line of communication

                If there’s one thing we know about Generation Z, it’s that they want to be sure they are heard. Not only when it comes to having a stance on issues around social fairness, but also when expressing opinions on products they purchase or are considering buying. An Accenture report revealed that 40 percent of Gen Zers leave feedback on products if the option is available. Therefore, having an open line of communication on every outlet possible, social media, and your website, for your brand is vital to keeping Gen Z engaged. In addition, it is just as important to make sure you are responding to their reviews – especially if they are negative – it gives you the option to make things right and turn their opinions around. If you want to cover all of your bases – cut to the chase and have a FAQ call to action front and center on your website so that Gen Z’s feel comfortable in knowing what to expect when purchasing from you this holiday season.

                Stand for something bigger than your brand

                If you want to reach this demographic, you will have to dial back the blockchain to the source to ensure that what you offer truly is sustainable. “Eco-friendly,” “good for the planet,” and “carbon neutral” are just a few of the terms younger generations look for when seeking more sustainable options. With this shift, sustainability is quickly becoming the bare minimum for both Millennials and Gen Z when shopping.

                If you want your business to prosper in the changing online shopping space, being environmentally friendly is not optional—it’s a necessity when trying to reach this demographic this holiday season. Gen Z is overly conscious of how their shopping impacts the environment. Many are opting to shop online from businesses that provide sustainable packaging, products, and shipping. In fact, 73% are willing to pay more for sustainable products—a marked difference from older generations. Some brands to look at that are currently paving the way for sustainable options include:

                • Aerrem is the stylish, new everyday bag with an environmental mission of helping people establish a new daily habit, do their part to help save the planet and look good at the same time. It is the first tote bag specifically designed to carry two refillable bottles or tumblers, allowing people to refuse single-use plastics while away from home.
                • Brooks Running-The Ghost 14 is Brooks Running’s first carbon-neutral product, as part of the brand’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
                • Caldera + Lab-Caldera + Lab creates sustainable, clean, prestige skincare for men by combining 100% fair trade, wild-harvested, organic ingredients with green technology that reduces the impact on our environment.

                Other notable brands include United By Blue, TOMS, Kut from the Kloth, Ikea, and Patagonia

                Make it personal

                Everyone wants to feel special, this is not a unique characteristic to just Gen Z. However, we know this generation is significantly more dissatisfied than generations before them. Therefore when marketing your products to this generation, you need to take that extra step to make them feel special. Showcasing your product’s customization options will catch their eyes and possibly make them click the check-out button. It can be as simple as offering different color options like S’ip by S’well or more in-depth where they can add-on products to their shipment like FabFitFun.

                Convenience, convenience, convenience 

                One thing that is certain about Gen Z is that they still love shopping in-store. We’ve all missed out on this experience in the last year and that has left Gen Z craving more of what they’ve lost. But it leaves retailers questioning; what do Gen Z value about shopping in-store? The simple answer – it’s all about the experience.

                • Fitting rooms: having the ability to try clothes on in-store is more convenient than ordering three different sizes of jeans to have to return two. It’s also a win for the retailer as return costs are lower when shopping in-store.
                • Social Interaction: Gen Z aren’t just out to shop, they desire social interaction, whether that’s shopping as part of a day out with family and friends or developing that one-to-one relationship while being helped to find their purchases in-store by an associate.

                The convenience of shopping in-store also translates to their online shopping habits. Being able to shop from their couch and having things brought straight to their door is an appealing option to many customers, most importantly Gen Z. Not only because they receive their items fast, but it allows them to quickly connect with their peers and your brand via social media when they have questions or want to give a review. Learn more about connecting your digital and retail experience with these blogs; Building an Apparel & Accessories Webstore That Matches Your Retail Space and A Guide to Offline Marketing Tactics for Online Auto Retailers.

                Bringing it all together

                The holidays are around the corner, so now is the perfect time to start showing Generation Z why your business stands out from all of the other options at their fingertips. Meeting them where they are, engaging them in the conversation, and gaining their trust in what you stand for is how you can reach them. In return, they will reward you with their loyalty and spending habits. 

                Ready to incorporate these strategies to gain Gen Z customers for life?

                  Get expert help today!

                  An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

                  Drop Us a Line At:

                  Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
                  Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

                  4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
                  Cincinnati, OH 45241

                  Shopify’s Latest Apps Lead to New B2B Discoveries

                  Shopify’s Latest Apps Lead to New B2B Discoveries

                  Every merchant has unique needs and with so many specialized apps to choose from, finding the right one for your eCommerce business can be challenging. That’s why the Shopify community of app developers has been busy building flexible solutions to help grow your B2B business. 

                  As part of a new avenue of attack against one of the big tech giants, Amazon, Shopify is launching a line of 100 brand new or updated apps all intended to bolster B2B businesses. The launch of these new or updated apps will consist of bountiful tools for your team, designed to scale up B2B sales. some through collaboration with Twitter to boost social commerce and their DTC eCommerce revenue.

                  This offering will provide merchants with the option to sell to both DTC and wholesale customers from the same online store in Shopify Plus or a separate ‘expansion store’ for B2B. Both options will be baked in with the ability for your team to create company profiles, price lists, payment terms, and customer accounts.

                  “We’ve long heard from our merchants that they’d like to be able to sell wholesale and direct from one online store,” said Shopify merchant success manager Shakir Gill in a blog post. “To meet this growing demand, we’ve worked to build the most foundational and powerful features B2B merchants need directly into the heart of Shopify.”

                  Not only will your team be able to sell from one online store, but the integration with Twitter provides the opportunity for you to connect your business profile to your Shopify store. What is the advantage of this strategy? It makes items on your site shoppable through your feed, including a carousel feature that can rotate up to 50 different products at once.

                  A separate marketplace kit includes API hooks into Spotify, Google, Facebook, TikTok, and others, while Linkpop creates a shoppable landing page connected to social accounts, web stores, and media like music and videos.

                  Shopify President Harry Finkelstein stated that he believes B2B eCommerce represents billions of dollars of untapped revenue for Shopify to take advantage of and might be the reasoning behind another new app, Shopify Markets. 

                  Shopify Markets will give your team additional revenue opportunities by tapping into cross-border eCommerce through the creation of localized currencies, translation services, domain names, and payment methods.  

                  “This is the next phase of retail,” Finkelstein told Reuters. “In many ways, shopping has become a vote with your wallet to support that brand…and that’s what I think connect-to-consumer is all about.”

                  Bringing it all together

                  Even though Shopify offers an excellent array of apps and extensions, these out-of-the-box solutions will still require customization to be fully functional with any large eCommerce store. That’s where we come in. If you want to learn more about these new Shopify features or you simply want to make the most of your current store, schedule a call with a member of our Dev team today. 

                  Side Note: ​​The new Shopify apps were rebuilt with both new and existing merchants in mind, to make it easier for you to find the solutions that you’re looking for and discover apps you didn’t know you needed.

                    Get expert help today!

                    An InteractOne Senior Team Member will get back to you within a day.

                    Drop Us a Line At:

                    Or, if you prefer an old-fashioned phone call:
                    Phone (USA): (513) 469-3346

                    4665 Cornell Rd. Suite 255
                    Cincinnati, OH 45241

                    The 5 Most Valuable, Exclusive, Money-Making Features on Adobe Commerce

                    The 5 Most Valuable, Exclusive, Money-Making Features on Adobe Commerce

                    As the world continues to evolve as a digital-first paradigm, customers’ expectations are higher than ever. They expect great performance, top-notch security, and engaging interactions that meet them where they are. As an eCommerce manager, it’s important to know you’re on solid ground with every aspect of your storefront, from infrastructure to innovative tools to on-point back- and front-end performance to achieve this level of personalization

                    Whether you want to offer additional shopping experiences, payment methods, personalization services, or shopping assistance tools, Adobe Commerce (AC) is here to help. The robust set of features this platform provides are powerful and unique, but they might not meet all of your unique needs straight out of the box. Customization to create unique and compelling user experiences is required to make the most out of AC. Our team of experts can help you leverage the powerful features of AC and customize the platform to create shopping experiences that delight your customers and fuel your growth.

                    In this blog, we will unveil the top features of AC that will empower you to deliver a personalized shopping experience both in-store and online for your customers.

                    Five features exclusive to Adobe Commerce

                    The AC platform offers the best of both the Adobe and Magento brands: a world-class, open-source B2B and B2C eCommerce platform, plus a JavaScript-based content management system capable of crafting personalized digital experiences for customers.

                    Here are some of its exclusive features that will take your customers from browse to buy:

                    1. Content Staging: This feature allows merchants to schedule the release of new banners, pages, promotions, and content updates. This feature is extremely beneficial for managing (scheduling) sale events. For example, with this feature, your team will have the ability to schedule a new sale to start at midnight and all the content and promotion will automatically update without your content administrator being required to update the site at midnight manually. Conversely, the sale can also be scheduled to end at a certain time, requiring no manual intervention from the content admin.

                    2. B2B Features: The B2B suite of features is extremely powerful and valuable for merchants in the B2B eCommerce sector.  This suite of features represents millions of dollars worth of custom development that all comes as out-of-the-box functionality that is maintained and upgraded by Adobe Commerce. The B2B module also comes with the following list of additional features:

                    • Request for Quote: the customer can request a quote and the admin of your page can either approve or send a revised quote. Once both parties agree, the customer can automatically place the order, with the revised and agreed-upon pricing, directly into their cart.
                    • Shared Catalog: If your eCommerce department requires access to multiple catalogs for different customers based on their customer group, this is pretty helpful. This feature also helps set customer-specific pricing alongside the regular pricing rules.
                    • Company Accounts: This is the key entity within B2B on which all other features are in some way dependent as it allows joining multiple buyers that belong to the same company into a single company account (or corporate account). The company administrator is able to build the company structure (divisions, subdivisions, and users) in the appropriate hierarchy and provide different user roles and permissions to the company members. This hierarchy allows the company administrator to control user activity for the company account: ordering, quoting, purchasing, access to company credit information or profile, and so on.
                    • Requisition List: This is a very helpful tool that allows for frequently ordered items to be created as a list.
                    • Quick Order: With most B2B businesses, the end customer will have the list of SKUs and their quantities to place an order directly rather than having to add them one by one from the respective product detail pages.

                    3. Customer Segmentation / Rewards & Loyalty: These are often overlooked features, but when they are employed properly they can be great tools for engaging and retaining customers. By segmenting customers and then rewarding them, merchants can greatly increase customer loyalty. A loyalty program for an eCommerce store is a customer retention tool meant to keep customers engaged and loyal to your store. Loyalty rewards may range from freebies, discounts, coupons, or cash back. For example, your analytics department may wish to target all of your female customers who are in the age range of 18 to 40 with specific promotions in real-time. Your team could also take a marketing approach similar to Starbucks who lets individual customers earn stars for every dollar they spend. At 60 stars, they can snag a free drink or get a free slice of cake. For further information on loyalty programs, check out our blog post, What Apparel and Accessories Brands Must Know About Establishing A Loyalty Program.

                    4. Dynamic Blocks: This tool provides the ability to display banners and content based on custom segments, promotions, and price rules. For example, using dynamic banners your team can display a banner in the cart letting customers that are getting close to a certain cart size and let them know that if they reach a certain spending threshold they can qualify for wholesale pricing and free shipping. This feature can be extremely useful for any eCommerce business owner that might be using the customer segmentation and loyalty features to create a more personalized shopping experience.

                    5. Visual Merchandiser: This advanced tool allows your developers to position products and apply conditions that determine which products appear in the category listing. The result can be a dynamic selection of products that adjusts to changes in the catalog. 

                    Side Note: ​​Apart from this list, the Adobe Commerce platform also provides your team with hosting, monitoring, and maintenance that are not available in the Magento Community edition.

                    Your team has the option to work in visual mode, which shows each product as a tile on a grid or to work from a list of products in the category. This tool is very useful for any merchant managing a large catalog of products and can be very helpful in making categories well merchandised and easy to shop.

                    Bringing it all together

                    Ready to take your eCommerce website to new heights? Where your team can access cutting-edge commerce features, functionality, templates, and services — all with the click of a button? Adobe Commerce could be the perfect solution your team is looking for.

                    At InteractOne, we have helped hundreds of merchants set up and migrate their eCommerce websites so they can focus on the long-term growth of their business and meeting customers where they are.

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