Online retailers offer cheaper prices than their brick-and-mortar counterparts because they do not burden overhead costs. They also benefit from lower operational expenses, enabling them to pass savings on to the consumer. Below are some of the benefits of E-Commerce:
Convenience
E-commerce allows consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes. There is no need to fight traffic, wait in line, or carry heavy purchases home. Furthermore, online retailers offer a much wider selection of products than traditional stores. Most products and services can be easily purchased online and delivered right to your door.
Affordability
E-commerce provides consumers with the opportunity to buy many of their favorite items at affordable prices because there are no overhead costs associated with running a physical store. Consumers also avoid paying sales tax on most purchases. You will save gas money since you do not need to drive around town visiting several stores searching for the best deals.
Product Diversity
Consumers can find virtually any product they are looking for online. This includes hard-to-find items and items not typically carried by local stores. In addition, online retailers often have a greater variety of colors and sizes available than traditional stores.
Shop Anywhere
The advent of e-commerce has allowed people to shop from anywhere in the world with just a few clicks. It made shopping accessible to anyone with an internet connection and mobile device. In fact, shoppers can now browse and purchase anything straight from their laptops without actually visiting physical stores.
Secure and Safe Transactions
E-commerce transactions are typically very secure. Online retailers use sophisticated security measures to protect their customers’ personal information. Consumers can often feel confident that they are getting a good deal because most online retailers offer a return policy on items they are not satisfied with.
Customer Service
Many online retailers provide excellent customer service. This includes answering customer questions and resolving any complaints promptly. In addition, online retailers often have staff available 24 hours a day to help with customer service issues.
Constant Availability
Products are constantly updated and restocked on e-commerce websites, so consumers can always find the latest products. In addition, online retailers often have sales and coupons which provide additional savings to customers. In contrast, brick and mortar stores typically only offer sales on certain days of the week.
Convenient Return Policies
Many e-Commerce merchants offer very convenient return policies, often with no need to provide a reason for returning an item. This makes shopping online a much less risky proposition. In contrast, traditional stores often require customers to have a receipt to return an item.
Customer Reviews
One of the great advantages of eCommerce is the ability to read customer reviews before making a purchase. This allows consumers to make informed decisions about which products to buy. In addition, many online retailers ask customers to provide feedback on the products they purchase. This has enabled CEO Patrick James to learn what customers like and dislike about their products or services.
Increased Reach
With e-Commerce, businesses can sell to customers all over the world. There is no need to open physical stores in other countries, and you can sell your products online. This increases a business’s potential customer base significantly. E-Commerce is a type of retail retailer that allows buyers to purchase products online through websites or apps. It has revolutionized the retail industry and has increased sales for online retailers.
Utilizing PPC advertising services can also boost the visibility and sales for e-commerce businesses by driving targeted traffic to their website through online advertising platforms.
Delivery Speed
In many cases, e-Commerce purchases can be delivered within a few business days. This is much faster than going to a local store where you must wait several weeks for your order to arrive. Some items may not be available for immediate delivery if they come from a third-party supplier or are customized based on personal preferences.
The convenience of e-commerce makes it attractive to shoppers because it allows people to shop from home. Consumers benefit from the cost savings, variety, and product diversity that e-commerce provides. E-commerce merchants also benefit from lower operational expenses, which enable them to pass savings onto the consumer.
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SaaS affiliate marketing
/0 Comments/in Marketing /by Rebecca CaroeIf you are marketing a SaaS product you should totally consider two types of marketing
There’s a difference although they can overlap.
A channel partner is a business who has a similar customer base but is selling something different but complementary to yours. They are motivated to sell your SaaS because it enhances their product or service.
Affiliate sales are from businesses who have a similar customer base but is in need of an upsell, a new income stream, or a “way in” to a new customer. And so they promote your SaaS alongside their own business. Frequently these are firms with a good audience or mailing list which they want to monetise.
Affiliate services
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Demand Planning on Inventory Management
/0 Comments/in Sales /by Rebecca CaroeAs a manufacturer or service provider, your sole responsibility is to ensure that your product and service development is aligned with customer needs and desires. As a result, demand planning and optimization should ensure that marketing and sales are in sync with customer expectations and demand. Once you’ve determined what customers want and which products are in high demand, it’ll be much easier to procure materials on time and optimize your production to reduce lead time.
Any business seeking to increase customer satisfaction must invest heavily in software that assists in tracking sales trends and capturing customer needs. Customer surveys are also critical because they enable you to identify customer interactions with your products and brand, allowing you to reengineer and optimize your production and service delivery.
Customer and Sale Metrics Guide Demand Planning
Once you’ve established some metrics for customer satisfaction with products and services, you’ll be able to determine where and how to adjust the products. Additionally, such knowledge will assist you in optimizing your procurement process and product sourcing in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Consider the following scenario where you anticipate a large volume of products based on historical sales patterns. Analyzing sales patterns can assist you in planning optimal stock quantities, inventory levels, and quarters.
Demand Planning on Inventory Optimisation
The most critical aspect of supply chain management is inventory management. When one speaks of inventory management, they refer to the entire process, from the acquisition of raw materials to the sale of intermediate and finished products.
You can purchase inventory and store it optimally through proper optimization. As a result, demand planning facilitates the efficient management of supply chains. Additionally, demand planning can align high-level and high-volume business planning with demand and product forecasting to reduce inventory costs, shorten lead times, improve service levels, and boost profitability.
Effective inventory management enables a business to obtain the optimal quantity and quality of raw materials with the least disruption to future costs and time to avoid product delivery delays. One of the factors that contribute to delivery delays is a shortage of raw materials, which can occur due to poor planning. Delays in the delivery of products and services can give customers a negative impression of a business, resulting in customer attrition. Therefore, it is critical to maintain an optimal inventory level available for sale in unexpected orders.
Demand Planning in Warehousing
Pay-as-you-go is one of the best on-demand warehousing models promoted by digital payment platforms. Electronic commodity marketplaces and Airbnb exemplify on-demand warehousing. Electronic platforms enable service delivery and product distribution to expand and grow without exposing a business to risks associated with fixed costs.
As a result, demand planning in warehousing is effective in platforms such as e-commerce retailers that face high levels of uncertainty. Through on-demand warehousing, retailers can rent small sections of warehouse space across multiple marketplaces, and we can facilitate simple product and service delivery to customers.
The benefit of on-demand warehousing is that customers only pay for the space they use rather than being locked into a long-term lease. However, one of the drawbacks of this dynamic concept is that market conditions determine pricing and no one is guaranteed a specific spot in the warehouse.
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Balancing Direct & OTL marketing
/0 Comments/in B2B, Direct Marketing /by Rebecca CaroeThis is a write-up of the B2B Marketing Disrupted event 31st March 2022 hosted by the New Zealand Marketing Association.
The second Marketing Disrupted featured both Account Based Marketing and Breakthrough Brands – the balance of the direct and above the line which all B2B marketers know is a true juggling act – but still within our job description!
Account Based Marketing from scratch
Andrea Clatworthy from Fujitsu UK set out a deep dive case study into how she started an ABM programme. Her honest insights into the realities of changing a longstanding business model were refreshing.
Her definition of ABM is right people, right message, right time and Fujitsu also uses the 3 Rs – Relationships, Reputation and Revenue to further refine the scope of the programme.
This is a strategic approach with sales and marketing working together to open doors and increase engagement with stakeholders in specific identified accounts, with a view to increase Relationships improve Reputation and ultimately generate Revenue.
The triangle of ABM in Fujitsu is based on a top layer of One-to-One ABM using key accounts each with an individually customised account plan. Below this is the One-to-Few layer which is a mix of new and existing accounts, clustered by similarity with modest personalisation in the marketing mix. And at the bottom of the triangle is One-to-Many with a focus on new accounts, broad programmes with light personalisation using technology to enable scale.
The first 18 months were critical to the success of Andrea’s transition – she started with the sales account plan which uses a robust 6-step process which everyone now follows. Back-up resources in a portal with how-to guides, policies and guidelines was a key part of the success. Andrea also outlined how to secure buy-in and her 12 week ABM launch plan slide is worth a careful read.
Building a meaningful brand
Deconstructing what lies behind a well-known brand gives marketers insights – seeing the process which led to the outcome can help you work out how to implement it in your own firm.
James Kyd of Xero ran through 6 traits of breakthrough brands. Each trait has a behaviour allied with it. I found this very useful because it allows you to see if your marketing activities are delivering the behaviours you desire.
Accountants are a key audience for James, he selected them because they’re a growth driver for Xero software sign ups. His over-riding campaign plan tells stories about accountants. And these get told from the outside-in (case study videos) and also inside-out from within the accounting community (surprise gifts).
The 6 traits are:- Build from a cult following, Commodity as a status symbol, The rise of the B-corp, Un-capitalism, Open source generosity and Remodelling the category.
A key position for Xero is to advocate on behalf of accountants – doing the things they individually cannot. An annual state of the industry research study is not only good for PR it helps accounting firms to benchmark themselves. The other big pillar of the activation is the Xerocon conference and event. James says this will be back as an in-person event this year. It will continue to celebrate the passion accountants bring to their work and to create memorable experiences for participants. These are two ways Xero connects in person with its customers.
And isn’t it nice that a brand still does in-person events?
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NZ Tech is our new export story
/0 Comments/in B2B /by Rebecca CaroeMany of you know I work with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. I’ve been doing B2B marketing digital implementation coaching projects with businesses who export.
I am delighted to find that Technology is now a sizeable export sector for the NZ economy. The razzamatazz launch was last week, but the reality is in front of me daily.
Local investment
Startups are getting funded – overseas money and home-grown angel groups are active, growing and increasing in sophistication.
Both these numbers speak to the aggregate – I see the specifics in my clients. Innovation continues as firms prove the concept locally and quickly look overseas for expansion. I think lockdown and covid has accelerated this trend – many don’t wait for the full MVP at home nowadays.
Sustainability matters alongside growth
Investors do care about the medium term future – who wants an investment to fall off because of climate change? The ‘clean, green NZ’ banner may not be as universal, but we are still incorporating those principles into the businesses which get launched from a New Zealand base.
In summary, I’m delighted that these stats are proving what I see on the ground. If you are exporting, or an overseas reader of this blog – take a look at what NZ tech firms can offer your business. You never know, we could end up working together!
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Unsubscribing and deleting databases
/1 Comment/in Data, Direct Marketing /by Rebecca CaroeHave you checked you whether your CRM allows users to completely remove themselves from your records?
I find this a frustrating issue as a marketer.
I want to know that you once had a relationship with us; but I respect your choices (and privacy legislation).
A Pleasant Surprise
When I received a notification that “You haven’t logged i for a while, would you re-verify your email address?”.
I hastened to click through and was delighted to find the option to completely delete my profile from their site.
Does your CRM allow customers to delete their profile?
CRM advantages for Marketers
Despite the irritation this causes me (I have a genuine desire at all times to know the “universe” of possible customers for my business) the outcome has its advantages.
So check for yourself, can customers self-serve and remove their profiles from your site? Have you planned regular database cleaning to keep your CRM up to date?
Resources and additional reading
Should I delete or unsubscribe from the mailing list?
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The Pros of E-Commerce
/0 Comments/in Marketing /by Rebecca CaroeOnline retailers offer cheaper prices than their brick-and-mortar counterparts because they do not burden overhead costs. They also benefit from lower operational expenses, enabling them to pass savings on to the consumer. Below are some of the benefits of E-Commerce:
Convenience
E-commerce allows consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes. There is no need to fight traffic, wait in line, or carry heavy purchases home. Furthermore, online retailers offer a much wider selection of products than traditional stores. Most products and services can be easily purchased online and delivered right to your door.
Affordability
E-commerce provides consumers with the opportunity to buy many of their favorite items at affordable prices because there are no overhead costs associated with running a physical store. Consumers also avoid paying sales tax on most purchases. You will save gas money since you do not need to drive around town visiting several stores searching for the best deals.
Product Diversity
Consumers can find virtually any product they are looking for online. This includes hard-to-find items and items not typically carried by local stores. In addition, online retailers often have a greater variety of colors and sizes available than traditional stores.
Shop Anywhere
The advent of e-commerce has allowed people to shop from anywhere in the world with just a few clicks. It made shopping accessible to anyone with an internet connection and mobile device. In fact, shoppers can now browse and purchase anything straight from their laptops without actually visiting physical stores.
Secure and Safe Transactions
E-commerce transactions are typically very secure. Online retailers use sophisticated security measures to protect their customers’ personal information. Consumers can often feel confident that they are getting a good deal because most online retailers offer a return policy on items they are not satisfied with.
Customer Service
Many online retailers provide excellent customer service. This includes answering customer questions and resolving any complaints promptly. In addition, online retailers often have staff available 24 hours a day to help with customer service issues.
Constant Availability
Products are constantly updated and restocked on e-commerce websites, so consumers can always find the latest products. In addition, online retailers often have sales and coupons which provide additional savings to customers. In contrast, brick and mortar stores typically only offer sales on certain days of the week.
Convenient Return Policies
Many e-Commerce merchants offer very convenient return policies, often with no need to provide a reason for returning an item. This makes shopping online a much less risky proposition. In contrast, traditional stores often require customers to have a receipt to return an item.
Customer Reviews
One of the great advantages of eCommerce is the ability to read customer reviews before making a purchase. This allows consumers to make informed decisions about which products to buy. In addition, many online retailers ask customers to provide feedback on the products they purchase. This has enabled CEO Patrick James to learn what customers like and dislike about their products or services.
Increased Reach
With e-Commerce, businesses can sell to customers all over the world. There is no need to open physical stores in other countries, and you can sell your products online. This increases a business’s potential customer base significantly. E-Commerce is a type of retail retailer that allows buyers to purchase products online through websites or apps. It has revolutionized the retail industry and has increased sales for online retailers.
Utilizing PPC advertising services can also boost the visibility and sales for e-commerce businesses by driving targeted traffic to their website through online advertising platforms.
Delivery Speed
In many cases, e-Commerce purchases can be delivered within a few business days. This is much faster than going to a local store where you must wait several weeks for your order to arrive. Some items may not be available for immediate delivery if they come from a third-party supplier or are customized based on personal preferences.
The convenience of e-commerce makes it attractive to shoppers because it allows people to shop from home. Consumers benefit from the cost savings, variety, and product diversity that e-commerce provides. E-commerce merchants also benefit from lower operational expenses, which enable them to pass savings onto the consumer.
Related articles
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Direct Marketing Best Practice Guidelines
/0 Comments/in Data /by Rebecca CaroePublished by the Marketing Association (New Zealand). Download the full Direct Marketing Best Practice Guidelines.
Good advice here for:
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Copywriting sales follow up emails
/0 Comments/in B2B, Copywriting, Direct Marketing, Email, Pitching /by Rebecca CaroeFor a B2B sales team it’s really important to judge correctly the mind of the recipient when sending follow up sales emails.
The path to a sales contract is tortuous and certainly not linear. There are many places where a poorly written sales email can foul your pitch. Marketing and sales need to collaborate with strong Account Based Marketing and Customer Relationship Management strategies to overcome this. Here’s an example from today.
Well written direct sales copy
If you have a clear understanding of the prospect’s stage in the sales funnel, your emails can be written to align with the precise needs of the prospect at that exact time. Otherwise you are guessing – like throwing darts in the dark…. all misses.
I went to a conference recently and the sponsor has been hounding me ever since about his software.
Yes I did give them permission to contact me.
Yes I did take a look at the lead magnet they offered.
BUT I’m not taking their sales call. Because I’m not going to be buying…. and they could have found that out earlier in the day and so saved their sales team a lot of effort.
Who is this prospect?
Just because I attended their talk and said they could contact me…. does not mean I’ll become a customer.
A cheeky sales email
I replied to his third message (repeating a link to the landing page and asking to do a demo) to explain my reasons.
And so I sent him this reply.
4 Reasons your sales email failed
Here are the reasons I am not an appropriate prospect
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Website copy testing for SEO
/0 Comments/in B2B, SEO /by Rebecca CaroeGreat question – I got this from a customer who did not hire me… but had the savvy to ask the right question. It looks nice but is the website home page copy doing its job? Bringing inbound traffic, showing up in SEO, right keywords and key phrases.
Testing web copy
Natural Search Copywriting
What next?
Your copywriters job is complete if the keywords match your business products and services – the type of search phrases you would expect someone to use when looking for a business like yours.
Now hand over to the marketing team – they will work out how to get website visitor numbers UP, how to start conversations with prospective customers and how to get customers to return and buy from you over and over again. [Inbound marketing; outbound marketing; loyalty repeat customer marketing; testimonials.]
Website traffic and Key word count
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