E-Commerce Marketing. The Complete Guide.
This comprehensive guide explores exclusive e-commerce marketing channels for your business, divided into two sections: digital marketing strategies and traditional marketing methods. The goal is to expand your e-commerce reach and attract more customers.
Interested in growing your e-commerce business? Schedule a quick consultation with us today and receive customized solutions tailored to your specific business objectives.
E-Commerce
Digital Marketing
Regardless of if you call it an online store, e-commerce website, or online retail business, this growing area of the digital industry can be a new startup, an extension of an existing business, or a well-established company offering products and services online. Regardless, promoting your e-commerce business can be challenging. To maximize your ROI, your e-commerce business needs to incorporate a mix of digital and traditional marketing strategies in your overall plan.
Digital Marketing for E-Commerce
In today’s competitive market, if your e-commerce business isn’t engaged in digital marketing, you risk falling behind. Digital marketing involves building a strong online presence, starting with your website. This presence extends to social media, blogs, email campaigns, multimedia content, and accurate directory listings. A robust online presence will positively impact your bottom line.
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E-Commerce Website Design
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Extremely Difficult
Regular Cost
$3,500+ (custom)
E-Commerce
Web Development
WHY WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT
of visitors hesitate to trust your business if your website is not high-quality.
of users are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience.
of users are more likely to make a purchase from a mobile-friendly website.
Your website is your digital business card.
Your e-commerce website is where potential customers first encounter your business and form their initial impressions. To stand out from the competition, it’s crucial to showcase your products, talented team, and the overall ambiance of your e-commerce business. Your website should be fully responsive, compatible with devices ranging from smartphones to laptops, effectively communicate your e-commerce brand, and make it easy for customers to contact your business for inquiries or purchases. Moreover, high-quality web hosting is essential for a seamless online experience.
Numerous digital marketing agencies exist, but it’s vital to entrust your online marketing to a firm with specialized expertise in e-commerce website design. Prospekt Digital has a deep understanding of unique conversion strategies tailored to the e-commerce industry. Your website should incorporate specific design elements – product galleries, product animations, e-commerce blogging, and persuasive calls to action – encouraging customers to transition from casual browsing to making a purchase.
Key components for an e-commerce website:
- Valuable Information
- Engaging Aesthetics
- Clear Brand Image
- Mobile Friendly
- Optimized For High-Conversions
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E-Commerce Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Extremely Difficult
Regular Cost
$1,000+/month
E-Commerce SEO
WHY SEO IS IMPORTANT
of all Google searchers click websites that are on the first page.
of online experiences begin with a search engine.
of website traffic comes directly from organic search.
The art of optimizing your online presence.
One of the primary goals of SEO for e-commerce businesses is to enhance your website’s relevance and authority in the eyes of search engines like Google. When a user types a query into a search engine, Google’s algorithm works to provide the most accurate and relevant results based on that query. By optimizing your website for relevant keywords and phrases, you increase your chances of ranking higher on the search engine results pages.
SEO for e-commerce businesses can involve various tactics, including keyword research, website optimization, content creation, link building, and more. These tactics help to ensure that your website contains the relevant information and keywords that search engines are looking for when they crawl your website.
Moreover, SEO for e-commerce businesses is an ongoing process. Google’s algorithm is continuously evolving, and your competitors are always working to improve their SEO strategies. Prospekt Digital is an experienced digital marketing agency that specializes in e-commerce SEO to stay ahead of the curve and keep your website optimized for the latest trends and best practices.
5 Key strategies to e-commerce SEO success:
- Content Building
- Link Generating
- Website Structure Organization
- Key-Word Research
- Website Optimization
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E-Commerce Local Search
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Difficult and Tedious
Regular Cost
$250+/month
Local Directory Listings For E-Commerce
WHY LOCAL SEARCH IS IMPORTANT
of Google users who perform a local search will visit a businesses within 5 miles of their location.
of all Google searches are seeking local information.
of local mobile searches result in a store visit within one day.
The digital compass which points to your website.
The vast quantity of online directories available for e-commerce businesses may surprise you. Many of these directories are auto-generated by bots that “scrape” data from sites and tend to be inaccurate. Verifying and maintaining consistent information across all of them can be a time-consuming task for you and your team. Nonetheless, if your e-commerce business listings contain inconsistent details, search engines may become perplexed, mistakenly identifying them as separate businesses.
Therefore, ensuring accurate NAP+ information – name, address, and phone + other essential information – on all your online directories is vital for ensuring both search engines and potential customers have the correct details.
This consistency throughout the web promotes trust, increases customer traffic to your e-commerce business, and plays a critical role in your SEO marketing strategy.
NAP+ information must be accurate and consistent:
- Business Name
- Business Address
- Business Phone
- Business Services
- Business Hours
- Business Photos
- Links To Website
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E-Commerce Social Media Marketing (SMM)
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Time-Consuming
Regular Cost
Free - $1,000+/month
E-Commerce Social Media Marketing
WHY SMM IS IMPORTANT
of users are directly influenced by a brand's social media.
of social media users use social media to research products.
of consumers who have had a positive experience with a brand on social media are likely to recommend the brand.
The virtual megaphone that amplifies your brand.
Social media has become an integral part of modern marketing strategies, and e-commerce businesses are no exception. With an active social media presence, you can build trust with potential customers and establish your brand as a reputable and reliable provider of products and services. Moreover, social media allows you to connect with customers on a more personal level, making it easier for them to engage with your business and become loyal customers.
One of the key aspects of a successful social media strategy is consistent posting. This means sharing regular updates, promotions, and educational content that resonates with your target audience. However, for many e-commerce businesses, managing social media profiles can be a time-consuming task that distracts from critical business operations.
If your staff is unable to keep up with social media management, it may be worth considering outsourcing to a reputable agency. By partnering with Prospekt Digital, you can offload the burden of daily posting and engagement, ensuring that your profiles remain active and engaging without requiring a significant investment of time and resources from your team.
Social Media Marketing requirements:
- Staying consistent
- Engage with potential and current clients
- Researching your target audience
- Developing and maintaining a clear brand image
- Frequent posting every week
- Attractive and informating content
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E-Commerce Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Extremely Difficult
Regular Cost
$1,000+/month
Google PPC Ads For E-Commerce
WHY GOOGLE PPC (SEM) IS IMPORTANT
of search engine users say finding relevant information is easier with paid ads.
of people click on Google Ads when they are looking to buy an item online.
of the clicks on a Google page are on the top 3 paid advertising spots.
The high-speed elevator to the top of search results.
Google’s PPC advertising enables e-commerce businesses to place their ads at the top of search engine results pages, increasing visibility and attracting more clicks from potential customers. With PPC, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, making it a cost-effective way to generate leads and attract new business.
However, running successful PPC campaigns requires experience, expertise, and an in-depth understanding of search engine marketing (SEM) principles. That’s where we make a positive impact. Prospekt Digital can help you create targeted, effective PPC campaigns that maximize your return on investment (ROI) and generate high-quality leads for your business.
Our strategy begins by conducting extensive research on your target audience, competition, and market trends. We will then use this information to craft ads that speak directly to your potential customers, highlighting your unique selling points and benefits. By targeting the right keywords and demographics, your PPC ads will be more likely to attract clicks from the people most interested in your products or services. Those who click your ads will be directed to high-conversion landing pages designed to maximize your ROI.
A high Ad Quality Score determines an ads visibility and cost:
- Ad and keyword relevance
- Landing page experience
- Expected click-through rate (CTR)
- Ad format
- Historical ad performance
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E-Commerce Facebook & Instagram Ads
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Extremely Difficult
Regular Cost
$1,000+/month
Facebook & Instagram Ads For E-Commerce
WHY META ADVERTISING IS IMPORTANT
of Facebook users visit the site daily, and 51% visit multiple times per day.
of Instagram users discover new products through the app.
of Instagram users have visited a website to make a purchase after seeing a product or service on the platform.
The virtual racecar that drives traffic to your website.
Facebook and Instagram advertising are two of the most effective ways for e-commerce businesses to reach their target audience and promote their products or services. With over 2 billion active users on Facebook and over 1 billion on Instagram, these platforms provide an unparalleled opportunity for businesses to connect with potential customers and generate high-quality leads.
Our process begins with a thorough analysis of your e-commerce business’s target audience and competition, allowing us to create ads that are highly targeted and engaging. We then use the latest tools and technology to create and manage ads that are designed to attract clicks and generate leads.
Our Facebook and Instagram ads for e-commerce businesses use visually appealing images, videos, and other multimedia content to showcase the benefits of the products or services. We also use targeted ad copy and messaging that speaks directly to potential customers, highlighting the unique selling points and benefits of your business.
Successful Facebook and Instagram ad requirements:
- Clear campaign objective
- Targeted audience
- Compelling ad copy and creative
- Relevant, high-quality landing page
- A/B testing and optimization
- Ad budget management
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E-Commerce TikTok Ads & User-Generated Content (UGC)
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Extremely Difficult
Regular Cost
$1,000+/month
TikTok Ads & UGC For E-Commerce
WHY TIKTOK ADS AND UGC IS IMPORTANT
of TikTok users have discovered a new product or service on the platform.
increase in ad recall and a 100% increase in click-through rate (CTR) when incorporating UGC into TikTok Ads.
of consumers say that UGC influences their purchasing decisions. 71% of consumers say that UGC makes them feel more connected to a brand.
The dynamic duo with a goal to boost your brand.
TikTok advertising for e-commerce businesses involves creating and promoting videos that showcase the unique products or services. These ads can be targeted to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, allowing e-commerce businesses to reach the people who are most likely to be interested in their offerings.
User-generated content (UGC) on TikTok involves encouraging customers and influencers to create and share their own videos promoting the e-commerce business’s products or services. This can include testimonials, unboxing videos, and other content that showcases the benefits of the products.
Both TikTok advertising and UGC can be highly effective for e-commerce businesses looking to reach a younger audience and increase brand awareness. Prospekt Digital helps e-commerce businesses leverage the power of this platform. They can showcase their unique products or services in a creative and engaging way, generating interest and attracting new customers.
Effective TikTok ad campaign requirements:
- Clear campaign objectives
- Engaging ad creatives
- Targeted audience
- Trend-focused
- Influencer partnerships
- Measurable goals
- Regular optimization
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Offline E-Commerce Advertising Methods
Acquiring New Clients
Minimally Effective
Doing It Yourself
Difficult & Expensive
Regular Cost
$300 - $50,000/month
Traditional E-Commerce Advertising Methods
MINIMUM COST:
- Transit Ads (Bus/Stops Interior or Exterior: $500+/month
- Local TV Ads: $500+ for 30 second ads
- Local Radio Ads: $2,000+ per month
- Billboard Ads: $1,000+ per month
- Local Newspaper Ads: $1,000+ for quarter page
- Direct Mail: $300+ for 1,000 post cards
Old-school methods that captivate audiences.
In today’s digital age, traditional marketing channels such as radio commercials, billboards, and direct mail are losing their effectiveness for e-commerce businesses. These methods of advertising target customers when they are not in the digital world, making it harder to reach the right audience. While these ads may reach some of the target audience, there is no guarantee that they will be effective, and the cost of production and placement can be high.
In contrast, paid digital ads allow e-commerce businesses to reach their target audience more effectively and at a lower cost. With paid search ads in a search engine marketing campaign, businesses only pay when users click on their ads, making it a cost-effective way to generate leads and attract new business. At Prospekt Digital, we believe in the power of digital marketing, and we offer a variety of digital marketing solutions to help e-commerce businesses grow their business.
While there is still a place for traditional advertising, it’s important to track their effectiveness and ROI to ensure that they are cost-effective. We have options for tracking the effectiveness of traditional media by directing specific media to specific landing pages or to certain distinct phone numbers. This can help e-commerce businesses determine the effectiveness of traditional advertising and make informed decisions about where to allocate their marketing budget.
Traditional marketing is on the decline.
Overall, traditional marketing is on the decline, and e-commerce businesses need to focus as much as possible on digital marketing options. At Prospekt Digital, we offer a range of digital marketing solutions, including paid search ads, social media advertising, and more, to help e-commerce businesses reach their target audience and grow their business. By leveraging the power of digital marketing, businesses can generate leads, increase brand awareness, and ultimately increase revenue.
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E-Commerce Email Marketing
Acquiring New Clients
Rarely Effective
Doing It Yourself
Fairly Easy
Regular Cost
Free - $1,500/month
Email Marketing For
E-Commerce
WHY EMAIL MARKETING IS IMPORTANT
of consumers say that marketing emails influence their purchase decisions.
Personalized campaigns that keep you top of mind.
Email marketing can be an effective way for e-commerce businesses to keep their current customers informed about new products and monthly specials. In addition, a well-planned email marketing campaign can also help generate new customers through referral programs. If you’re managing your email marketing in-house, it’s important to choose the right email marketing platform based on two factors: ease of use and price. The price of email marketing is usually based on the frequency of your emails and the size of your email list.
At Prospekt Digital, we typically recommend sending out one email per month to keep your current customers engaged and informed. This monthly email can include information about new products offered, special deals, and helpful tips. It’s also important to have a referral program in place that rewards current customers for referring new customers to your e-commerce business. This could include discounts, free shipping, or other incentives.
To effectively manage your email list, your staff needs to collect email addresses and maintain a comprehensive database. This can be accomplished through a connected form that directly links your website to your email marketing software. This allows you to easily track the success of your email campaigns and make any necessary adjustments to improve performance.
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E-Commerce Blogging
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Time-Consuming
Regular Cost
Free - $1,000+/month
Blogging For E-Commerce
WHY BLOGGING IS IMPORTANT
more website visitors for businesses that prioritze blogs than those who don't.
Inject a dose of personality and expertise into your website.
Creating regular blog posts on your e-commerce website can be a game-changer for your business. Blogging can drive traffic to your website, attract potential customers, and provide valuable content to share on your social media pages and through email marketing. It’s also an essential part of SEO, as search engines view blogs as fresh content and reward websites that regularly post new content.
Blogs are an effective way to engage both existing and potential customers by providing valuable information on specific products offered by your e-commerce business. The most important aspect of creating blog posts is consistency. Posting a new blog at least once each month ensures that your website remains current and up-to-date. Each blog should focus on a single product, providing detailed information and helpful tips that are relevant to your target audience.
Writing high-quality content on a regular basis can be challenging for e-commerce businesses. This is why many businesses choose to outsource their blogging duties to a digital agency or a freelance writer. By doing so, businesses can ensure that their blog posts are fresh, relevant, and of high quality. In-house staff can still contribute to the blog, but outsourcing the majority of the work ensures that the task of creating new blog posts each month is not overwhelming.
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E-Commerce Business Partnerships
Acquiring New Clients
Fairly Effective
Doing It Yourself
Easy
Regular Cost
Free
E-Commerce
Business Partnerships
WHY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT
increase in revenue growth for businesses that have successful partnerships.
Two is better than one. Join forces to elevate your brands.
Creating regular blog posts on your e-commerce website can be a game-changer for your business. Blogging can drive traffic to your website, attract potential customers, and provide valuable content to share on your social media pages and through email marketing. It’s also an essential part of SEO, as search engines view blogs as fresh content and reward websites that regularly post new content.
Blogs are an effective way to engage both existing and potential customers by providing valuable information on specific products offered by your e-commerce business. The most important aspect of creating blog posts is consistency. Posting a new blog at least once each month ensures that your website remains current and up-to-date. Each blog should focus on a single product, providing detailed information and helpful tips that are relevant to your target audience.
Writing high-quality content on a regular basis can be challenging for e-commerce businesses. This is why many businesses choose to outsource their blogging duties to a digital agency or a freelance writer. By doing so, businesses can ensure that their blog posts are fresh, relevant, and of high quality. In-house staff can still contribute to the blog, but outsourcing the majority of the work ensures that the task of creating new blog posts each month is not overwhelming.
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E-Commerce Referral Strategies
Acquiring New Clients
Very Effective
Doing It Yourself
Difficult
Regular Cost
Free
E-Commerce
Referral Strategies
WHY REFERRAL STRATEGIES ARE IMPORTANT
of new business comes from referrals. Referred customers are 18% more likely to stay with a business long-term.
Incentivize loyal customers to become brand ambassadors.
Referred customers are one of the most valuable assets for any e-commerce business as they have already heard positive feedback about the business from someone they trust. Encouraging referrals through a well-defined program can be an effective way to increase business and retain loyal customers. By offering a referral program, your current customers are incentivized to refer their friends and family to your e-commerce business in exchange for something of value, such as a discount or free product.
To ensure that your referral program is successful, it is essential to make it easy to implement and have a clear process in place for both customers and staff. Incentivizing your staff to generate referrals can also be an excellent way to leverage their connections and relationships with customers. This approach empowers your staff to be brand ambassadors and provides them with a financial incentive to refer their friends and family to your business.
A well-executed referral program can help spread the word about your e-commerce business and increase customer loyalty. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the referral program must be easy to understand, implement, and communicate to your customers. By creating a seamless and straightforward referral program, you can help ensure that your customers will continue to refer their friends and family to your e-commerce business.
More connections with less time and effort.
Learn how Digital Marketing helps your e-commerce business connect with more current and prospective clients and keep them engaged with your brand. It's easier and more affordable than ever!