The Rise of Ecommerce: How to Transform Your Business in the Digital Age
I remember that when I was little, in the afternoons I would go to the local shop to buy a sandwich, the shopkeeper would break the bread for me, put oil on it and fill it with sausage. I remember that first bite with nostalgia. Anyone who thinks Bad Bunny is a good singer doesn’t know what I’m talking about. Ecommerce was still far away then, but today nostalgia doesn’t pay the bills.
Traditional stores are slowly disappearing and only the big brands in shopping centres remain, and even they suffer the force of electronic commerce or Ecommerce in English.
Who hasn’t heard a young person say: I’m going to the shop to try on what I want and then I’ll buy it online for less.
Ecommerce has developed a lot and is here to stay, it’s not worth fighting against it. Do as the big brands do, they sell in their stores but also on the internet.
As Emilio Duró says in this famous video,
But I repeat, nostalgia doesn’t pay the bills, the e-commerce of many businesses pays them. The world has always revolved around sales, sales of goods and sales of services basically.
Traditional commerce was about setting up a shop and selling, setting up a factory and selling or setting up a shopping centre and selling.
Traditional commerce still exists, and will continue to exist because we are people, but e-commerce has made a place for itself and is growing by leaps and bounds.
I see e-commerce as an extension of the business and a virtual world where you can get many more customers.
Introduction: What is ecommerce and why is it important?
Electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce, has become a fundamental part of the modern business landscape.
This type of business involves the purchase and sale of products or services over the internet, using digital platforms and online payment systems.
The importance of e-commerce lies in several key factors:
- First, it offers businesses the opportunity to expand their reach beyond traditional geographic limitations, allowing them to reach customers worldwide.
- Furthermore, virtual stores operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, significantly increasing sales opportunities. For consumers, e-commerce provides unprecedented convenience and accessibility.
- They can compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases from the comfort of their homes or mobile devices.
This ease has transformed consumer habits and customer expectations in the digital age.
But not everything is easy in this digital world.
Competition is fierce and we must stand out to capture the attention of customers.
In addition, trust and security are essential for the success of e-commerce.
Key elements to establishing a successful online store
In addition to these fundamental elements, it is crucial to implement an effective digital marketing strategy.
This includes search engine optimization (SEO) to improve the visibility of the online store, as well as the use of social media to increase reach and interaction with potential customers.
It is also important to establish clear shipping and return policies, which builds trust with buyers.
Integrating an efficient customer service system, such as a live chat or help center, can significantly improve customer satisfaction.
Data security is another crucial aspect. Implementing robust protection measures to safeguard customers’ personal and financial information is essential to building a solid reputation and complying with relevant regulations.
There are a number of platforms like Shopify that already do the SEO for you and you just have to upload your products.
Choosing a good SEO and digital marketing company is essential for the success of your ecommerce.
Digital marketing strategies to boost online sales
In addition to the above, it is important to consider optimizing the user experience on the website.
This includes improving loading speed, designing an intuitive interface, and ensuring mobile compatibility.
Another effective strategy is implementing a customer loyalty program. This can include exclusive offers, redeemable points, or early access to new products.
Likewise, personalizing content and recommendations based on user behavior can significantly increase conversion rates.
Influencer marketing can also be a powerful tool to differentiate yourself by offering unique products, building a strong brand, and implementing effective digital marketing strategies.
In addition, constant market analysis should be performed and quickly adapt to emerging trends.
Collaborating with relevant influencers in the market niche can expand reach and attract new customers.
Future trends in e-commerce
Ecommerce is evolving rapidly, incorporating innovative technologies that transform the consumer experience.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing personalization and customer service, offering accurate recommendations and efficient chatbots.
Augmented reality allows customers to visualize products in their real environment before purchasing, improving confidence in purchasing decisions.
Mobile ecommerce continues to rise, with mobile-optimized apps and websites facilitating purchases anytime, anywhere.
Voice commerce is gaining ground, allowing consumers to place orders using voice commands through virtual assistants.
Sustainability has become a crucial factor, with consumers demanding greener business practices and environmentally friendly products.
Ecommerce companies are adopting recyclable packaging, more efficient supply chains, and more sustainable delivery options to meet this growing demand.
Don't forget the legal aspect of your Ecommerce
General conditions of Ecommerce
Selling to companies with e-commerce
If your company only sells to other companies, it will be enough for these clauses pre-established by you to be accessible and can be stored and reproduced by your clients.
That is, it will be enough for there to be evidence that your client has been able to access them (even if he has not done so).
For example, inserting a button next to the order form that says “See general conditions”, so that the client, by clicking on it, can view them.
The law requires you to send a confirmation to your client when receiving the order through your website.
Use this confirmation to insert a link to the general conditions applicable to the sale.
Selling to individuals with e-commerce
However, it is very likely that on your website you do not only make sales to companies, but also to individuals (that is, to natural or legal persons who act in a field outside of a business or professional activity).
In this case, the law protects the consumer and requires him to provide a minimum of more comprehensive information before concluding the sale: his identification data, the total price of his products and services, the payment and delivery procedures, the existence or not of a right of withdrawal…
Privacy Policy for your Ecommerce
Now that you have decided to sell online, your customers will start to provide personal data through your website.
See how to establish an effective privacy policy that complies with current legislation.
Information
Companies that offer their products and services online must include information on their websites about the relationships they establish with their customers.
Therefore, obtaining and processing the personal data that users enter on the website (for example, when filling out a purchase form) is especially important.
In relation to said data, you must incorporate your privacy policy into your e-commerce website, that is, the measures that you will apply to guarantee the security and correct use of customer data.
This policy must include the following points:
- Data. Firstly, what type of data will be stored; for example, identification data (name, surname, NIF…), billing data (e-mail or postal address, account or card number…), connection data (IP from which the customer connects), professional data, etc.
- Security measures. A generic statement indicating that the necessary security measures have been adopted to prevent incorrect use of the data.
- File. The name of the person responsible for the file – the company requesting the data – and the Data Protection Officer (if such a figure exists in the company), as well as how to contact them.
- Purpose. Specify the purpose of the data that is collected. For example, to sell a product you will need the name, NIF and contact details of the customer to deliver the merchandise. If you also intend to create a customer profile to offer other products that may be of interest to them or a loyalty and discount program, indicate this as well.
- Rights . Finally, inform your customers that they have the right to access, modify or cancel their own data. These are the so-called ARCO-POL rights, and you must specify how your customers can contact you to exercise them (telephone, email, post…).
ARCO-POL rights
This acronym summarises the rights of access, rectification, deletion and opposition to data processing, as well as the right to portability – that is, the possibility of requesting that data be transferred to whomever you wish – the right to be forgotten (that is, to prevent its dissemination) and limitation (so that it is not processed in the future).
Once exercised, the data controller must respond within a relatively short period of time, ranging from ten days to one month, depending on the case.
In the web forms in which you collect personal data from your e-commerce, include a box confirming that the user has read and understood the privacy policy, so that the form cannot be sent if this box has not been clicked.
If you are going to pass on this data to other people – for example, to the transport company that will deliver the product – you must inform them of this.
You must also indicate the period of retention of the transmitted data.
Inform your customers of the type of data you will collect, for what purpose and how you will store it, as well as their right to access, modify or delete it.
If you will collect personal data, obtain their consent and include a privacy policy.
The importance of security in online transactions
Security in online transactions is essential in e-commerce.
We are in a digital age in which online shopping is becoming more frequent and we need to ensure the protection of our personal and financial data.
Don’t worry! There are efficient security measures that allow us to enjoy a worry-free online shopping experience.
Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds and encryption and authentication systems are becoming more sophisticated.
In addition, companies are striving to implement robust security protocols to protect their customers.
So don’t hesitate to take advantage of all the benefits of e-commerce, with the confidence that your transactions will be secure.
Buy with peace of mind and enjoy the convenience that the digital world offers!
Common challenges in e-commerce and how to overcome them
When it comes to online security, it is essential to invest in robust encryption systems and SSL certificates to protect customer data.
Additionally, it is recommended to use reliable payment gateways and conduct regular security audits.
When it comes to logistics and shipping, it is crucial to establish strategic alliances with reliable transport companies and optimize inventory management.
Implementing a real-time tracking system can be considered to keep customers informed about the status of their orders.
To improve customer service, it is important to offer multiple communication channels, such as live chat, email, and telephone.
Additionally, staff should be trained to provide efficient and empathetic service, and consider implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Regarding returns, it is necessary to establish a clear and flexible policy that builds trust with buyers.
Offering free returns or implementing an easy exchange system can be considered to increase customer satisfaction.
Don't forget the Digital Kit
The government is giving a grant to develop your digital business called Kit Digital for self-employed and companies that want to develop their business digitally and even buy a computer.
You will have to choose a digitalizing agent and have a digital certificate to apply for the grant.
Some calls are still open until December 31, 2024.
