{"id":4499,"date":"2014-09-16T15:58:07","date_gmt":"2014-09-16T14:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.repricerexpress.com\/?p=4499"},"modified":"2019-09-24T13:51:17","modified_gmt":"2019-09-24T12:51:17","slug":"ecommerce-and-offline-selling-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.repricerexpress.com\/ecommerce-and-offline-selling-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecommerce and Offline Selling Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re used to plenty of articles helping online merchants take lessons and tips from their brick-and-mortar brethren. Real-life stores have been around for thousands of years, so it only makes sense they have plenty to teach. But in a sort of new twist, we\u2019ve noticed the opposite<\/em> trend taking place. Brick-and-mortar stores are now taking some of their lessons from us, showing that it\u2019s not about the chicken or the egg coming first, but simply using the best ideas available. Here are some ecommerce and offline selling tips for us all to use and share.<\/h4>\n

The Power of Storytelling<\/h2>\n

One of the oldest traditions known to humanity is that of storytelling, which has existed for thousands of years. We needed a way to pass down lessons and experiences, and storytelling was the dominant way of doing so.<\/p>\n

What online merchants \u2014 good online merchants \u2014 have learned is when they integrate storytelling into their website, traffic goes up. A really good site doesn\u2019t just slap all its information on the landing page, but rather spreads it out in a linear narrative. Think of websites devoted to new movies and how visitors dive right into the cinematic experience. Film studios are helping immersing future movie watchers before they even reach the theatre<\/p>\n

And how have brick-and-mortar stores been copying this technique?<\/strong><\/p>\n

They\u2019ve been setting up their stores in much the same way, arranging items so a story is being told. No matter what the theme of the brick-and-mortar store is, whether it\u2019s a clothing retailer or electronics store, the truly successful merchants position their merchandise strategically. This can be as simple as outfitting a group of mannequins so it looks like they\u2019re taking part in an activity (think Old Navy) or as elaborate as department stores setting up holiday tableaus at Christmas time.<\/p>\n

Using Social Media to Further the Cause<\/h2>\n

Online stores and social media go together like lamb and tuna fish<\/a> (bonus points if you recognise the reference), which is not something we\u2019re disputing. But because online stores got their start in the digital world, they almost had no choice but<\/em> to hop on the social media bandwagon.<\/p>\n

Offline stores, on the other hand \u2014 well, reluctant would be quite a generous term to describe their reticence in using social media. Not every store has lagged behind when it comes to posting and tweeting, but we just haven\u2019t seen the same overwhelming response there. The big stores have jumped onboard, of course, but we\u2019re more concerned with the smaller merchants. Take a walk in your neighbourhood one day and write down all the stores you see in a 5-block span. When you get home, look them up online for how actively engaged they are online.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re not exactly sure why not, but stores are a bit behind the 8-ball. Most small businesses will have at least their own website or Facebook, but not always both. This may sound a little dispiriting, but just compare to what the landscape looked like 10 years ago and stores\u2019 websites were the exception, not the rule. In that context, they\u2019ve learned quite an important lesson from us.<\/p>\n

Customer Reviews are Still King<\/h2>\n

One of the strongest tipping points on sites like Amazon and eBay are what the previous customers have written. This tells potential buyers what to invest in or what to stay away from, as shopping online doesn\u2019t give buyers a chance to roll the product in their hands and test the quality for themselves.<\/p>\n

Brick-and-mortar stores have adopted this technique in a number of ways:<\/p>\n