The Ecommerce Consumer

A Home Business Article Contributed by Barbara Gibson

Ecommerce Consumers

Ecommerce seems a welcome addition to the harried consumer's world. In these times of constant rush and hurry we are ever searching for new ways to maximize our days. As more and more consumers become comfortable with the idea of purchasing goods via the Internet, we can expect continuing ecommerce growth. This is a very exciting time for ecommerce merchants who are benefiting from a broad push to the web.

When any merchant advertises safety features, every merchant benefits because consumers are encouraged to embrace new ways of doing business. As ecommerce becomes more a part of our collective consciousness, opportunities abound. Once the initial obstacles, have been crossed (e.g. consumer comfort with giving credit information online and merchant trust/relationship building), the e-merchant must take the ball and run.

Consumers are looking to pair the advantages they already enjoy, such as time and convenience, with other advantages such as price, selection and customer service. Finally, just as traditional consumers appreciate stores that are clean and well organized, e-consumers appreciate "stores" that are well organized and easily navigable. You will run farthest with your ecommerce ball if you are responsive to consumer needs.

Ecommerce Service

Ecommerce consumers respond well to prompt service, extensive selection and customer friendly policies. When ecommerce consumers are displeased, choosing another merchant involves little more than the click of a mouse. Not nearly as involved as leaving a store, getting into your car, and driving through traffic to another merchant. As you can see, the advantage of ecommerce can also be a disadvantage.

Logging onto a site involves minimal effort, and can be accomplished at the convenience of the individual consumer. Logging out is just as easy. That's why it is critical for ecommerce merchants to understand what drives customer satisfaction. Using business plans, surveys and other customer feedback, ecommerce merchants must stay abreast of trends and demands to be successful.

Ecommerce Success

Obviously, you cannot be successful if you cannot generate traffic to your ecommerce site. Before you launch your ecommerce site, you should develop an ecommerce business plan. In addition to information about your skills, experience, target market and proposed service or product, the plan should include your marketing strategy. Most of us have never had to develop a marketing strategy before. One of the best things you can do to support your ecommerce venture is ask for help.

Ecommerce is a complex proposition. You will build knowledge to navigate these complexities only by experience and guidance. Assemble a resource team that you can trust.

There are other ways to generate traffic. You can use strategies that supplement your business plan. Those ideas that come immediately to mind include, help from search engines and link exchanges. If you are unable to utilize these strategies, all is not lost. Can you barter for free advertisement? Can you purchase email lists for ecommerce site advertisement? What about keywords? Do not overlook the pool that you have already captured.

Current customers will appreciate incentives planned to generate repeat business. Not only do promotions help consumers to feel valued, they also build consumer loyalty and build the bottom line for your ecommerce venture.