eCommerce News and Advice | ASBN Small Business Network https://www.asbn.com/scale-your-business/ecommerce/ Your #1 Resource for Small Business News, Trends, and Analysis Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:52:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 Square predicts automation, commerce innovation to drive business growth in 2024 https://www.asbn.com/small-business/small-business-news/square-predicts-automation-commerce-innovation-to-drive-business-growth-in-2024/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:41:20 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=70302 Businesses today face numerous challenges, such as increased competition, staffing issues, and rapidly evolving technology. However, businesses across the world are driving a paradigm shift in the commerce landscape through innovation, adaptability, and creativity. Square’s annual Future of Commerce report provides insights into how businesses and customers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia will shape the global commerce landscape in 2024.

With 43% of customers feeling less optimistic about their finances due to inflation and rising costs, businesses need to prioritize value and efficiency to stay competitive. Meanwhile, 80% of customers are open to trying new offerings from companies known for something else, and 86% express interest in participating in exclusive perks, activities, or events. Throughout the year, businesses are expected to adopt technology and prioritize those leveraging AI or automation for enhanced seamless customer experiences.

Automation is highly regarded by both retail and restaurant owners, with 100% attesting to its positive impact on their businesses. Forty-five percent of retailers witness improved employee retention and increased profits, while 67% of restaurant owners credit automation for direct customer benefits in experience and communication. Moreover, customers are on board with automation, with 76% in restaurants and 67% in retail preferring it over live staff for specific tasks like reservations or inventory checks.

Furthermore, to remain competitive in the dynamic commerce landscape, businesses are adopting multihyphenate tactics like diversifying revenue streams and introducing non-core offerings. A notable 77% of restaurants aim to expand by adding offerings such as meal kits, subscriptions, events, or merchandise. Similarly, 99% of retailers plan to invest in additional revenue streams, focusing on in-store events or advertising offerings to stay up-to-date with industry trends.

In 2024, restaurant growth will emerge as an influential global industry driver, with 100% of surveyed owners across all restaurant types planning expansion. To fuel this growth and remain competitive, restaurateurs will align with customer preferences, incorporate environmentally sustainable practices, and leverage data-driven loyalty programs to understand customer needs and preferences better.

Retail owners also proactively plan to enhance their strategies in the ever-evolving marketplace. In the upcoming year, they will emphasize strengthening customer relationships and offering unique experiences to stay competitive. Notably, 56% are shifting their attention to refining marketing tactics for Gen Z, reflecting a significant increase from the 43% who targeted this demographic in 2022.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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Venmo teases new upgrades to business profiles https://www.asbn.com/small-business/small-business-news/venmo-launches-new-upgrades-to-business-profiles/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:45:13 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=70089 Venmo has introduced new features to enhance its business profiles, making it easier for small businesses to connect with their customers and expand their reach in the digital marketplace.

This is a crucial step for small businesses to differentiate themselves and build a loyal customer base. In today’s world, social media presence, word-of-mouth, and online reviews are the backbone of small business marketing. Venmo’s innovative tools help businesses attract new customers, overcome social media marketing challenges, and deal with negative reviews. 

How it will help small businesses:

  • Venmo allows firms to discover and connect with local customers through a subscription-based system. 
  • Customers can receive notifications about cashback deals in their vicinity. 
  • Businesses benefit from enhanced visibility through in-app carousels while creating promotions for their customers at a cost-effective rate. 
  • Venmo’s profile ranking badges enable businesses to stand out and build credibility. 
  • Business users gain access to weekly insights, tracking revenue trends and their businesses’ unique views across the platform. 

The new profile experience is currently being piloted in Seattle and is expected to be launched across the U.S. in the coming months. This marks a significant milestone in the digital empowerment of small businesses. Venmo’s latest innovation provides a much-needed platform for small businesses to flourish and meaningfully connect with their customer base.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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Paypal launching new AI-powered e-commerce innovations https://www.asbn.com/articles/paypal-launching-new-ai-powered-e-commerce-innovations/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:28:49 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=70028 Paypal is testing a series of new, artificial intelligence-powered innovations with the goal of implementing features that will drive more traffic to e-commerce businesses.

The first feature, titled CashPass, delivers tailored cash-back offers to customers based on their shopping history, alongside a streamlined purchase process for users who click on a promotion. The second feature, called Smart Receipts, displays individualized product suggestions in a customer’s order confirmation email, giving them the chance to consider other purchases from the same brand. Paypal plans to launch Cashpass in March but has yet to set a timeline for Smart Receipts.

Other new features include a streamlined checkout system that allows users to login to their Paypal account using their smart device’s thumbprint or face recognition capabilities, as opposed to manually entering password information for every purchase. The company plans to leverage artificial intelligence to refine the payment process further.

To make things even more convenient for shoppers, e-commerce businesses will soon be able to offer a one-click pay option by using the Fastlane by PayPal feature, which uses data to confirm a person’s identity rather than relying on credentials. This tool is currently being piloted by a select group of sellers.

Paypal is also implementing an Advanced Offers Platform that it says will help e-commerce businesses pursue leads more efficiently and with higher success rates. Rather than leveraging browsing data, the new feature instead uses artificial intelligence to comb through global transaction records and build accurate shopper profiles. This gives merchants the ability to push personalized offers and product recommendations to customers who are far more likely to buy from their brand than the average internet user. Unlike other advertising systems, the Advanced Offers Platform only requires payment when a lead is successfully converted rather than on a per-click basis.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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eBay rolls out new AI-powered social caption generator for sellers https://www.asbn.com/articles/ebay-rolls-out-new-ai-powered-social-caption-generator-for-sellers/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 18:06:26 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=69635 eBay has launched an innovative tool that uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify social media sharing for its merchants. With this new feature, sellers can easily create social media posts to promote their listings, making them more accessible and efficient.

Sellers today heavily rely on social media platforms to market their goods. However, crafting captivating content can be a daunting task. EBay has introduced a new AI-powered service that generates interesting social media captions with just one click to address the issue. Sellers will see the “Use AI Caption” button next to the text entry box when adding a social media caption when they visit the Seller Hub Social page (under the Marketing tab) and begin generating a social post. 

The generative AI uses emojis and hashtags to create a message about the advertised content. In addition to manually customizing to incorporate any, all, or none of those added elements, the seller can instruct the AI to rewrite captions. 

This feature is entirely functional in the US, UK, Germany, and Australia, which enables sellers to share specific listings, categories, promotions, and stores. 

Another improvement is on the way: auto-posting. Once a listing is published, sellers can have it immediately posted to social media without any further action required.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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Tips to revolutionize your business’s approach to ecommerce – Sharon Gai | Culture Fluid https://www.asbn.com/small-business-shows/atlanta-small-business-show/tips-to-revolutionize-your-businesss-approach-to-ecommerce-sharon-gai-culture-fluid/ Tue, 26 Dec 2023 11:00:12 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=66448

E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, we’re joined by Sharon Gai, founder of Culture Fluid, author, keynote speaker, and former Head of Global Key Accounts at Alibaba. Sharon’s book, “Ecommerce Reimagined: Retail and Ecommerce in China,” guides the Chinese ecommerce markets for business people and scholars.

China boasts the world’s largest ecommerce adoption rate, with a $5.6 trillion retail sector. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, brands are investing more in growing online sales. Ecommerce Reimagined: Retail and Ecommerce in China, written from the heart of the largest ecommerce platform in the world, aims to provide context for students and academics interested in learning how ecommerce has shaped the Chinese retail space, as well as meet the growing needs of entrepreneurs and businesses hoping to tap into China’s ever-evolving market.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gai’s dual upbringing as a Chinese native and Canadian-raised led her to write her book about the unique Chinese tech ecosystem. 

2. Ecommerce Reimagined discusses the idea that the majority of American firms have gone digital, as well as the omnichannel marketing tactics used by companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Google and how they approach branding and customers. 

3. The ecommerce sector has a deliberately designed structure for the “crossover” apps like Temu, TikTok Shop, and Shein

4. Gai claims that her research on “duel firewalls” served as inspiration for her work: The real firewall is the first; the language and cultural divide is the second.

5. The book’s easily comprehensible language makes it useful for American business owners looking to implement improved ecommerce methods. 

6. The key factors in selecting an ecommerce platform are following the traffic of your targeted audience and experimenting with the branding you already have. 

7. Gai advises entrepreneurs to look at the current trends occurring in real-time and accommodate their strategies to meet the consumers where they’re at.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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How to come up with unique product ideas for your small business https://www.asbn.com/scale-your-business/ecommerce/how-to-come-up-with-unique-product-ideas-for-your-small-business/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:00:17 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=64941 One of the toughest jobs while starting your business is figuring out a unique product to set yourself apart from the competition. The product should be unique yet appealing, solving your target audience’s problem. 

If you are selling a popular and widely available product, keep in mind that its demand would be high. But with high demand comes a competitive market with more established companies.

For this reason, you should come up with original and unique products that no other company provides. Creativity and innovation are the keys to generating unique product ideas that separate small businesses from their competition.

This article delves into some unique and creative ideas for your small business. Read this article to learn how to develop new product ideas for your small business and attract an audience with your innovation. 

Ways to Come Up with Unique Product Ideas for Your Small Business 

First, you need to discover how to foster creativity and innovation for unique product ideas as a small business owner or entrepreneur. Get practical tips for understanding customer needs and growing market trends here.

Stand out from competitors by thinking outside the box. Find inspiration from examples of small businesses with unique products, and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit to develop innovative offerings. 

These tips will help you to stand out from the typical market and appeal to your audience. Furthermore, here are some steps that help individuals to find a unique product for their small business.

Look for Your Customer’s Need

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

The foundation of all successful product ideas is understanding the needs and wants of your target audience.

Therefore, conduct thorough market research, gather customer feedback, and identify the pain points that could be solved with your product. Understand your customer’s preferences and create solutions that resonate with them. 

Observe the Market Trends 

Every small business owner needs to monitor market trends to stay relevant and innovative. Keep yourself informed about industry development, new technologies, and changing consumer preferences. 

Creating a product that aligns with the market trends can help your business be a dynamic player in the current market. 

Encourage Creativity Among Your Team

Innovation thrives in an environment that fosters creativity. Encourage your team to share their ideas and collaborate in brainstorming sessions. 

Understand the value of diverse perspectives and create a culture where everyone feels comfortable contributing their unique insights.

Listen to Customer Feedback

Your customers are an invaluable source of inspiration. Actively listen to their feedback and take note of their suggestions. Feedback can provide ideas for new features, product improvements, or new product lines catering to unmet needs.

Conduct Idea Generation Sessions

Set aside dedicated time for idea-generation sessions within your team. Create an atmosphere that encourages open discussions and welcomes unconventional ideas. 

Use creativity-enhancing techniques like mind mapping, role-playing, or scenario-based creativity to spark innovation.

Observe Your Competitors

While being unique is essential, analyzing your competitors can provide valuable insights. Identify gaps in the market that your competitors might have overlooked. 

Look for opportunities to improve existing products or create complementary offerings that set your business apart.

Explore Niche Markets

Identify niche markets or underserved customer segments that align with your business’s strengths. Catering to a niche market can help you establish a loyal customer base and differentiate your products from mass-market offerings.

Partner with Other Businesses

Collaborating with other businesses can lead to exciting product ideas. Explore partnerships with complementary companies or local artisans to create unique and exclusive products that appeal to a broader customer base.

Consider Sustainability and Social Impact

Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental and social issues. Consider developing products that align with sustainability principles or support a social cause. 

This commitment to responsible business practices can enhance your brand reputation and attract like-minded customers.

Final Thoughts 

Small businesses should nurture creativity and innovation if they are to come up with original product concepts that distinguish them from rivals. By understanding customer needs and leveraging market trends, entrepreneurs can unlock their potential for growth and success.

Small business owners can unleash their entrepreneurial spirit, find novel ideas that fascinate customers, and advance their companies by fusing practical techniques with creative thinking.

We hope this article will provide some ways and techniques to develop new product ideas for your business.

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4 eCommerce fraud prevention strategies SMB owners should consider https://www.asbn.com/scale-your-business/ecommerce/4-ecommerce-fraud-prevention-strategies-smb-owners-should-consider/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:31 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=65273 In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, where online transactions have become the norm, the safety and security of businesses and their customers have taken center stage. For small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners, safeguarding against eCommerce fraud is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. 

This article aims to delve into four potent eCommerce fraud prevention strategies that can empower SMB owners to protect their ventures and customers from cyber threats and crime. By exploring practical tips and cutting-edge techniques, we will guide you through the process of fortifying your eCommerce security and preserving your business’s reputation and financial interest.

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a formidable fortress against unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions in cybersecurity. This robust security measure mandates users to present two or more authentication factors before gaining entry to their accounts or executing transactions. The profound impact of MFA on the security of customer accounts cannot be overstated.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), implementing MFA entails harnessing advanced methods, including:

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Elevating security by demanding customers to supply two distinct forms of authentication. This usually encompasses something they know (such as a password) and something they possess (like a unique code dispatched to their mobile device or email).
  • Biometric Authentication: Pioneering security by leveraging unique biological traits such as fingerprints, voices, retinas, and facial features to verify the customer’s identity beyond doubt.

2. Address Verification Service (AVS)

In the realm of fraud prevention, the Address Verification Service (AVS) emerges as a vigilant sentinel. This tool serves as a robust defense by scrutinizing the customer’s provided billing address in comparison to the address recorded with the credit card issuer. In doing so, AVS plays a pivotal role in substantiating transaction legitimacy and curtailing the looming threat of fraud.

For proactive small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners, implementing AVS entails executing the following strategies:

  • Soliciting Billing Address: Seamlessly integrated within the checkout process, customers are prompted to provide their billing address. This crucial information is then meticulously cross-referenced with the particulars maintained by the credit card issuer.
  • Flagging Discrepancies: Should any disparities arise between the provided address and the authoritative records held by the credit card issuer, the transaction is poised to be earmarked for meticulous manual assessment or, if necessary, outright declination.

AVS is an invaluable asset in the battle against fraudulent transactions, particularly those orchestrated through purloined credit card data.

3. Regular Security Audits and Updates

SMB owners must prioritize the security of their eCommerce platforms by conducting regular security audits and staying up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Vulnerabilities in software can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access or compromise customer data.

Key steps for conducting security audits and updates include:

  • Regular Scans and Vulnerability Assessments: Employ automated tools to scan your website for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Regularly assess and address any vulnerabilities that are identified.
  • Software Updates: Keep your eCommerce platform, plugins, and extensions up-to-date. Developers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.
  • Secure Payment Gateways: Ensure that your payment gateway is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant. This standard sets forth security requirements for handling payment card data.

4. Machine Learning and AI-Based Fraud Detection

Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have revolutionized fraud detection by enabling systems to recognize patterns and anomalies that humans might miss. Implementing ML and AI-based fraud detection systems can help SMBs proactively identify and prevent fraudulent activities.

Steps for implementing ML and AI-based fraud detection include:
  • Data Collection: Gather data on past transactions, including legitimate and fraudulent ones, to create a comprehensive dataset for training the system.
  • Model Training: Train the ML model using the dataset to identify patterns associated with fraudulent transactions.
  • Real-Time Analysis: Implement the trained model to analyze incoming transactions in real-time. The system can flag transactions that exhibit suspicious patterns for manual review.
  • Continuous Improvement: ML models can adapt and improve over time as they encounter new data. Regularly update and retrain the model to stay ahead of evolving fraud techniques.

By harnessing the power of ML and AI, SMBs can enhance their fraud prevention efforts and reduce the risk of financial losses.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of eCommerce, SMB owners must prioritize fraud prevention to protect their businesses and customers. Implementing a multi-faceted approach, including multi-factor authentication, address verification systems, security audits, and AI-based fraud detection, can significantly bolster a business’s defenses against fraudulent activities. By staying vigilant and proactive, SMBs can create a secure and trustworthy online shopping environment that fosters customer loyalty and business growth.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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eCommerce photos: the key to maintaining brand consistency across channels https://www.asbn.com/scale-your-business/ecommerce/ecommerce-photos-the-key-to-maintaining-brand-consistency-across-channels/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:45:20 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=67637 Consumers engage with a brand across various touchpoints, from websites to social media platforms and online marketplaces. This underscores the critical importance of maintaining consistent branding across diverse platforms.

Brand consistency is influenced by various factors including:

  • Color schemes
  • Font and text styles
  • Product photos- their background, lighting, and composition
  • Brand messaging
  • Uniformity across product lines, and more

However, it’s the product photos that often take center stage because images significantly influence how a brand is perceived. In this regard, high-quality eCommerce product photo editing plays a pivotal role in making sure that the product images are consistent across channels.

Inconsistency in brand presentation on different channels can result in the loss of interest among customers. You cannot afford to lose a potential customer simply because your branding wasn’t consistent across different sales channels. In this blog, we will delve into the strategies and techniques essential for maintaining brand consistency through eCommerce image editing. 

Maintain brand consistency through eCommerce photo editing: Tried and tested tips

1. Use a color palette

Strategic use of colors can significantly boost brand recognition. By consistently incorporating your brand’s distinct colors in product photos across all eCommerce channels, you can create a visual signature for your brand. This enhances recall among customers, making it easier for them to identify and associate your products with your brand. Here’s how you can do this.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

  • Begin by referring to your brand’s official color palette or style guide. 
  • Apply the standardized color palette onto the product photos consistently across all eCommerce channels, including your website, social media, and any other platforms where your products are featured. This ensures a cohesive and recognizable look for your brand.
  • Utilize color correction tools in photo editing software to ensure that product images accurately represent the true colors of the products. Adjust the color balance, saturation, and vibrancy to align with your brand identity.

2. Replace/remove/alter the background for a professional eCommerce look

This may involve using neutral backgrounds, specific textures, or even brand colors as background elements. A transparent background helps in placing singular emphasis on the product itself, eliminating distractions and enhancing the overall visual impact. This strategy not only contributes to a clear and uncluttered appearance but also allows the product to take center stage, capturing the attention of potential customers.

Beyond the visual benefits, background elimination serves a practical purpose by minimizing small imperfections like the presence of stray hair or threads. Once the background is removed, these minor flaws become negligible, resulting in a polished and flawless presentation.

Background elimination provides a flexible way to integrate product images into the overall visual identity of an eCommerce platform. You can choose to make the background transparent or replace it with a solid color that matches the store’s design. This creates a pleasing and unified display of products, making the online shopping experience look professional and consistent across different platforms.

3. Crop and resize images to have a consistent dimension across channels

Product image cropping and resizing are crucial for creating a cohesive visual identity and maintaining dimension-related requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this.

Establish guidelines: Consider the layout and design specifications of your website, social media platforms, and any other channels where you showcase your products. Define a set of guidelines for image dimensions, aspect ratios, and resolutions that are suitable for each channel.

Use consistent cropping: Set a standard cropping ratio for all product images. This ensures that the size and shape of your products remain consistent across different platforms. Consistent cropping helps in creating a uniform and organized look, especially when displaying multiple products side by side.

Focus on the product: Crop images to emphasize the product and ensure it takes up the majority of the frame. This is essential for providing customers with a clear view of the product details and features. Avoid excessive background space, as it can make the product appear smaller and may distract customers.

4. Consistent lighting adjustments

  • Adjust brightness, contrast, and shadows to create a balanced and visually appealing look.
  • Pay attention to the product’s highlights and shadows to ensure a uniform appearance.
  • Ensure that products shot in different environments or under different lighting conditions maintain a consistent look.
  • Adjust exposure levels and color temperature.

5. Uniformity in image style

Develop a clear understanding of your brand’s preferred style, whether it’s a natural, high-contrast, vintage, or modern look. The goal is for customers to easily recognize the brand through the visual style of the images. Consistency in style contributes to a strong and memorable brand image.

6. Logo placement and watermarking

  • Determine a standard location for placing the brand logo on product images.
  • This could be in a corner, centered, or at a specific position that aligns with the overall composition.
  • If using watermarks, apply them consistently and discreetly to protect intellectual property.
  • Ensure that watermarks do not cause distraction from the product but serve their purpose in preventing unauthorized use.

Strategies for effective eCommerce image editing

Create style guides for image editing

Develop comprehensive style guides that outline the visual elements crucial to your brand identity. Include guidelines for color schemes, image composition, and other editing parameters. This serves as a reference for anyone involved in creating or editing images for your brand, ensuring a unified approach.

Implement batch editing for efficiency

When dealing with a large volume of images, batch editing becomes a time-saving necessity. Image editing software often includes batch processing features, allowing you to apply consistent edits to multiple images simultaneously.

Utilize AI-powered image editing tools

The integration of artificial intelligence in image editing has revolutionized the process. AI tools can automate certain aspects of editing, ensuring a consistent look across all images. Tools like Canva, Pixlr, and Remove.bg leverage AI to streamline the editing process.

Invest in professional eCommerce photo editing services

Collaborating with professional eCommerce photo editing services can be a game-changer. These services employ skilled professionals who specialize in maintaining brand consistency. Outsourcing to experts ensures a high level of precision and adherence to brand guidelines.

Brands nailing consistency through eCommerce image editing

Apple: Setting the standard for visual consistency

Apple’s commitment to a minimalist and sleek aesthetic is evident in its product imagery across all channels. From the website to social media and advertising, Apple maintains a consistent visual identity. The use of high-quality images, consistent lighting, and a focus on the product itself exemplifies the power of meticulous image editing in maintaining the brand’s visual coherence.

Nike: Dynamic consistency across platforms
Nike successfully presents its visual elements to cater to diverse audiences across various platforms. The brand seamlessly transitions from high-energy, action-packed visuals on Instagram to more product-centric and detail-oriented images on its eCommerce platform. The consistent use of the iconic swoosh logo, standardized color schemes, and dynamic image editing contribute to a cohesive brand experience.

Bottom line

Maintaining a consistent brand image, messaging, and design elements across all online touchpoints is essential for eCommerce businesses. This uniformity instills trust, reliability, and professionalism, ultimately contributing to long-term success. 

As an eCommerce business, you can incorporate the tips discussed in this blog in your eCommerce image editing process. But keep in mind that it can be laborious and can divert your focus from more important activities. Given the time-consuming nature of these tasks, outsourcing product photo editing services can be a practical and efficient option for businesses looking to enhance their brand presence.

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Why starting an eCommerce business is easier than you think — William Rivera https://www.asbn.com/interviews/why-starting-an-ecommerce-business-is-easier-than-you-think-william-rivera/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:34 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=67626

The eCommerce market is projected to reach $8.1 trillion in only three more years, according to Forbes. However, many are afraid to enter the digital retailing sector due to the perceived challenges of hosting an online business.

On this episode of The Small Business Show, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by William Rivera, serial entrepreneur and founder of Ecom Degree University. Despite his young age, Rivera has been running a successful eCommerce business for years and teaches students the nuances of digital retailing through his educational platform. Now, he discusses how he achieved success and shares his advice for others looking to start their own company.

Key Takeaways

1. Rivera learned at an early age that hard work did not always result in higher earnings after watching his single mother work long hours to support her family. Realizing that he needed to work smarter instead, he began to consider entrepreneurship and eCommerce while working at Amazon, where he learned the rules of digital retailing by paying close attention to the company’s operations.

2. Rivera realized that he could purchase third-party goods at wholesale prices if he bought them in bulk, allowing him to re-sell the products through platforms such as Amazon for a profit. Over 50% of items on Amazon are sold by a third party, with the company providing warehousing and shipping services.

3. Rivera’s Ecom Degree University teaches the basics of running an eCommerce operation. He currently teaches courses to 10,000 students, with 100-150 enrollments per week.

4. Rivera uses his earnings from online sales to fund additional enterprises, including a gym and a 25-unit apartment complex. He recommends re-investing profits to generate passive income. He has also purchased a house and car for his mother.

5. Rivera urges hopeful entrepreneurs to surround themselves with those who are committed to their dreams and possess the ability to achieve them. By networking with those more prosperous than yourself, you can identify the habits that contributed to their success and adopt them as your own.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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Not sure how to manage excess inventory? Try these 5 strategies https://www.asbn.com/scale-your-business/ecommerce/not-sure-how-to-manage-excess-inventory-try-these-5-strategies/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:58 +0000 https://www.asbn.com/?p=65072 Leftover inventory poses a significant challenge for SMBs, tying up capital and increasing storage costs. However, this surplus stock can be transformed into opportunities for growth by implementing strategic liquidation methods. Smart inventory management is paramount for SMBs, enabling them to optimize resources, reduce wastage, and enhance profitability.

Understanding the Leftover Inventory Challenge

Leftover inventory, a persistent challenge for SMBs, arises from multiple sources, primarily involving customer demand, shipping delays, and technical hurdles. Successfully navigating these factors is essential for effective inventory management.

  • Demand Fluctuations from Customers

Accurate forecasting of customer demand is crucial to estimate the market accurately. The delicate equilibrium between meeting demand and preventing overstocking requires strategic approaches.

Utilizing just-in-time inventory management, conducting regular stocktakes, maintaining safety stock levels, and employing demand forecasting software can aid businesses in aligning inventory with actual demand. By implementing these measures, SMBs can reduce the risk of excess inventory and enhance their inventory management practices.

  • Logistical Setbacks in Shipping

Supply chain disruptions or shipping delays can result in overstocking as companies seek to compensate for potential product shortages. Managing lead time, the duration between supplier and customer delivery, is key to mitigating excess inventory due to shipping delays. Employing lead time management tools assists businesses in maintaining consistent inventory levels and reducing the impact of unforeseen delays.

  • Challenges of a Technical Nature

Various manufacturing challenges, such as production delays caused by machinery issues or material shortages, can contribute to excess inventory. eCommerce platforms experiencing downtime or disruptions and factory outages further complicate inventory management. While these technical challenges are often unpredictable, businesses can prepare by establishing contingency plans and preventive measures to minimize their impact on inventory levels.

Navigating the complex landscape of leftover inventory demands a holistic approach that addresses customer demand, shipping logistics, and technical factors. By understanding and effectively managing these challenges, SMBs can transform surplus stock into growth opportunities, aligning with the overarching objective of strategic inventory management.

Smart Strategies for Managing Excess Inventory in Your SMB

As a savvy SMB owner, effectively handling excess inventory can open avenues for growth and profitability. Implementing strategic approaches tailored to your business type and market conditions can help transform surplus stock into valuable opportunities. Let’s delve into some actionable methods that align with the outlined key objectives:

1. Strategic Remarketing

Crafty business owners possess an advantage when remarketing non-seasonal products. With the power of effective marketing, you can repeatedly reintroduce your product to the market. Consider targeting latecomers who might still be interested even in seasonal items, turning inventory into sales. Here are some tips:

  • Utilize creative marketing campaigns to highlight product benefits.
  • Implement remarketing ads to retarget potential customers.
  • Leverage social media platforms for ongoing promotion.

2. Optimize Sales

Counter low traffic with well-planned sales. Whether it’s a clearance, flash, or seasonal sale, you can notably impact your surplus stock. Engaging marketing efforts can attract consumers and drive sales, reducing excess inventory.

3. Leverage Online Platforms

Embrace the digital realm for global reach. Utilize platforms like Amazon and eBay to market your products year-round. Capitalize on the convenience of online shopping, especially during promotional periods, and explore holiday marketing techniques to enhance your online presence. Things to consider while sharing leftovers online:

  • eCommerce Integration
  • SEO and Keywords
  • Promotional Campaigns
  • Mobile-Friendly Experience
  • Offer Bundles and Discounts
  • Responsive Customer Support
  • Track Analytics

4. Strategic Liquidation

Clear out excess stock efficiently by partnering with a liquidator. This option involves selling surplus inventory in bulk at a discounted rate. Engage with B2B bulk marketplaces to find interested buyers who can use out-of-season products, benefiting both parties.

5. Generous Giving and Tax Benefits

Consider donating excess inventory to charitable organizations for a win-win scenario. Donations can lead to tax deductions while contributing to a worthy cause. Organizations like the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR) accept surplus or discontinued items, redirecting them to schools and nonprofits.

Conclusion

Navigating the challenge of excess inventory is a critical endeavor for SMBs. By employing smart strategies such as strategic remarketing, optimizing sales, leveraging online platforms, exploring liquidation options, and considering charitable donations, businesses can transform surplus stock into opportunities for growth and value.

With a proactive approach to inventory management, SMBs can address the leftover inventory challenge and enhance efficiency, profitability, and overall success. Embracing these strategies empowers SMB owners to maximize their resources and drive their businesses forward in a competitive market landscape.

Did you know? ASBN America’s Small Business Network is now available to stream in over 70 million broadcasting households for users with Roku, Firestick, AppleTV, and mobile Android [download] and Apple IOS [download] devices.

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