Digital Sales Channels for Small Businesses to Explore in 2021
Today’s connection post (Small Business Digital Sales Channels to Explore in 2021) is brought to you by Lisa Michaels. Lisa is a freelance writer, editor, and a thriving content marketing consultant from Portland. Being self-employed, she does her best to stay on top of the current trends in business and tech. Feel free to connect with her on Twitter @LisaBMichaels.
There are a plethora of ways small business owners can lock down on digital sales and kick-start their income.
While digital sales have been gaining in popularity for a while, the trend has skyrocketed since 2020.
In this article, we look at the top digital sales channels to explore for your business in 2021.
Digital Sales on Instagram
Instagram is already a well-oiled digital sales machine.
Small businesses can greatly benefit from using Instagram to boost their sales. The social network actively encourages users to share images and videos and engage with other people’s content.
If you’re running a small business, you can grow a following by regularly and frequently posting on Instagram.
Don’t think that the content you put out has no impact on your sales.
According to a report from Facebook, Instagram helps 80% of its users to make a purchase decision. Promoting your business and products there will enable you to sell more.
Of course, you can target the right audience with targeting features, just like on any winning platform. You’re not leaving anything to chance; your content will reach users.
Here’s an example of what a well-organized Instagram business account looks like.
This account uses all the right features to present its brand and its products.
Notice the use of the brand’s bio with a website linked below. Once you scroll down, you find relevant stories and photos of products.
A key feature is Instagram’s View Shop button, which allows users to stay in the app while browsing the products.
Here is what you see once you click on the View Shop button:
The in-app feature looks precisely the same as a webshop on a regular business website. Once your visitors are ready to make a purchase, they click on the link and get forwarded to the business website. This way, the Instagram shopping experience achieves a smooth, mobile-friendly transition to the billing page.
Do you use Instagram as a sales channel for your business?
If you don’t, create a profile and start growing your audience now.
Digital Sales on Facebook
We can’t leave Facebook out of this discussion, can we?
Facebook has become the default requirement for any business, just like having a website.
In fact, the vast majority of small businesses in the US use Facebook for advertising, preferring it to other social media channels.
Facebook’s targeting features allow them to pinpoint their target audience and reach them with ads.
The stats are clear on this one.
As you can see, for small businesses, Facebook dominates other social media channels, with 66% using Facebook, followed by YouTube ads with 42%.
So, of those in the comparison, it’s the most popular channel to promote your business.
What’s the state of your page on Facebook?
Your Facebook account can make all the difference in achieving sales online. It enables you to engage your users and get your products or services in front of them.
If you want your Facebook page to drive sales, here’s some advice.
Put effort in the personalization.
There are countless businesses out there using Facebook, and they’re probably offering products similar to yours. To stand out, you need to personalize your page as much as possible.
You can do so by investing in the content you publish.
Make sure the images you’re posting are authentic and use your brand’s unique visual language.
If possible, create high-quality videos to present your business and services.
Actively talk and engage with your audience to help your business grow.
Moving on, what about mobile digital sales outside of social media?
Commerce App
There’s a large portion of potential customers looking to buy products on mobile devices.
Mobile sales now account for most online sales.
Let’s look at the stats.
In 2021, mobile online sales are projected to account for a 72.9% share of eCommerce sales. This is staggering.
The adoption of mobile browsing use has been rapidly growing for years, and more purchases and transactions are happening using mobile solutions and mobile-first webshops.
This sets the groundwork for eCommerce apps as a viable digital sales channel.
For instance, when users feel hungry, they use apps to order delivery.
When they need a ride, they order an Uber and pay for it in-app.
Once consumers get accustomed to browsing products with apps, they don’t find it difficult to buy things using apps.
It feels natural.
More so, making purchases via mobile devices is often seen as an improvement to buying things online.
Would you swipe to confirm your payment?
Or instead, would you enter all the credit card details manually every time you want to buy something?
For apps to become an effective sales channel, small businesses need to understand what makes an excellent app experience.
Users won’t engage with bug-ridden apps that frustrate them. The app has to run smoothly.
When you pick a team to develop your app, pay special attention to its features.
The primary goal is to lock down sales, but there are so many things your app can do to showcase your products and run promotions.
Find a developer you trust and talk with them about the sales possibilities your app can provide. Or consider using a well-established app that offers the features you need for your business.
A prime example of a highly successful eCommerce app would be Amazon’s.
According to Statista, over 80% of mobile users in the US used their eCommerce app, which is nothing short of stunning.
Let’s keep talking about Amazon as a sales channel by itself.
Amazon
Amazon is an online retail giant.
It has a fantastic sales infrastructure that other businesses can use to secure digital sales.
Why do users love to shop on Amazon so much?
First, they consider it a very dedicated eCommerce channel. In 2020, Amazon accounted for over 20% of all online sales in the US. This website is used so often that users trust it.
If you sell your products on Amazon, you can leverage that trust, too.
It’s also important to note that Amazon Business accounts are free, and they offer plenty of free webinars and resources on how to use it specifically for small businesses.
Last, their platform also gives small businesses tools to boost their sales and manage their inventories. By registering your business, you can access them for free.
So how can your business join Amazon’s platform?
You can start by registering on their website.
After you’ve joined their platform, they’ll direct you through helpful content and run you through the various business options, all their policies, and content optimization for the platform.
As with every digital sales channel, you’ll have to optimize your store.
However, once you learn the ropes, you can use this platform to lock down more sales, especially from global customers.
Conclusion
The events of the last year have only sped up the rapid growth of mobile and online sales. There’s no doubt about it.
Buying products from the comfort of social media or eCommerce apps will soon be an everyday occurrence.
What are you waiting for?
Pick a channel that’s best for your unique small business and start making those digital sales happen.
