COVID-19 cases in the Philippines have just reached 1 million recently. ECQ and lockdowns are once again enforced which caused businesses to find new ways to increase sales. However, businesses aren’t the only ones trying to adjust amidst the pandemic but also consumers. In order to avoid the risk of getting infected, consumers have resorted to online shopping. Lazada and Shopee have been around in the Philippines even before the pandemic. However, the amount and frequency of online shopping nowadays have dramatically increased due to COVID-19.
Due to the rise of online shopping, e-commerce websites are now necessary more than ever. Now is the perfect time to integrate this into your websites. People nowadays are leaning more towards activities that can be done virtually. For businesses, it is now one of the most effective tools to increase sales and improve advertising techniques. Not to mention its significant benefits in terms of digital marketing. E-commerce websites are changing the shopping game and here’s how:
Improved Accessibility
Have you ever experienced craving for a certain food, driving all the way to their store, only to find out it’s already closed? Traditionally, you need to know a shop’s operating hours to be able to purchase. However, this is not a problem for shoppers anymore due to the advent of e-commerce websites. Stores and shops are now more available, some even 24/7! You don’t need to wonder whether a shop is still open or has already closed for the day. You can just check their website anytime and make a transaction in an instant. It is now easier than ever to get in touch with your favorite shops with almost 100% accessibility.
Effortless Purchases
Back then, the only option for you to get a hold of products was to go to their physical store. This can be a hassle for some people because the shops may be distant from their homes. Once again, e-commerce websites eliminate this problem since they are accessible 24/7. Websites never close! Consumers can easily open their mobile devices and make purchases with just a few swipes and clicks. Shopping is now more effortless and convenient than ever. You can make purchases from anywhere and anytime. You don’t even have to get up from your bed!
Broader Market
Having an e-commerce website allows businesses to have a wider reach. With the popularity of digital marketing and social media, businesses can reach shoppers from all over the world. Advertising and gathering customers internationally are now possible more than ever. Products nowadays can be shipped worldwide. This is good news for consumers since they can shop for their favorite imported products right at their fingertips. This is also good news for producers since it will potentially translate to more sales.
Personalized Shopping Experience
E-commerce websites may not have a similar experience with actual shopping. However, it will give you a much more convenient and comfortable shopping experience with its features. Artificial intelligence and machine learning allow websites to personalize their customers’ screens. With the help of these technologies, websites can recommend products based on customers’ preferences. Moreover, machine learning allows websites to learn the patterns of consumers’ purchasing behavior. They implement the strategy of advertising and showing more products similar to your previous purchases. This allows customers to shop conveniently by saving time and effort. It helps consumers avoid the tedious process of seeking their favorite products manually.
Online shopping is becoming a social activity
Filipinos are online shopping addicts. Not only is it a hobby, but it is also becoming a social activity. Oftentimes, these websites have a feedback feature for their products and services. For example, every item in Shopee gathers online rates and reviews from people who purchase the product. This allows potential buyers to determine whether the product is any good or not. Moreover, some e-commerce websites allow users to message and interact with each other freely. Just like social media, right? This is a convenient way of asking your friends and family for feedback about a product you’re planning to buy. COVID-19 in the Philippines seems like it will be around for quite a long time. This is why having an e-commerce site is a necessity for any business owner. It allows your brand to be reached virtually by customers via digital marketing.
In case you don’t know, Springboard Philippines can make them for you. They are equipped with expert developers who can develop and design a website for your business. It will not only professionalize your brand but your business will also achieve all the 5 benefits mentioned above. Just as long as content and assets are readily available for them to work with, your website can be up and running as fast as next month!