Launching a startup e-commerce or transitioning to digital can be both exhilarating and daunting. With countless competitors vying for consumer attention, standing out amidst the noise requires strategic planning and a willingness to adapt. Employing data analytics to understand consumer behavior is just one of the essential digital marketing tips businesses should follow.
Lorina Tan, Marketing Head of Tiny Buds, shares invaluable insights from her industry experience that can help you make a difference in your digital marketing strategy.
5 Tips for Startup E-commerce Owners
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost sales, these digital marketing tips will steer you towards sustainable growth. Below are five essential strategies to set your e-commerce venture on the path to success:
Embrace Trial and Error
When starting a business, especially online ones, Lorina says, “It’s about trial and error.” This means you try different things to see what works best. What works for one business might not work for another. So, it’s important to be open to trying new ideas and not worry too much about making mistakes along the way.
Especially in online selling, where things change quickly, trying new approaches is crucial. Lorina says you have to be ready to “try new things and make a few mistakes.” By doing this, you learn what your customers like and don’t like. It’s like a learning journey. And when you see something isn’t working, you can change direction, or pivot, to find success.
Invest in Space
“Invest in space,” Lorina emphasizes. “You won’t be able to grow your e-commerce business if, for example, there’s no space to stock your products, to pack your orders, or even to do your live streams.”
Since capturing your audience is challenging in an increasingly saturated market, it’s crucial to establish a distinct brand identity and create a compelling online presence through amazing content. Space plays an incredibly important role in great branded content.
“When we started out with live streaming, we had to do it in the middle of the office. And when we would livestream, everybody could hear about it. So there really were a lot of space limitations,” Lorina shares. “Now that we’re able to finally carve out specific spaces for a lot of our activities, we’re able to do it better.”
Not only is a visually appealing website design or engaging social media content important to a digitally driven business, carving out a distinct space physically shouldn’t be underestimated either, and plays a bigger role in startup e-commerce growth than we think.
Invest In Equipment
Another digital marketing tip that Lorina shares and emphasizes during the Modern Tao Ke interview, “Having the best of all your equipment will help you be able to create content that is crisp, sharp, and something that your audience would want to watch.” The quality of content plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer perception and driving engagement.
Investing in high-quality equipment is essential to create compelling visuals and captivating content. Superior production value sets businesses apart and enhances brand credibility. By equipping themselves with the necessary tools and technology, startups can elevate the quality of their digital marketing content, capturing the attention of their audience, and forging meaningful connections with them.
Embrace Imperfection
“Content doesn’t have to be perfect,” Lorina advises. “In the e-commerce and digital landscape today, it’s all about authenticity,” she adds.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, perfection is not a prerequisite for success in e-commerce. “It’s all about showing your audience who you are, not being too prim and proper or too polished,” Lorina suggests. As we are dominated by curated feeds and polished aesthetics, consumers crave genuine human connection.
By showcasing the authentic personality behind the brand and embracing imperfections, startup e-commerce businesses can foster deeper connections with their audience and cultivate brand loyalty. “So have fun with it, show them who you are as a brand, be realistic, be authentic, and they will respond to that,” she concludes.
Prepare for Virality, But Don’t Depend on It
“In order to achieve virality, you will have to be able to make a lot of content,” Lorina explains. While viral content can catapult a business to unprecedented heights, it’s crucial to approach virality with caution. Lorina highlights the unpredictable nature of viral success, emphasizing the importance of preparation and scalability.
Startup e-commerce business owners must be equipped to handle sudden surges in demand and engagement that accompany viral content. However, building a sustainable business model based solely on the expectation of virality is unsustainable. Instead, focus on consistently delivering value to your audience and building a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Go Digital Today!
Starting and growing a successful online shop requires careful planning, hard work, and a willingness to learn and adapt. For a strong start, focus on content-driven digital marketing strategies. Lorina Tan from Tiny Buds shares invaluable tips to help new online store owners tackle challenges confidently and achieve lasting success.
Content is the backbone of digital marketing. Engaging, informative, and valuable content attracts customers, builds brand trust, and boosts your online presence. Whether through blog posts, social media updates, videos, or newsletters, consistently delivering high-quality content tailored to your audience will set your shop apart and drive business growth.
Watch Lorina Tan, Marketing Head of Tiny Buds, on Modern Tao Ke episode on CHiNOY TV’s YouTube Channel for e-commerce insights.
