Your eCommerce Guide to TikTok: Trends & Strategies

TikTok is the latest social media platform to take the world by storm, and it’s no surprise that eCommerce businesses are taking advantage of its unique features. While some people may dismiss the platform as “for Gen Z-only,” the reality is that TikTok has a lot to offer businesses of all types.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the ways eCommerce businesses can use TikTok to their advantage. We’ll explore the platform’s unique features and discuss some of the most popular trends and strategies. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how TikTok can help you grow your business.

What Is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to share short videos of themselves lip-syncing, dancing, or performing other creative acts. The videos are set to popular music or other audio clips. 

TikTok was originally launched in 2016 as Musical.ly but was rebranded in 2018 after being acquired by Chinese tech company ByteDance. ByteDance has since invested heavily in the platform, and it’s now one of the most popular social media apps in the world.

As of 2019, TikTok was the most downloaded app in the world. It’s particularly popular with young people — over 47% of US users are under the age of 30 — but there’s really a place for every age on the platform.

TikTok is known for its short, snackable content. Most videos on the platform are between 15 and 60 seconds long, with many falling closer to the 60-second mark now. 

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses. On the one hand, it can be difficult to condense your message into such a short video. On the other hand, TikTok’s short format is perfect for grabbing people’s attention and keeping them engaged.

In addition, because of this short format, users tend to consume a lot of content on the platform. The average TikTok user in the U.S. spends over 45 minutes per day on the app, making it the most active social media platform in the U.S. That’s a lot of potential eyes on your videos!

How Can eCommerce Businesses Use TikTok?

There are a few ways that eCommerce businesses can use TikTok to their advantage. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular strategies:

1. Use influencers to promote your products

TikTok is a great platform for promoting products through influencers. Influencer marketing is when businesses partner with social media users who have a large following to promote their products or services.

This strategy can be effective on TikTok because users are more likely to trust recommendations from people they follow and admire. If an influencer posts a video using or talking about your product, their followers are more likely to be interested in it as well.

2. Run ads

TikTok also offers advertising opportunities for businesses. Ads on TikTok work differently than on other social media platforms; they appear as short videos between users’ content blending in more seamlessly than other platforms.

Ads on TikTok can be up to 60 seconds long and can include a clickable link to your website. They can be targeted to specific demographics, interests, and even locations. According to a survey from Kantar, 70% of people said that ads on TikTok were more trendsetting than ads on other platforms.

3. Create engaging content

Another avenue to go down is curating your own engaging content.  This could be anything from behind-the-scenes videos to creative product demonstrations.

The key is to create content that is interesting and relevant to your target audience. If your videos are well-made and capture people’s attention, they’re more likely to watch them all the way through and even share them with their friends.

TikTok Trends To Be Aware Of

TikTok is known for its creative and often humorous content. Videos on the platform range from lip-syncing and dancing to comedy sketches and product reviews.

There are also a few specific trends that have emerged on TikTok, which you should be aware of if you’re thinking of using the platform for your business. Trends on the app tend to fall into the following categories:

Creative Transitions

These trends tend to have videos that feature creative or unusual ways of transitioning from one scene to the next. For example, videos might feature people jumping through walls or appearing to teleport from one location to another.

A current trend in this category is glow-ups. Glow-ups are videos in which people show their transformation from an awkward or unattractive phase to their current selves. It can also be a before-and-after makeup video or even a video of a house fixer-upper.

Popular Songs / Lip Syncing

Another popular category is lip-syncing videos set to popular songs. These videos often feature creative costumes, choreography, and editing.

The Ting Tings song “That’s Not My Name” was particularly popular earlier this year, with celebrities creating videos in which actors share the different names of characters they’ve played over the years. Currently, Taylor Swift’s song “Mastermind” has a lot of creative videos with people utilizing the lyrics to tell the story of how they met their partner.

Trending Sounds

There are also certain sounds that become popular on TikTok and are used in a variety of different videos. These could be audio clips from movies or TV shows, sound effects, or even just snippets of songs.

For example, this year, a sound clip of a man saying, “I like it, Picasso” was popular with users when showing off their art, fashion, home decor, etc. 

ASMR

ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos are designed to trigger a relaxing response in the viewer. They often feature soft-spoken voices, gentle sounds, and close-up shots.

There has been a recent trend of people eating different foods (especially exotic ones) in an ASMR style, which has become popular on TikTok.

Cooking Videos

Food videos are always popular on social media, and TikTok is no exception. These videos tend to be short and show people preparing simple meals or snacks. 

There is currently a trend of people making “cloud” foods, which are soft and fluffy like cotton candy. These include cloud eggs, cloud bread, and cloud pancakes. 

Dance Challenges

Last but not least, dance challenges are the bread and butter of TikTok. These videos typically feature people lip-syncing to a song while doing a certain dance. The dances can be simple or complex and sometimes require multiple people.

Perhaps the most well-known of these dance challenges is the “Renegade” challenge, which went viral in 2020. The challenge features a snippet of the song “Lottery” by K Camp and requires people to do a complicated dance routine. In 2022, dances to songs like Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” and Kesha’s “Cannibal” went viral despite the songs coming out years previously.

These are just a few of the types of trends that emerge on TikTok. The bottom line is that if you’re thinking of using TikTok for your business, it’s important to be aware of the trends on the platform. It’s important you’re staying active on the app and staying engaged with your customer base in order to capitalize on any trends that might appeal to them. But not every post needs to adhere to a trend. You can succeed simply by finding the right niche.

Time is Ti(c)king

All in all, TikTok is a powerful eCommerce tool that should not be overlooked. With its large and engaged user base, the platform offers a great opportunity for businesses to reach new customers.

While the platform is largely known for its creative and often humorous content, there are also a few specific trends that businesses can capitalize on. By staying active on the app and engaging with their customer base, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and successfully use TikTok to promote their products or services.

Want help getting started with TikTok? Reach out to our social media team at EYStudios.

8 eCommerce Strategies for Transitioning From Brick and Mortar to Online

If you’re a brick-and-mortar business owner who is looking to make the jump to online sales, you’re in luck. The eCommerce landscape is constantly changing, and there are a number of strategies you can use to make the transition as smooth as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss eight of the most important eCommerce strategies for transitioning from brick-and-mortar to online sales. By following these tips, you’ll be able to set up your online store for success!

1. Invest in a Responsive Website Design

One of the most important things to do when transitioning from brick-and-mortar to online sales is to invest in a responsive website design. In today’s world, it’s essential that your website looks great on all devices, including smartphones and tablets. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re likely to lose a significant number of potential customers.

2. Make Sure Your Shipping Costs are Competitive

Another important thing to keep in mind when making the transition to online sales is your shipping costs. If your shipping costs are too high, customers will be less likely to purchase from you. Make sure to research the shipping rates of your competitors so you can offer a competitive rate.

3. Use High-Quality Product Images

When customers are shopping online, they can’t physically see or touch the products they’re interested in purchasing. This is why it’s important to use high-quality product images on your website. Make sure the photos are clear and provide a detailed view of the product. You might also want to consider using video to show off your products.

4. Offer a Wide Range of Payment Options

Another important thing to consider when setting up your online store is the payment options you’ll offer. Customers should be able to choose from a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and more. offering a wide range of payment options will make it more likely that customers will complete a purchase.

5. Provide Detailed Product Descriptions

Since customers can’t physically see or touch the products they’re interested in buying, it’s important to provide detailed product descriptions. The descriptions should include information about the product’s size, color, materials, and more. By providing this information, customers will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the product.

6. Offer Excellent Customer Service

Another important thing to keep in mind when operating an online store is the importance of customer service. If a customer has a problem with a purchase, you want to be sure that you’re there to help. Offer a variety of ways for customers to get in touch with you, including phone, email, and live chat.

7. Make Use of Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to promote your online store. Be sure to create profiles on all of the major social media platforms, and post regularly about your products and services. You can also use social media to run promotional campaigns and offer discounts to customers.

8. Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest eCommerce Trends

Finally, one of the best things you can do when transitioning from brick-and-mortar to online sales is to stay up-to-date on the latest eCommerce trends. By keeping up with the latest trends, you’ll be able to offer your customers the best possible experience. 

We recommend:

These are all great resources that will help you stay up-to-date on the latest eCommerce trends.

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Making the transition from brick-and-mortar to online sales can be a challenge, but by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to success! If you need help, be sure to check out EYStudios. We’re a full-service eCommerce agency that can help you with everything from website design to social media marketing. Contact us today to learn more!

The 5 Pillars of a Successful eCommerce Strategy for 2023

With 2023 right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your eCommerce strategy for next year. It’s important to consider the economic climate while also planning for the continued growth in eCommerce. Data on eCommerce sales shows that in 2021, retail eCommerce sales amounted to approximately 5.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. This figure is forecast to grow by 56% over the next years, reaching about 8.1 trillion dollars by 2026.

There are several factors to consider when planning your eCommerce strategy, but we believe there are 5 key pillars that are essential for success in 2023:

  1. A focus on the customer experience
  2. Personalization
  3. Automation
  4. Mobile-first design
  5. Omnichannel approach

A Focus On The Customer Experience

Taking a closer look at these pillars, the first one is a focus on the customer experience. In order to be successful in 2023, you need to make sure that your customers have a positive experience when they interact with your brand. This means providing them with a seamless and convenient shopping experience from start to finish.

One way to do this is by offering a variety of channels for them to shop on, such as a website, mobile app, and brick-and-mortar store. This way, they can choose the channel that is most convenient for them at any given moment. Another way to improve the customer experience is by offering fast and free shipping, as well as easy returns.

People are increasingly expecting brands to offer these features, and if you can’t provide them, you run the risk of losing customers to your competitors. In addition, it’s important to make sure that your customer service is top-notch. This means having a team of friendly and helpful customer service representatives who are available to help your customers with any issues they may have.

Personalization

The second pillar of a successful eCommerce strategy is personalization. In order to stand out in a crowded market, you need to make sure that your brand is personalizing the shopping experience for your customers. This can be done in a number of ways, such as recommending products based on their past purchase history or providing them with personalized discounts and offers.

Another way to personalize the shopping experience is by using customer data to create a more customized experience on your website or mobile app. For example, you can use their location to show them products that are relevant to them or use their purchase history to show them similar products that they might be interested in.

In addition, you can also send your customers personalized emails or push notifications with updates on new products, special offers, and more. The key is to use the data you have on your customers to create a shopping experience that is tailored specifically to them.

Automation

The third pillar of a successful eCommerce strategy is automation. In order to scale your business and reach new levels of growth, you need to automate as much of your operations as possible. This includes things like your order fulfillment process, customer service, and marketing.

By automating these processes, you’ll be able to free up time and resources that can be better used elsewhere. In addition, automation can also help you improve the accuracy and efficiency of your operations. For example, if you’re using an automated fulfillment system, you can be sure that your orders will be processed and shipped out on time every time.

Automating your marketing efforts can also be beneficial. You can use marketing automation software to create and send personalized emails or push notifications to your customers. This way, you can stay top of mind without having to put in a lot of extra effort.

Mobile-First Design

The fourth pillar of a successful eCommerce strategy is a mobile-first design. In today’s digital age, more and more people are using their smartphones to shop online. This means that if you want to be successful in 2023, you need to make sure that your website or mobile app is designed with a mobile-first approach.

This means creating a design that is optimized for smaller screens and touchscreens. In addition, it’s important to make sure that your website or mobile app loads quickly and efficiently on all devices. If it doesn’t, you run the risk of losing customers to your competitors.

It’s also important to note that mobile-first design isn’t just about creating a responsive website. It’s also about making sure that your overall eCommerce strategy is designed with mobile in mind. This includes things like making sure that your checkout process is mobile-friendly and that you’re offering mobile-specific discounts and offers.

Omnichannel Approach

The fifth and final pillar of a successful eCommerce strategy for 2023 is an omnichannel approach. In order to reach and engage with your customers on all channels, you need to have a strong omnichannel presence. This means having a consistent brand identity and message across all channels, including your website, mobile app, social media, and more.

It’s also important to make sure that your omnichannel strategy is integrated with your other eCommerce systems. For example, your inventory should be synced across all channels so that customers can purchase items regardless of where they are shopping. In addition, your customer data should be shared across all channels so that you can provide a personalized experience to every customer.

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By following these five pillars, you can be sure that your eCommerce business will be successful in 2023 and beyond. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, it’s important to start implementing these strategies as soon as possible.

Need help building or implementing your strategy for 2023? Reach out to EYStudios for help reaching your business goals. 

Google AdWords, Analytics, and Apps: Your Guide to eCommerce Uses

Google has created a suite of tools that are extremely useful for eCommerce business owners. Today we’ll be discussing how Google AdWords, Google Analytics, and other Google applications can help inform your decisions and help you run your business more effectively.

Google AdWords

Google AdWords is a tool that allows you to create and manage ads for your eCommerce business. You can use AdWords to promote your products or services on Google Search, Display, and Shopping. AdWords can be an extremely effective way to drive traffic to your website and generate sales.

AdWords allows you to target your ads to a specific audience. You can choose to target people based on their location, their interests, and their demographics. AdWords also allows you to set a budget for your ad campaign, so you can control how much you spend on advertising.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a free tool that gives you insights into your website traffic. Analytics can help you track where your visitors are coming from, what they’re doing on your site, and how they’re interacting with your products or services. This information can be extremely valuable in helping you to improve your website and convert more visitors into customers.

In addition to tracking website traffic, Google Analytics can also be used to track sales data. This data can help you to see which products or services are selling well and which ones need more work. Analytics can also help you to identify where your customers are coming from so you can focus your marketing efforts more effectively.

Google My Business

Google My Business is a free listing service that allows you to manage your business’s information on Google. My Business can help you attract more customers to your website by making it easier for them to find your business online.

Google My Business also allows you to post updates about your business, such as special offers or events. These updates will appear in your customers’ Google Feeds, so they can always stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your eCommerce store.

Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a free tool that allows you to monitor and optimize your site’s appearance in Google search results. Search Console can help you identify and fix errors on your website, track your site’s search traffic, and generate more leads for your business.

Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager is a free tool that allows you to manage your website’s tags in one place. Tag Manager can help you keep your website’s code clean and organized, and it can also help you track events on your website more effectively.

Google Merchant Center

Google Merchant Center is a tool that allows you to upload your product information to Google and make it available to shoppers on Google Shopping. Merchant Center can help you reach more potential customers and increase sales.

Google Apps for eCommerce

There are a number of different Google apps that can be extremely useful for eCommerce businesses. These apps include:

  • Google Sheets: A spreadsheet app that can be used for tracking inventory, orders, customers, and more.
  • Google Docs: A word-processing app that can be used for creating product descriptions, website content, and more.
  • Google Slides: A presentation app that can be used for creating sales presentations, product demonstrations, and more.
  • Google Forms: A form builder that can be used for creating contact forms, customer surveys, and more.
  • Google Calendar: A calendar app that can be used for tracking important dates, deadlines, and events.
  • Google Drive: A storage app that can be used for storing product images, website files, and more.

Conclusion

Google offers a number of different tools that can be extremely useful for eCommerce businesses. AdWords, Analytics, and My Business are just a few of the many services that Google offers. If you’re not using these tools to your advantage, you’re missing out on a lot of potential sales and leads. Need help monitoring your website with Google tools? Reach out to EYStudios to learn more about our website maintenance and marketing services.

Scary Stories From The Ghosts of eCommerce Past

It’s the spookiest time of year, and what could be more fitting than a blog post about scary stories from our eCommerce past? Our company has been in the business for over 18 years, and we’ve seen it all – including some horror stories that would give anyone nightmares. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our employees’ scariest experiences during their time in eCommerce. These spine-chilling tales will make your skin crawl and your hair stand on end! So if you’re brave enough, keep reading.

A Break In On Halloween

One of the most memorable Halloween moments was when someone broke into the EYStudios offices at night through a window. The individual made off with some of our valuables, as well as causing hundreds of dollars in damage to computers– including ruining key client data! The police apprehended the burglar, who turned out to be the son of one of the cleaning staff. Our leadership agreed not to press charges in exchange for helping mentor the young man, so that was an overall happy ending!

A Late Night Launch

Once upon a midnight dreary, a designer made a very frightening mistake.  He had been working on a new design for a client’s eCommerce site and wanted to get a final look at it before he called it a night. So he hit the “launch” button instead of the “preview” button, and the site went live – with all of the unfinished design elements and placeholder text still in place. Scared out of his wits, the designer went to work getting the correct elements installed.

Thunder, Lightning & Photoshop

Another horror story from the world of design that was more of a recurring nightmare. Back in the olden days of Photoshop, there was no auto-save function, and working during a storm was much like rolling the dice. One fateful day, a designer lost an entire day’s work when the power went out, and his computer didn’t have a backup battery. He was never able to recover the lost work and had to start from scratch.

The Tale of Disappearing Websites

Speaking of things getting deleted, one of our marketing team members tells a tale of ancient hosting platforms. At a previous job of hers, a client was being hosted on a platform that ghosted them in the night. Their whole site was deleted without any warning, and she had to work 37 hours straight to get it back up.

An All-Night Fix

This isn’t the only time entire websites have disappeared, and our team has pulled all-nighters to rectify the situation. A developer from another company once deleted all of the design and content on the site without realizing it. Our developer and designer stayed up all night creating a new solution in real-time to get the website back in shape.

Other Terrifying Tales

Sometimes the scariest things we hear are what our clients tell us about other companies. We recently had a client tell us a previous agency told them to scrap their entire website and start from scratch. We were able to repair their very fixable site within a week.

We’ve also heard some very *ahem* scary things from clients, including: 

    • “Can you send my website as an email attachment?”
    • “My site looks like unicorn vomit” 
    • “I want animated GIFs on my homepage”
    • “We want all white text on a black background.”
    • “We’re thinking 35 rotators on our homepage is about all we need.” 

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While we can’t always control what happens in life, we can control how we react to it. Sometimes, the best way to deal with a scary situation is to have a sense of humor about it. So the next time you hear something that makes your skin crawl, just remember – you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. Happy Halloween!

What Checkout Methods Should I Be Offering in 2023?

It’s hard to believe, but 2023 is just around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about any changes you’ll be making to your website, including if you want to update what checkout methods you’ll be offering your customers in the coming year. There are many different options available to eCommerce businesses these days, and it can be tough to decide which ones are right for you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most popular checkout methods currently available and help you decide which ones will work best for your business!

The Basics — Credit and Debit Cards

Of course, the vast majority of businesses will still accept credit and debit cards in 2023. This is by far the most popular method of payment both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Credit cards offer customers the ability to pay for their purchases over time, while debit cards give them the option to pay with funds they already have in their bank account.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on accepting credit and debit cards as a form of payment in 2023:

  • You’ll need to make sure you have a secure system in place to process these payments. This means investing in a good quality point-of-sale system that can encrypt customer data and prevent fraud.
  • You’ll also need to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures, such as 3D Secure and EMV chip cards.
  • Another thing to consider is the fees associated with credit and debit card payments. These can vary depending on your payment processor, but they typically range from 2-3% per transaction. This is something you’ll need to factor into your pricing if you plan on accepting credit and debit cards as a form of payment.

PayPal

One of the most popular checkout methods available to eCommerce businesses is PayPal. PayPal is a secure and easy-to-use payment processing system that allows customers to make payments using their credit cards or bank account. PayPal also offers buyer protection, meaning that if something goes wrong with an order, the customer can get their money back. This makes PayPal a popular choice for both businesses and customers alike.

If you’re considering using PayPal as a checkout method, there are a few things to consider:

  • You’ll need to sign up for a PayPal Business account. This account gives you access to all the features and benefits of PayPal, including the ability to accept payments and process refunds.
  • You’ll also need to make sure your website is set up to accept PayPal payments. This typically involves installing a PayPal plugin or adding a few lines of code to your existing checkout process.
  • Another thing to consider is the fees associated with PayPal. For standard PayPal checkouts, the fees are 3.49% plus a fixed fee that varies based on the currency used by the buyer in relation to you, the business.

Digital Wallets — Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay

Another popular option for eCommerce businesses is to accept payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Amazon Pay. These are digital wallets that allow customers to store their credit card information and make payments with just a few taps on their mobile devices. This is a convenient option for customers who don’t want to enter their credit card information every time they make a purchase. In 2021, digital and mobile wallets accounted for 49% of global eCommerce payment transactions; this share is set to increase to over 53 percent in 2025. 

If you’re considering using a digital wallet option as a checkout method, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • You’ll need to make sure your website is set up to accept these payments. Like PayPal, this typically involves installing a plugin or adding a few lines of code to your existing checkout process.
  • You’ll need to make sure your payment processor supports the digital wallet you’re adding. Not all processors do, so this is something you’ll need to check before signing up.
  • Fees for digital wallets are the same as credit card and debit card transactions, which typically range from 2-3% per transaction.

Buy Now Pay Later Methods

In addition to the traditional checkout methods like credit and debit cards, eCommerce businesses can also offer ‘buy now, pay later’ payment plan options to their customers. This gives customers the ability to spread out the cost of their purchase over time, making it more affordable for them. This option is becoming increasingly popular, especially with younger shoppers, with 75% of all BNPL users coming from Gen Z or the Millennial generation.

If you’re considering offering BNPL payment plans to your customers, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • First, you’ll need to sign up for an account with a payment plan provider. Afterpay, Affirm, and Klarna are all popular providers that offer BNPL options to eCommerce businesses.
  • You’ll also need to make sure your website is set up to accept payments via the chosen payment plan provider. This typically involves installing a plugin or adding a few lines of code to your existing checkout process.
  • Fees for payment plan providers can vary, so you’ll need to check with your chosen provider to see what their fees are and if that is something you’re willing to undertake.

Local Payment Methods

If you do business in a specific country or region, you may want to consider offering local payment methods to your customers. This allows them to pay for their purchase using a method that is familiar and convenient for them. Some examples of local payment methods include:

  • Alipay (China)
  • iDEAL (Netherlands)
  • Boleto (Brazil)
  • Konbini (Japan)

Considerations for local payment methods are similar to Apple Pay or Google Pay i.e. making sure your site is equipped to handle the new payment platform and the fees associated with each platform.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, which means they are not subject to government or financial institution control. Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum are all examples of cryptocurrencies. 

Cryptocurrency is currently growing faster within the consumer world — with 40% of 18-35 year old’s planning to pay for goods and services with digital currency in 2022 — than it is within the merchant world — only 23% of which say they aim to accept cryptocurrency as a method of payment by 2024.

If you’re considering accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You will need to set up a cryptocurrency wallet to store your coins. There are many different wallets available, so you’ll need to research which one is right for you.
  • Not all payment processors support cryptocurrency, so you will need to check if your current processor supports this or switch to a payment processor that does.
  • Be aware of the volatile nature of cryptocurrency prices. The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate greatly, so you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility that the value of a coin could drop significantly between the time a customer pays and the time you receive the payment.
  • Fees for cryptocurrency payments are typically lower than credit card and debit card fees, which can be a benefit for businesses. However, you’ll need to weigh that against the volatile nature of cryptocurrency prices.

Bottom Line

Overall, offering a variety of payment options is a good way to make sure your eCommerce business is prepared for the future. There are many different checkout methods available to eCommerce businesses, and the right mix of methods will vary depending on your business and your customers. By offering a mix of traditional and newer methods, you can provide your customers with the most convenient and affordable options for their needs.

Need help setting up a new checkout method? EYStudios is happy to help. We’re a full-service eCommerce agency that specializes in helping businesses reach their goals. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Branching Out: How To Go International With Your Brand

When it comes to eCommerce, there are a lot of things to think about. But one thing that is often overlooked is expanding internationally. This can be a great way to grow your business and reach new customers. Today we will discuss some tips on how to go international with your brand!

Set Up The Logistics

There are a few things to keep in mind when expanding internationally. You should begin with making sure your site is set up for your new market or capable of expanding to an international market.

  • The first is to make sure you are able to ship your products to the country you are expanding to. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to make sure that your products can actually be delivered to your customers.
  • You will also need to set up a way to accept payments from customers in different countries. This can be done by setting up a merchant account or using a payment processor that supports multiple currencies.
  • Another thing to consider is language barriers. If you are expanding to a country where English is not the primary language, you will need to make sure your website and marketing materials are translated into the local language. This will help ensure that your customers can understand your product and make a purchase.
  • Finally, you will need to research the laws and regulations of the country you are expanding to. This is important to make sure that you are compliant with all of the local laws and can avoid any penalties.

Research The New Market

The next thing to keep in mind is to research the market in the country you are expanding to. This is important so that you can tailor your products and marketing to meet the needs of your new customers.

  • You should start by looking at the demographics of the country. This includes information on the population, age, income, and education level. This will give you an idea of who your potential customers are and what they are looking for.
  • It is also important to research the competition in the market. This will help you identify any potential threats and determine what you need to do to stand out from the competition.
  • Another thing to consider is the culture of the country you are expanding to. This can help you understand the values and beliefs of your potential customers and can be used to create marketing materials that appeal to your new international market.
  • Finally, you should research the buying habits of the people in the country you are expanding to. This includes information on what types of products are popular, how much people are willing to spend, and when they are most likely to make a purchase. This information can be used to create a marketing strategy that will reach your potential customers.

Create A Marketing Strategy

Once you have done your research, it is time to create an international marketing strategy. This should be tailored to the country you are expanding to and should include both online and offline marketing tactics.

  • Some things to consider for your online marketing strategy include search engine optimization, social media marketing, and display advertising. These tactics will help you reach potential customers who are searching for products online.
  • It is also important to consider offline marketing tactics such as print advertising, television commercials, and radio ads. These can be used to reach customers who may not be searching for products online.
  • Finally, you should create a branding strategy that will help you build awareness for your brand in the country you are expanding to. This includes creating a unique logo and slogan that represent your brand. It is also important to create marketing materials that are culturally appropriate.

Launch Your Expansion

Once you have created your marketing strategy, it is time to launch your expansion. This is the time to fix any logistics that need to be handled and make sure that you’re monitoring any customer feedback.

You will also need to create a customer support plan. This includes setting up a system to handle customer inquiries and complaints. It is also important to have someone on staff who can speak the local language so that they can assist customers who may not be able to speak English.

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Need help expanding internationally? Reach out to EYStudios, a full-service eCommerce agency, with a team of experts who can help you research your new market, create a marketing strategy, and launch your expansion. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

How Much Should I Be Spending On Digital Marketing?

As we approach the end of the year, it’s almost time to start creating your budgets for 2023. One of the key areas for reflection for any eCommerce owner is their digital marketing spend. In this blog post, we’ll go over the leading strategies for creating a digital marketing budget and the average spend for social media, email marketing, paid marketing, and search engine optimizations for companies of various sizes. 

Digital marketing is one of the most important aspects of any eCommerce business. It’s how you reach new customers, grow your brand awareness, and increase sales. But with so many different digital marketing channels to choose from, it can be challenging to know how much to spend on each one.

General Guidelines For Digital Marketing Budgeting

4 Areas To Consider Budgeting Infographic

The good news is that you can follow some general guidelines to create an effective digital marketing budget. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Company size: The amount you spend on digital marketing will vary depending on the size of your company. A small business might only need to spend a few thousand dollars per month, while a large enterprise could easily spend millions.
  2. Goals: What are you trying to achieve with your digital marketing budget? Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or generate sales? Your goals will dictate how much you need to spend.
  3. Target audience: Knowing who your target audience is will help you determine which digital marketing channels to focus on. For example, if you’re trying to reach millennials, you’ll want to focus on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. Whereas if you’re trying to reach baby boomers, you’ll want to focus on channels like Facebook and LinkedIn.
  4. Competitors: Keeping an eye on what your competitors are doing will help you set a realistic budget for your own digital marketing efforts. If they’re spending thousands of dollars on paid advertising, you’ll need to make sure you allocate a similar amount to stay competitive.

Strategies For Creating A Digital Marketing Budget

Now that we’ve gone over some general guidelines let’s take a look at some strategies for creating a digital marketing budget. 

  • Start with a percentage of overall revenue: A good place to start is by allocating a certain percentage of your overall revenue to digital marketing. According to BigCommerce, economists debate over the exact percentage, but in general, most small businesses allocate between 7 to 12 percent of their total revenue to marketing Then, as your business grows, you can increase your budget accordingly.
  • Calculate the cost of customer acquisition: Another strategy is to calculate the cost of acquiring new customers (CAC). This will give you a good idea of how much you need to spend on digital marketing in order to acquire new customers. To calculate your CAC, simply divide your total marketing and sales expenses by the number of new customers you acquired in a given period. For example, if you spent $10,000 on marketing and sales last month and acquired 100 new customers, your CAC would be $100. 
  • Use the 70-20-10 method: Another common method for creating a digital marketing budget is the 70-20-10 method. This involves allocating 70% of your budget to proven strategies, 20% to things on the horizon (ex: a new service or product line), and 10% to new and innovative strategies that will help you differentiate yourself from the competition. 

Average Digital Marketing Budget by Company Size

Once you have a good idea of how much you need to spend on digital marketing, you can start allocating your budget to the various channels. 

According to The State of Marketing Budget and Strategy 2022 from Gartner, the allocation of a marketing budget should follow the following pattern:

  • Website — 10.1%
  • Email — 9.7%
  • Mobile — 9.7%
  • Digital Ads — 11.2%
  • Search Ads — 9.7%
  • Social — 11.3%
  • SEO — 10.5%
  • Offline Ads — 9.9%
  • Partner/Affiliate — 9.4%
  • Events — 8.4%

However, the actual amount you need to spend on each channel will vary depending on the size of your company. For example, a small business might only need to spend a few hundred dollars per month on SEO, whereas a large enterprise could easily spend tens of thousands. 

Here’s a breakdown of how much you should be spending on digital marketing based on company size: 

  • Small business (1-49 employees): $9,000 – $10,000 per month
  • Medium business (50-499 employees): $11,000 – $25,000 per month
  • Large business (500+ employees): $25,000+ per month
  • Enterprise: $100,000+ per month

Of course, these are just averages, and you’ll need to tailor your digital marketing budget to fit the specific needs of your business. 

Final Thoughts

Creating an effective digital marketing budget can be a challenge, but it’s important to make sure you allocate the right amount of resources to your goals.

By following the general guidelines and strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be on your way to developing a budget that will help you achieve your business goals.

How SaaS Changed the eCommerce World

There’s no doubt that SaaS has had a major impact on the eCommerce world. It has made it easier than ever for businesses to get their products and services in front of customers all over the globe. In this blog post, we will discuss how SaaS has changed the eCommerce landscape and how businesses can take advantage of these changes to grow their sales. We’ll also take a look at some of the top SaaS providers in the industry and see what makes them stand out from the competition.

The History of SaaS

Software as a service (Saas) can trace its roots back to the early days of the internet. In the 1990s, a number of companies began offering SaaS. This type of software was typically hosted on the provider’s servers and could be accessed by users through a web browser. Early examples of SaaS applications include customer relationship management (CRM) software and email marketing platforms.

SaaS began to gain traction in the early 2000s as broadband internet became more widely available. This made it possible for businesses to offer SaaS products to a larger number of users without having to worry about bandwidth issues. In addition, the rise of social media and mobile devices created new opportunities for SaaS providers.

The Growth of the SaaS Industry

The SaaS industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years and is only going to continue to grow. According to a report from Skyquest, the global SaaS market size was valued at $143.77 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $720.44 billion by 2028. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 25.89% from 2022 to 2030. 

This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing adoption of cloud computing, the rise of mobile devices, and the growing popularity of social media. In addition, the SaaS model has proven to be an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, in particular, are drawn to SaaS products because of their low upfront costs and ease of use.

The SaaS model has also been a boon for entrepreneurs. The low barrier to entry has made it possible for anyone with an idea and a bit of coding knowledge to launch a SaaS business. This has led to the creation of many successful startups, such as Slack, Trello, and Hootsuite.

How SaaS Has Changed the eCommerce Landscape

SaaS has had a profound impact on the eCommerce landscape specifically. Perhaps the most notable change is the boom in eCommerce in general. In the past, businesses typically sold their products through brick-and-mortar stores or through direct sales. However, the rise of SaaS has made it possible for businesses of all sizes to sell their products and services online.

This shift to online sales has had a number of benefits for businesses. First, it has allowed businesses to reach a larger audience of potential customers. Second, it has made it easier for businesses to track their sales and customer data. And third, it has given businesses the ability to offer their products and services on their terms.

The rise of SaaS has also had an impact on the way businesses market their products and services. In the past, businesses typically relied on traditional marketing channels, such as print advertising, television, and radio. However, the internet has created new opportunities for businesses to reach their target customers.

Now, one of the most effective marketing channels for SaaS businesses is content marketing. This involves creating and distributing high-quality content that is designed to attract and engage potential customers. Content marketing can be done through a blog, social media, email, or even paid advertising.

The growth of SaaS has also led to the rise of new eCommerce platforms. In the past, businesses typically built their own eCommerce platforms or used off-the-shelf solutions. However, the rise of SaaS has made it possible for businesses to use ready-made eCommerce platforms that are designed specifically for their needs.

Some of the most popular eCommerce platforms for SaaS businesses include Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. These platforms offer a variety of features that make it easy for businesses to set up and manage their online stores. In addition, these platforms provide businesses with the ability to integrate their SaaS products with their eCommerce stores.

Want to learn more about our partner BigCommerce? Read our blog: How BigCommerce Is On The Cutting Edge of Digital Commerce.

The Bottom Line

The rise of SaaS has had a profound impact on the eCommerce landscape. The most notable changes have been the boom in online sales, the shift to subscription-based models, and the rise of new eCommerce platforms. These changes have made it possible for businesses of all sizes to sell their products and services online. In addition, they have given businesses more flexibility in how they price their products and services. Ultimately, the rise of SaaS has made it easier for businesses to reach their target customers and sell their products and services.

How To Organically and Effectively Build Your Email List

As an eCommerce business owner, you know that email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience and convert leads into customers. After all, revenue from email marketing is estimated to reach almost 11 billion by the end of 2023. But building an email list can be a daunting task — especially if you’re not sure where to start. In this blog post, we will outline some tips and tricks for organically and effectively building your email list. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a thriving email marketing campaign!

Make It Easy To Sign Up For Your Email List

The first step to building your email list is to create an opt-in form. This is a piece of code that you can add to your website or blog that allows visitors to sign up for your email list. You can find many free and paid options online, so be sure to do some research before settling on one. Once you’ve chosen an opt-in form, be sure to place it in a prominent location on your website or blog. Many people put their opt-in forms in the sidebar or header of their site, but you can really put it anywhere that makes sense for your business. Just be sure that it’s easy to find!

In addition to placing your opt-in form in a prominent location, you should also make the sign-up process as easy as possible. If you’re asking for too much information, potential subscribers will likely be turned off and click away. At a minimum, you should only ask for an email address. You can always collect additional information (like names and addresses) later down the road.

Make Email List Building A Priority

In order to effectively build your email list, you need to make it a priority. This means setting aside time each week to work on building your list. You can’t just set up an opt-in form and forget about it — you need to be actively working to grow your list. There are a number of ways to do this:

  • Social Media: You can use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to promote your opt-in form and encourage people to sign up for your email list. You can also run ads on these platforms that target people who are likely to be interested in your product or service.

  • Content Marketing: Creating high-quality blog posts, infographics, eBooks, and other forms of content is a great way to attract leads and get them to sign up for your email list. Be sure to include a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of each piece of content that encourages people to sign up for your list.

  • Lead Magnets: A lead magnet is a freebie that you offer potential subscribers in exchange for their email addresses. This could be a white paper, an eBook, a discount code, or anything else that would be valuable to your target audience.

Optimize Your Email List-Building Efforts

There are a number of things you can do to optimize your email list-building efforts.

  1. Segment Your List. This means grouping subscribers together based on shared characteristics. For example, you might segment your list by location, age, or interests. Segmenting your list makes it easier to send targeted emails that are more likely to be opened and clicked.

  2. Automate Your Email Marketing. When it makes sense to, automate your emails to make sure your subscribers always receive timely and relevant emails. This could include automatic welcome emails, drip campaigns, and other automated emails. Automating your email marketing will save you a lot of time in the long run.

  3. Always Be Testing and Experimenting. This means trying out different subject lines, calls-to-action, and other elements of your email campaigns. By constantly testing and tweaking your emails, you’ll be able to improve your open and click-through rates over time.

Building an email list is a crucial part of any eCommerce business owner’s marketing efforts. By following the tips and tricks in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong and engaged email list that will help you boost sales and drive growth for your business.

Reach Out to EYStudios

Email list building is a process, but following these simple steps will put you on the right track. With a little time and effort, you’ll soon have a thriving email list that drives results for your business. Need more help building your email list? Contact us at EYStudios and we’ll be happy to lend a hand! Our team of experienced marketers can help you create an email marketing campaign that drives results. 

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