How to Expand Your Brand With Marketplaces
Ready to tap into the vast potential of eCommerce? With global online sales exceeding $5.7 trillion in 2022 and forecasted to increase even more in 2023, there has never been a better time to grow your brand!
Shopify provides all the tools you need to create a professional storefront and expand online, from a user-friendly interface to a wide range of features that optimize for search engines, drive sales, and manage orders. New capabilities now allow advanced functionality to include email marketing, social media integration, and inventory management.
Read on to explore ways you can leverage Shopify to capitalize on the ever-advancing eCommerce market.
HOW Do You Develop Your Brand Globally?
One of the main benefits of selling on a marketplace is the increased visibility it can offer your brand. By listing your products on one, you gain access to a broader range of customers than you might have on your own, which can significantly increase reach.
“You have to meet your customers where they are. Some shoppers like to purchase directly from a brand and others will pursue the marketplaces they know and trust. Choose the right marketplaces based on your audience and optimize for that platform!”
- DEBRA LUTSKY, FOUNDER OF DRP
Types of eCommerce Marketplaces
To effectively choose an eCommerce marketplace that suits your organization, it's essential to consider the type that aligns with your image and what you'll offer.
Product-based: Platforms such as Walmart enable shoppers to buy physical products from various sellers.
Service-based: Sites like Upwork and TaskRabbit allow clients to find and hire providers such as freelancers or independent contractors.
Peer-to-peer: Individuals can buy and sell directly with each other through programs such as Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay.
B2B marketplaces: Alibaba and Thomasnet, for example, allow users to source products and suppliers from other companies.
Niche Marketplaces: Niche marketplaces are different from bigger platforms like Amazon, as they offer products that cater to a specific demographic. VRBO, for example, only lists home and vacation rentals.
At DRP, we have successfully integrated a variety of niche marketplaces with Shopify, such as Zero Waste Store, From The Lobby, Faire, Farfetch, OrchardMile and Wolf & Badger. Our expertise in integration has led to increased client sales.
Shopify: A Great Resource
Shopify is a valuable resource for companies of all sizes, with various selling options, including point-of-sale and multi-currency selling. Combined with the right eCommerce tools, it provides a seamless experience for sellers and buyers.
By leveraging Shopify's features and functionality, you can amplify your brand. Here are some key benefits:
Optimize your store for search engines: In 2023, all stores must be optimized for search engines. Shopify has a built-in SEO feature that allows you to incorporate relevant keywords into your titles and descriptions, optimize your images, and generate valuable content for your customers.
Showcase a wide range of products: To retain your customers and encourage repeat purchases, it's essential to provide a diverse selection of merchandise or services unique to your brand. Shopify's built-in management tools simplify adding and organizing products from different sources.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews: Reviews build credibility and trust with potential customers and improve your search engine rankings. Enable Shopify's built-in reviews feature to collect and display reviews, making it easy for customers to leave feedback.
Connect with social media outlets: Thanks to Shopify's built-in social media integration, you can easily improve traffic to site and purchases on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. By consistently posting engaging content, promptly responding to customer inquiries, and actively engaging with your followers, you’ll create a loyal fanbase that advocates for you. You'll simultaneously be able to target advertising to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.
Get Started With Shopify
We understand that integrating into marketplaces can be a complex undertaking, but rest assured, e-commerce agencies like DRP are here to assist you every step of the way! Get in touch with our experts today!