Content Marketing in Ecommerce: Three Strategies for Success
It’s an exciting time in the ecommerce world - and it’s only getting better.
In just two short years – between 2019 and 2021 - online spending skyrocketed by 50.5%. Ecommerce sales now account for over 13 percent of total retail sales in the U.S., and this number is projected to grow to an impressive 22% by 2025.
As online sales continue to surge, opportunities for ecommerce business owners are at an all-time high. But as more and more consumers turn to their laptops and smart phones to make purchases, more and more businesses are responding to the trend by taking their offerings online – which means more competition for you.
In a crowded digital marketplace, traditional sales strategies like paid advertising and social media are no longer enough. These days, it’s all about creating value for customers with original content that educates, informs, or entertains.
Content marketing is one of the most effective ways to generate leads, engage potential buyers, and make your brand stand out from the rest. But keep in mind that it’s not just about crafting creative content – you’ll also need a solid marketing strategy to back it up.
These three tips can help you leverage the power of content marketing to take your ecommerce brand to the next level.
Focus on helping, not selling. The best content provides useful information that helps people improve their lives. Knowing your audience is just the first step - you also need to understand exactly how your brand fits into their lives. Think about the problems your business solves and the needs your products fulfill, then use those solutions and needs as inspiration to develop valuable content. Infographics, tutorials, and how-to guides are a great place to start!
Keep SEO in mind. Content marketing is the perfect way to use SEO to your advantage. Using the right keywords not only drives traffic to your website – it also creates a golden opportunity to connect with customers through content. Consider the questions your audience is asking when they do an online search, then create detailed content – such as blog posts and articles - that give them the answers they seek. Be sure to use plenty of SEO-friendly keywords to make your content easy for your audience to find.
Make it shareable. Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth! While it’s certainly important to promote your own content, it’s even more effective when others promote it for you. Focus on the trending topics your audience is talking about to make fresh, relevant content that will inspire them to share. And don’t forget to include social media sharing buttons so your content can be easily shared across platforms.
Developing an ecommerce content marketing strategy may take time, but taking the time to get it right is well worth the effort. If you keep these ideas in mind as you create and promote your content, you’ll be on your way to building a loyal customer base and a powerful brand presence.