How online stores can adapt to the era of marketplaces

Have you noticed how quickly the world of e-commerce is changing? Marketplaces are like giant ocean waves sweeping the market, displacing traditional online stores. But despite this, traditional players are not giving up. Adapting business models is the first step. Relationships with clients are also important, because the personal approach has not been canceled. Unique content can make your store stand out among thousands of others. And don't forget about SEO—your key to online visibility. Each of these directions is a step towards survival. Apply strategies, develop and continue to fight for your place in the sun. And how exactly? Step by step, together, turning challenges into opportunities.

Glossary

• 📦 Marketplace: An online platform where various sellers can list and sell their goods or services.
• 🛒 Online store: A website or application through which a company sells its products or services directly to consumers.
• 📈 Business model adaptation: The process of changing a company's strategy to function more effectively in changing market conditions.
• 🤝 Customer service: A set of services and techniques aimed at meeting customer needs and increasing their loyalty.
• 📝 Unique content: Original materials (texts, images, videos) that have no analogues among competitors and increase interest in the brand.
• 🔍 SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Optimizing a website to improve its position in search engine results.
• 🏆 Niche online stores: Stores that specialize in a specific product category, allowing them to stand out and attract a specific audience .
• 🌟 Branded online stores: Platforms created to sell products of a specific brand, ensuring uniqueness and recognition.
• 🤔 Competition: Strategic actions aimed at a company's success in a competitive environment.
• 🤗 Partnership: Collaborate with marketplaces and other platforms to expand business opportunities.
• 😃 Customer-centric service: Services and approaches focused on meeting and anticipating customer needs.
• 🛍 Assortment: The selection of goods and services offered by the store.
• 💻 User Experience (UX): The overall experience and interaction of a user with a product or platform.
• 📣 Alternative sources of attracting audience: Various methods and channels of attracting visitors to the site, not limited to traditional methods.
• 💡 Marketplace model: Transferring business to a marketplace platform to distribute risks and expand the audience.

Prospects for the survival of traditional online stores

I can confidently say that in times of active popularization of marketplaces, only those online stores that are able to adapt their business models and effectively compete with major players can survive. Two types of such stores - niche and branded - show particular results due to their strategy and approach.

📦 Niche online stores: How to compete with marketplaces

Niche online stores, that operate in a specific market niche and specialize in certain product categories have their own unique advantages. This approach allows them to target a clearly defined target audience of and provide an individualized service that is difficult for mass marketplaces to emulate.

Advantages of niche stores:

🛒 Expertise and professionalism: I always recommend sharing a lot of useful information with potential clients. For example, regularly publish instructions, reviews and videos of the product.

🎯 High-quality assortment: Specialization in a certain niche allows you to carefully select products and offer the highest quality goods.

🔑 Personalized service: Niche stores can offer individual consultations and a personalized approach to each client.

Secrets of success of niche online stores:

1. Have competencies in your niche.

   📌 I personally always advise paying attention to developing expertise in your field. For example, our consultants undergo regular training and can answer any questions clients may have.

2. Work with assortment.

   📌 Don’t be afraid to test new assortments and analyze the needs of your customers. Experience has shown that non-standard and unique products attract attention.

3. Offer quality service.

   📌 Quality service is the key to customer retention. I always recommend investing in process automation and paying attention to customer feedback.

4. Look for new ways to engage your audience.

   📌 Social networks and blogs can be a great channel for attracting and retaining customers. We successfully use these channels to publish expert materials and ensure constant interaction with the audience.

Table of useful and harmful practices:

🌟 Branded online stores: Your path to success

Internet -stores that offer products from world-famous brands also have their own unique advantages. In our store, we focus on working with brands that inspire trust and have an impeccable reputation.

Advantages of brand stores:

🛍️ Original products: We always offer only original products, which reduces the risks of buying fakes found on marketplaces.

🔄 Regular replenishment of the assortment: The assortment is constantly updated with fresh trendy new items. I'm sure this helps keep customers' attention and encourages them to come back for more purchases.

🎨 Wide selection of sizes and colors: The catalog includes products of all sizes and colors, not only popular items that are quickly sold out by distributors.

📋 One hundred percent guarantees: Customers are provided with full guarantees on all products. In our store, we have also introduced loyalty programs for regular customers, which contributes to customer retention.

Success brand stores is based on the following principles:

1. We offer only original products.

   📌 By working with trusted brands, we protect our clients from counterfeits. This is the key to trust and loyalty.

2. We constantly update our assortment.

   📌 We quickly introduce new trends and trends into our catalog, offer customers new items even before they become widespread.

3. We provide a variety of choices.

   📌 I always try to include products in different colors and sizes to suit the needs of different customers.

4. We are actively developing loyalty programs.

   📌 Advantageous offers for regular customers are one of the methods of customer retention. We develop unique offers that motivate you to come back again and again.

Case Study:

We recently introduced a new loyalty program that includes personal discounts and bonus points for every purchase. The result was not long in coming: customer return increased by 20%, and the average check increased by 15%.

Table of useful and harmful practices:

These strategies and approaches help traditional online retailers stay competitive and retain customers in the era of marketplaces. I am confident that by following these recommendations, you will be able to significantly improve your business performance and survive in an increasingly competitive environment.

Partnership instead of competition

Very often it turns out like this, that sales of goods are beginning on marketplaces that quite recently buyers bought exclusively through my own channels. However, rather than perceiving this as a threat, I have seen through my experience that this can be an additional opportunity for business expansion. Many well-known brands successfully use marketplaces as an additional channel for selling goods. For example, we placed part of our product range on popular platforms and saw a noticeable influx of new customers.

💡 What to look for when choosing a site:

• 📊 Commission percentage
• 📅 Payment frequency sellers
• 📦 Type of cooperation (window display or plus delivery)
• 🚛 Fulfillment (packaging and delivery of purchases)
• 📐 Measurements and restrictions on product dimensions
• 🧾 Principles of working in your personal account, level of process automation
• 📍 Rules for uploading goods to the platform
• 📣 Features of setting up advertising campaigns

Before choosing a site, I would advise you to carefully analyze the above parameters. For example, in my experience, commission rates can have a significant impact on your bottom line, especially in your advertising budget.

Table of main parameters when choosing a marketplace

Focus on the final benefit

To compete with marketplaces, one of the successful strategies was focusing on the final benefits of consumers. Research and personal experience have shown me that it is more effective not just to sell a product, but to provide a solution for the client.

📌 Examples of:

• When selling a drill, I positioned it as a way to quickly and easily get holes of the desired diameter.
• When promoting cosmetics, we emphasized the confidence and admiring glances of others that our client gains.
• When selling a flight, we focused on comfortable movement from point A to point B.

When we talk about products in terms of customer benefits, I have seen a significant increase in sales and loyalty to our brand. I believe the right marketing strategy should be aimed at solving customer problems, and not just selling the product itself.

Focus on a customer-centric approach

Customer focus is a powerful tool for survival in a highly competitive environment. In my experience, I have become convinced that by providing high-quality service, I not only get regular customers, but also attract new ones thanks to word of mouth.

❗ Key aspects of customer focus:

• 🤝 Correct and clear communication with clients
• 🎧 Prompt feedback
• 🎁 Wide selection of personal offers
• 📢 Regular information about news, promotions and discounts
• 🔍 Providing guarantees and after-sales service

Table of Key Aspects of Customer Focus

Expanding the assortment

To attract and retain customers, I would recommend constantly expanding the assortment with current and new products. On my website I add exclusive items that are difficult to find from competitors, which allows me to gain the trust of clients.

Improved user experience

By studying the behavior of my customers through usability tests and surveys, I was able to significantly improve their user experience. One example is the optimization of the website interface for mobile devices, which sharply reduced customer churn.

⚡ Key parameters for improving UX:

• 📞 Possibility of easy contact with managers
• 📱 Website optimization for mobile devices
• 🤖 Interrelation of communication channels
• 💻 Overloaded interface and the need for functionality
• 🔎 Information about products and the availability of keyword search

Customer Experience Improvement Table

Alternative sources of audience acquisition

When traditional methods of attracting clients became less effective, I began to use alternative methods marketing.

📢 I recommend the following methods:

• 🌟 Recommendations from bloggers working in a similar niche
• 🎯 Targeted advertising
• 🔄 Retargeting
• 📱 SMM (social media)
• 🎁 Loyalty programs (bonuses, discounts)

I am confident that such methods have a significant impact on attracting new and retaining existing audiences.

Switching to a marketplace model

One of the most significant decisions I've made lately is transforming our online store with a wide assortment in the marketplace. This step allowed us not only to increase income, but also to significantly simplify assortment management and increase customer interest.

I am confident that this approach is suitable for scaling a business and quickly entering new markets . However, this requires significant financial support and investments.

Advantages of the marketplace model

By creating my own marketplace model, I learned how to effectively manage a business at all stages, from cooperation with suppliers to marketing campaigns, which helped me significantly strengthen my position in the market.

Practical recommendations for successful competition of traditional online stores with marketplaces

Nowadays, marketplaces have significantly changed the e-commerce landscape, attracting huge traffic and offering customers a significant variety of products. As the owner of a traditional online store, I faced a number of challenges when competing with such giants. However, experience has shown that having a clear strategy and focus on unique advantages can help successfully overcome these challenges.

Adapting business models

To begin with, I would recommend considering adapting your business model. Traditional online stores must use their flexibility and personalized approach to stand out in the face of marketplaces like Amazon or Rozetka. When I revised my business model, I focused on highly specialized products that large platforms could not offer. 🌟

To illustrate the usefulness of this approach, I looked at several successful examples. For example, in my practice there were cases when I collaborated with small manufacturers of exclusive goods, which allowed me to offer clients unique items that were not available on marketplaces.

Improving customer service

Customer-centric service is the key point that allows traditional online stores to outperform marketplaces. I have seen that quick response to customer requests, personalized recommendations and concern for their needs allows us to retain and attract loyal customers.

Here are some ways:

🚀 Fast processing of orders and returns
💬 Personalized consultations and technical support
🎁 Free bonuses and promotions for regular customers

I have also implemented a review and rating system that allows customers to leave their opinions, helping new customers make their choice.

Creating Unique Content

I want to point out the importance of creating unique content. 🔑 Content plays a significant role in attracting and retaining customers. My experience has shown that the presence of detailed product descriptions, high-quality photographs and video recommendations makes an online store more attractive to customers.

From my point of view, creating a blog with useful articles, tips on using products and reviews helps not only in promoting products, but also in improving the image of the store.

Here are some examples of the content I used:

✏️ Articles and blogs on the topic of using
📸 Video tutorials and product reviews
📊 Selection and operating instructions

Using SEO

In conclusion, I cannot stress enough the importance of SEO for traditional online stores. Optimizing your website and content for search queries can significantly increase your store’s online visibility. I recommend paying attention to the use of keywords, creating internal and external links, and improving site loading speed.

📈 It is important to monitor analytics and set up web analytics tools:

• Keyword analysis and market trends
• Optimizing content for specific queries
• Continuously improving user experience

Best Practices Table

I am confident that by following these recommendations, owners of traditional online stores will be able to strengthen their positions and effectively compete with marketplaces. A careful approach to each of these strategies will help you not only maintain, but also grow your businesses in the new era of e-commerce.

Experience Logitech

Logitech is a global leader in computer peripherals and accessories such as keyboards, mice, headphones and webcams. Founded in 1981, the company has since significantly expanded its product range and extensive distribution network. The company's core business is focused on developing innovative and high-quality products that promote productivity and enjoyment when using electronic devices.

Detailed description of the client, their business and goals

Logitech is dedicated to providing consumers with innovative solutions that make their work and entertainment experiences more convenient and productive. The main goals of include providing customers with high-quality products, maintaining a leading position in the market and increasing market share in the face of the growing popularity of technology marketplaces.

Identifying key goals and objectives to be achieved

1. Maintaining a high level of customer focus
2. Development of an innovative product range
3. Expanding presence on major marketplaces
4. Improvement search visibility through SEO

Statement of the main problem to be solved

The main problem is the need to increase the competitiveness of a traditional online store in the conditions of dominance of marketplaces. Logitech needs to provide value to its customers that competes with all the benefits offered by marketplaces.

Target Audience Characteristics and Interests

Logitech's target audience includes:

• 🌟 Professionals and corporate clients who need reliable and high-quality solutions for their work.
• 🎮 Gamers who value highly efficient and technologically advanced peripherals.
• 💻 Regular users looking for comfortable and durable accessories for everyday use.

Key points that may be of interest to potential clients

• 🔍 Innovation and quality of products
• 🌐 Brand reliability and longevity
• 💬 Customer focus and support
• 🛒 Exclusive offers and discounts when purchasing through the official website

Facts, figures and concrete results of the project

• 📈 Increased sales through the official online store by 20% in the first year after implementing new strategies.
• ⚙️ Improved Customer Focus Score: 15% increase in NPS (Net Promoter Score) thanks to improved service and customer support.
• 💡 SEO optimization: increase in organic traffic on the site by 30%, which led to a reduction in costs for paid sources traffic.

Table with overview of key results

Quote

"Customer loyalty is built on high quality product and exceptional customer service. This strategy helped us differentiate ourselves from the sea of offers on marketplaces." — Jonas Berger, Logitech representative.

Logitech has become an example of how to successfully combine traditional selling with innovative approaches, maintaining its uniqueness and strengthening its position through adaptive business strategy and technological improvements

Frequently asked questions on the topic: How online stores can adapt to the era of marketplaces

Thank you for reading and gaining new experience! 🎉

You've just armed yourself with powerful strategies to save traditional online stores in the age of marketplaces! This knowledge is your key to success. Well, now you are an expert in this field, get maximum benefit from it and grow your business with confidence.

I look forward to your comments. How are you going to apply this knowledge in practice? 💼

— Zinaida Rumyantseva, independent expert, Elbuz

🧵 In the world of automation, I am the weaver of the story of your prosperity. Here, every sentence is a drop of a catalyst for success, and I am ready to guide you along the path of an effective Internet business! 💡