7 Ways Technology Can Help You Streamline Your Online Store Operations
For eCommerce businesses, making use of technology in the right way to achieve smoother operations, better productivity, and increased revenues. But even though technology can do wonders when it comes to the efficiency of a business, most business owners don’t know how to implement the right systems.Given the highly competitive nature of eCommerce, streamlining your online store operations by using technology can be just the competitive advantage you need in order to rise above the rest.In this article, we’re discussing 7 ways to incorporate technology into your Shopify store’s operations.
- Inventory Management
- Customer Relationships
- Reach Mobile Users
- Customer Support
- Sales Management
- Account Management
- Seamless Payment Technology
If you want to keep improving, Shopify inventory management is essential. Shopify stores can plug an automated inventory management system into their sites to monitor and maintain stock levels. This will save you time as you will no longer need to update inventory numbers and details on spreadsheets. The counts change in real-time whenever new stock arrives or when it is sold/returned.The risk of human error is also removed and everything is done automatically, regardless of how many transactions a day you are doing. Finally, by connecting the front and back end of your Shopify store, you provide your customers with a seamless experience.
Customers are an invaluable resource for your eCommerce business. When they’re satisfied with your online store, they are very likely to come back and buy from you again. Studies have found that about 25% of consumers will spend more with brands that provide a good customer experience than their competitors that provide a poor one.You can foster positive relationships with your customers by using CRM software. CRM provides a single, centralized location where you can manage all customer info and nurture them through your sales funnel. Some CRM software can also automate order confirmations and email marketing, further streamlining your online store’s operations.
Today, more people access the web through mobile devices than through desktop computers. That means that failing to target mobile users in your marketing campaigns can cost you sales.The most effective way to reach mobile users is to develop a mobile-friendly eCommerce site. You can choose from 3 mobile-friendly design configurations: a responsive theme, a separate mobile site, or dynamically serving HTML. As it happens to be, Google recommends the first one.Besides a mobile-friendly site design for your eCommerce store, you can also reach mobile users by using online ad networks. Google AdWords and Facebook Ads allow you to create ads that only display to mobile users.
There are many options available for handling and automating customer queries and complaints, but chatbots are the most popular ones. Today’s consumers expect to find the information they’re looking for quickly and easily, and chatbots are just the right tools for that.Companies that implement chatbots are rapidly rising. A survey by Facebook found that over 50% of customers are more likely to buy from an online store that they can connect with via chat.Besides chatbots, eCommerce businesses can use all kinds of technology to delight their customers. One example is VoIP. Voice over Internet Protocol is cheap, accessible, and allows for greater command of calls. With VoIP, your customer support staff will no longer need to be huddled around phones 24/7; they can take and manage calls from their computers.
One of the most important upsides of having a digital store is that you don’t need to have a huge sales team. But even if your sales team keeps growing, the processes can easily be streamlined with automated workflows and tools like CRM.For example, when a lead is added to the CRM system, your sales team will be able to easily retrieve contact details, schedule calls, and allocate follow-ups. This will also help you avoid messy situations like several sales agents getting in touch with the same lead. Doing this correctly will help keep the relationships personalized and fresh.
The majority of business owners loathe anything that has to do with bookkeeping. Luckily, implementing automation within the accounting department can make their lives significantly easier. Ideally, you should opt for a system that integrates with your business bank account, payment system, and inventory management.This will provide an accurate picture of your expenses vs. revenues. In addition, your employees will be able to scan and save their invoices, allowing your expense management team to assess them right away.
According to Business Insider, global consumers are expected to make more than 1 trillion non-cash payments by 2024, using a mix of mobile, connected, and online devices.Today’s consumers expect personalized and seamless online experiences. A seamless eCommerce experience is when they are able to buy products quickly, safely, and conveniently.Most eCommerce stores are offering various digital payment options for user convenience and faster checkout. The advancement of technology allowed for authentication options like touch and face ID, where the credentials are already loaded and ready to pay. This also includes PayPal, AmazonPay, GooglePay, etc. By providing multiple payment options, the shopping process is easier and less time consuming, adding to the positive UX.
Final Thoughts
If you want to begin making your life easier in the world of eCommerce, you should definitely consider taking advantage of technology. With all the abundance of tools and resources at your disposal, you can streamline your operations and grow your online store.