Completing a Masters in eCommerce in DCU gave me the tools to learn and grow in an ever changing and fast evolving industry. But what are the key focuses for 2025?

Overcoming economic uncertainty

Right now with global trade wars unfolding in front of our eyes, consumers of eCommerce retailers are living in general uncertainty and holding onto their hard earned money. It’s a difficult one to overcome, but a necessity if your eCommerce business is to survive long term.

One of the most valuable things you can do here is to understand what motivates your customers when making those decisions. Unfortunately there will be no silver bullet for all industries, but most can review the following points and ensure they are doing the right thing by their customers;

Cost: Can you ease the financial burden on the customer by offering a payment plan? There are several “Buy Now Pay Later” options available for seamless eCommerce.

Risk Reducers: Make sure you have a return policy that aligns with what your customers expect so you reduce the risk for the consumer in buying your products.

Research: What other factors influence your customers and how can you mitigate the risk or meet the need they have in order to reduce uncertainty and convert that sale?

Keeping Hard Earned Trust

If you have a stable base of repeat customers, they likely want you to succeed as they have a positive buying experience from you. When your sales stagnate or dip, it’s easy to increase your email blasts or retargeting to your base to try and fill the gap. But this can be an obvious attempt at pressuring a sale they may not want to make. Instead, look at how often they buy and craft an email to offer a discount for their next order. Be honest about knowing they are due to order and you’re giving the discount because of ongoing uncertainty. It shows you can be loyal as a company and customers can resonate with that.

Bold Growth Strategies

During uncertain times companies naturally tighten their purse strings too. But if possible, this is the perfect time to invest in getting new customers and also increasing, what I call, your online market share by investing in SEO. As your competitors reduce marketing budgets, you can close the gap on their Google ranking and move up the listings to be included in more peoples buying journey. And once buyer positivity comes back around, you will have more of a piece of the pie due to the progress you made when you seized the opportunity.

If you still find trouble after ensuring these areas are in order, consider pivoting or adding more related products that may sell well.

Author: Feargal Harris, Director of Business Developments at www.numinix.com and www.trek.ca

Graduate of: Masters of Science in eCommerce

Completing a Masters in eCommerce in DCU gave me the tools to learn and grow in an ever changing and fast evolving industry. But what are the key focuses for 2025?