Today, e-commerce is a major business development lever for companies. According to the Fevad (Fédération du e-commerce et de la vente à distance) annual report on online sales, this market will be worth almost 150 billion euros in 2022 (+13.8 % on the previous year). Whatever their sector of activity, it's in every professional's interest to digitize in order to increase their sales in the long term. Find out how a e-commerce training can help traditional companies win new market share on the Internet.
The challenges of the transition to online commerce for traditional businesses
For a company traditionally involved in physical commerce, turning to e-commerce represents a real challenge. Indeed, the barriers to entry can be numerous. The first of these is a lack of technical knowledge and skills. To exist on the web and stand out from your competitors, you need a solid background.
For the digitally uninitiated, simply creating a Google My Business listing can be an obstacle course. And what about designing an online store... Even if it is now possible to use a CMS (content management system) such as PrestaShop, Shopify or WooCommerce to set up an e-commerce site without having to code, you still need to be familiar with the digital world.
Resistance to change is another common obstacle in traditional companies of all sizes. Why change a recipe that has worked for years? If you're a business leader faced with this type of situation, don't ignore it. On the contrary, listen, discuss and explain the reasons for change to your staff. This is essential if they are to accept the change and support its deployment.
Finally, it should be borne in mind that any digital transition can lead to varying degrees of difficulty in adapting. E-commerce is a fast-moving sector. Upheavals are permanent. Your company must be able to adapt to this new market dynamic.
The importance of e-commerce training
Given the many challenges involved, specific training seems essential, even vital. It's the best way to acquire, in the shortest possible time, all the technical skills needed to develop an online business. In particular, you'll learn how to manage an online store, from putting products or services online to order delivery methods, stock management and returns.
You'll also learn about all the techniques you can use to increase your visibility on the Internet. In other words, you'll learn how to design a digital marketing strategy, including SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEA (Search Engine Advertising) and SMA (Social Media Advertising).
Mastering e-mail marketing is just as important, as this approach will help you both win new customers and retain existing ones.
Another point not to be overlooked is your understanding of the major trends in the online market. Once again, this is a constantly evolving sector. Knowing how to detect weak signals in order to anticipate tomorrow's opportunities is a wonderful way of developing your business.
The benefits of e-commerce training for traditional businesses
In concrete terms, what can such training do for you? For your company, the benefits are manifold. On the one hand, it will increase your online visibility. By implementing the right marketing actions, you'll be able to attract qualified traffic to your store. In concrete terms, Internet users arriving on your e-commerce site will show greater interest in your products or services.
Naturally, your conversion rate will improve, and your sales will increase exponentially. What's more, you'll know how to offer your customers an optimal shopping experience. When it comes to online sales, the slightest grain of sand in a prospect's journey can result in a lost sale. By optimizing these paths, you'll improve customer relations and encourage your customers to come back and order from you. Finally, mastering a wide range of e-commerce skills is the only way to adapt quickly to changes in your market.
Conclusion
For many traditional companies, taking the plunge into the digital age is still a latent challenge, due to the obstacles it entails. And yet, the potential for growth is there. For professionals who have decided to take the plunge, taking a course dedicated to e-commerce is an almost obligatory step, with the aim of developing the skills needed to make the project a success.