Starting an ecommerce business can be an exciting yet challenging venture. One of the most common questions posed by new entrepreneurs is how to secure those crucial first few sales. In this article, we explore a unique approach taken by our speaker who shares valuable insights on obtaining initial sales and carving out a niche in a competitive market.
Finding the Target Audience and Unique Selling Point:
Before launching the brand or even having products available, she invested time in product research to identify a specific target audience. Understanding the needs and preferences of this audience helped shape the brand's unique selling point. By clearly defining the brand's values and benefits, a loyal following was cultivated even before the first product hit the market. This early marketing strategy set the foundation for acquiring those initial sales.
Pricing Strategy and Competitor Research:
Contrary to conventional wisdom, she priced her products higher than competitors. This pricing decision was backed by extensive competitor research, which revealed an interesting insight from a research paper by McKinsey. The paper discussed how increasing a brand's sales price by 1% without sacrificing sales volume could lead to an 8% improvement in profit margin. To implement such a pricing strategy effectively, thorough competitor analysis was essential. Our speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the market, trends, and competition when determining pricing strategies.
Analyzing Competitors and Finding a Blue Sea:
Understanding competitors and industry demand is crucial for any business, whether online or offline. The speaker advises against entering industries saturated with numerous competitors offering identical products. Instead, she recommends identifying untapped markets with high demand and limited competition. This approach allows businesses to differentiate themselves and avoid a price-centric competition that may not be sustainable. By venturing into this "Blue Sea," businesses can discover products or services that people need but aren't readily available.
Creating a Niche and Producing In-House Brands:
Our speaker's journey began by selling existing products from other brands. As their following grew, they gradually introduced their own in-house brands alongside the third-party offerings. This strategic expansion allowed her business to capture a broader market share and witness a significant increase in transactions and profits. By cultivating a dedicated fan base and expanding their product range, she successfully established a niche and capitalized on it.
When it comes to generating initial e-commerce sales, the path to success may involve taking unconventional approaches. Our speaker's story highlights the significance of thorough market research, understanding the target audience, and differentiating oneself from competitors. By analyzing competitors, identifying unique selling points, and creating a niche, e-commerce entrepreneurs can increase their chances of gaining those crucial first sales and building a profitable business. Embracing creativity and seeking out untapped opportunities in the "Blue Sea" can lead to remarkable success in the world of e-commerce.