Offline2On : The eCommerce Community Comes Together to Help SMBs

Offline2On : The eCommerce Community Comes Together to Help SMBs

Redstage and our partners are united towards a common goal: Getting online merchants up and running at full speed during the crisis at all costs. Even if it means working for free. As one of many stakeholders in the advancement of the eCommerce industry, we’re committing to action, rather than platitudes. Here’s what merchants need to know about the initiative.

Offline2On: What is it?

The eCommerce community combats covid-19 with global helpline

Offline2On is a cross-platform initiative sparked by more than 1,000 leaders in the eCommerce industry. Platforms like Magento, BigCommerce, and Shopify have teamed up with designers, developers, marketers, and technology companies to serve merchants around the globe to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Offline2On, we connect merchants with expert resources to lend a helping hand, with the goal of bringing offline businesses online within one week.

As a member of the initiative, Redstage’s teams are prepped and ready to help merchants around the world. “Our business and employees must count ourselves very lucky that our industry is still in demand in this crisis.  We feel that it is important to support our community, local businesses, and people’s livelihood while we are able.” Adam Morris, Redstage CEO said, sharing the sentiment of so many eCommerce industry leaders.

 

Offline2On: Who is it for?

join the biggest eCommerce community initiative in history and get the help you need today

Restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers with digital or physical stores can get help today! With employees working from home around the globe, the initiative has special solutions to help both bricks-and-clicks companies solve current challenges and get back to work.

1. Physical retailers who need help setting up an online store can get the assistance they need from top agencies and solution providers.

2. Restaurants can get assistance with food delivery services (see a full list of delivery services waiving fees here).

3. Existing online stores can get help optimizing online operations or getting products in marketplaces (view list of digital marketplace options here).

4. SMBs that need marketing assistance can get connected with digital and traditional marketing experts, and learn how to set up essential online marketing operations here.

 

Offline2On: What free services are agencies offering?

join the biggest eCommerce community initiative in history and get the help you need today

From Business Continuity solutions to migration assistance, website audits, and marketing packages, retailers and online merchants have many options to choose from. Here are a few of the free services merchants can take advantage of today:

 

1. The Online Now Package (Cost: Free)

offline2on customers can get online fast with the free online now package

For businesses that don’t currently have an online store, we will pair you with an eCommerce expert who will:

  • Advise you on the best platform for your needs
  • Help get your products online
  • Assist you in getting your new website live

Find More Information Here

 

2. The Store Audit Package (Cost: Free)

Offline2On customers can get free monitoring and reports about their online stores with the free audit package

For businesses that have a website but need some support, we will pair you with an eCommerce expert who will:

  • Review your customer experience for possible improvements
  • Test your website speed and help you increase performance
  • Help set up optimized promotions and gift card sales

Find More Information Here

 

3. The Marketing Intro Package (Cost: Free)

Offline2On customers can get free marketing assistance with the marketing intro package.

For businesses that have a website but need help with marketing, we will pair you with an eCommerce expert who will:

  • Review social media integrations
  • Go through your choice of organic traffic support or paid traffic consultation
  • Make sure your website is optimized for search engines (SEO)
  • Discuss opportunities for paid advertising

Find More Information Here

 

Offline2On: How Can I Get Started?

get the help you need to fight covid-19 and keep your business running from offline2on

To get started, visit Offline2On.com and take the short quiz at the bottom. This will help the community of technology experts understand your needs and share helpful recommendations for your industry. If you’d like to be paired with an agency for a specific service package, fill out the form here. It’s that easy to get the help you need now.

 

Offline2On: Can I Get Help Right Away?

As a supporter of this initiative, the Redstage team is ready to help you any way we can. If you would like to start right away or have any questions, send us a note or check out Offline2On’s FAQ page here. If you need help with anything not included in the free packages, we’re offering 1 to 3 months of our services free depending on merchant size and needs. With a little help and a little collaboration, we can empower each other and build a better world of work for commerce professionals everywhere.

Stay safe, stay connected, and keep calm. We’re here to get you back on track. 

 

3 eCommerce Technologies B2B Sellers Need for 2021

3 eCommerce Technologies B2B Sellers Need for 2021

In 2020, customers became bolder with their demands and expectations. You may have learned how to satisfy them with evergreen content, site optimization, and fraud protection. However, as 2021 picks up, merchants need to stay one step ahead of the competition by studying trends and going beyond customer expectations. Through convenience, conscious consumerism, and flexibility, these 3 eCommerce technologies help B2B companies boost sales and improve shopping experiences.

1. Conversational Search in the Rise of Convenience

 

voice search device for flexibility

 

Conversational Search is designed to mirror spoken search requests rather than keywords. Siri and Alexa changed the way shoppers navigate the Internet and retailers are finding new ways to implement “Conversational Search” in their SEO strategy. Thanks to technologies like Klevu, customers can interact with a search engine and find answers using their normal, natural language. Activating Conversational Search on your site gives customers easy, on-demand, and frictionless access to the information and products they want.

Conversational Search for B2B

Automated email blasts and informal sales outreach alone, no longer close B2B deals. 30% of web browsing sessions will be conducted without a phone screen this year. Ensuring your online store is ready to provide a simple experience through search is key. To reach your customers, you must:

1. Research: Optimizing search requires getting to know your potential customers. Research and learn the questions they’re asking, challenges they’re facing, their priorities, goals, favorite products, and the phrases they’re using to search for products you provide.

2. Optimize: Once you know your customers’ burning questions, conduct a full search audit, and optimize your site. Remember, 90% of executives research using their mobile devices before making a purchase decision. You can better serve your customers when your site feels conversational and your voice search feature is user-friendly on all devices.

3. Create Content: Voice-search optimization requires your content to reflect your buyers’ needs. It should be easy for your customers to navigate your site search through natural conversation. Include “ask keywords” in your voice search strategy that answers your buyers’ questions. Some examples include, “how can I strengthen my eCommerce strategy? ” or “what are the product benefits?

2. Loyalty’s Place in the Rise of Conscious Consumerism

 

loyalty card in wallet for flexible purchases

 

In 2020, “Conscious Consumerism” became mainstream. Now 65% of global consumers make belief-driven purchases. In addition, 66% of shoppers choose to stay loyal to brands that share their values.

Implementing platforms like Loyalty Lion will allow merchants to create unique loyalty programs. This will make it easier for customers to practice “Conscious Consumerism” while building authentic relationships between you and your customers.

Loyalty programs employed by companies like Stay Wildish are built upon members completing monthly challenges in exchange for points. Shoppers can then donate their points to non-profit organizations. This keeps customers returning to engage with the program as they earn social rewards they value.

Customers who are aligned with your mission are more willing to act as advocates and share brands with others who have similar values. By appealing to what your customers want, you’ll secure their loyalty long-term and increase their lifetime value.

Loyalty for B2B

To encourage your existing customers to return, implement a loyalty program in your B2B strategy that can help you acquire like-minded customers who will convert faster and stay loyal longer. According to B2B Marketing Academy, loyal customers are five times more likely to make a purchase and forgive mistakes. They’re also seven times easier to upsell if you include:

1. Personalization: One loyal customer equals a steady source of income. While B2B companies offer a smaller pool of customers than B2C, it’s critical to add a more personalized touch.  Your customers are online, meet them there. Personalize their emails, and provide multiple ways to communicate messages to them such as text alerts. Personalization efforts can drive a six-fold increase in sales!

2. VIP Rewards: Customers love specialized perks. Don’t waste a good email without offering your customers exclusives like reward points, product sampling, and early access to promotions. Keep your customers’ goals in mind by figuring out how your reward points can directly impact their lives and be useful beyond your company’s objectives.

 

3. New Expectations Demand Shipping Flexibility 

 

Shipping Flexibility

 

Customers want options, and they want them on their terms. Fast shipping, however, is no longer an option but an expectation. Retailers need to start looking at innovative and alternative shipping services and tools like ShipperHQ to meet these new expectations and create new and better experiences for customers.

BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In-Store) is a relatively new buying option that continues to rise in popularity. Like B2Cs, B2B companies are implementing this strategy to change how they interact with their customers. Just think about it, if your customer needs a machine part or tool that day, BOPIS allows them to buy it through your website in minutes and pick it up at a nearby store, reducing their project timeline. This also helps with items that have shipping restrictions and can take a long time to arrive where the customer needs them.

Additionally, 75% of BOPIS users make unplanned purchases while they’re in your store, according to Agilence. If Home Depot, Lowes, and Amazon can offer BOPIS options, it’s time more manufacturers and distributors take advantage of this powerful technology.

Other buying options include above-and-beyond services like same-day, white-glove, or in-home delivery. The construction, wholesale and distribution, and automotive industries can benefit greatly from it. For example, construction employees are often sent out to pick up orders. Same day delivery can save project managers time and money. These implementations will keep merchants ahead of their competition and improve customer experiences.

Shipping Flexibility and B2B

B2B customer demographics are shifting. Millennials are becoming decision-makers and they’re expecting miracles. More than next day delivery options are driving sales, they’re relying on innovation and technological advantages to make their lives as buyers easier. Shipping is one of the buyer’s final touchpoints and  B2B companies can improve these experiences through:

1. Price Transparency: B2B customers expect online stores to reveal shipping costs before purchasing. Consider options that are fast and can cut down shipping costs.

2. Flexible Returns: The ability to provide flexible and easy return options will make or break your reputation. To keep your customers’ trust, provide a clear and easy return policy on your website and include return labels with shipments.

3. Efficient Distribution Strategies: B2B eCommerce sales in the U.S are expected to exceed $1.18 trillion by 2021. Success in the marketplace comes from adapting to customer demands but also being aware of rising threats. Adding more distribution centers and new technologies that can improve tracking of shipments, real-time traceability, and threat detection such as environment monitoring can help streamline logistics.

 

Final Thoughts

Your recipe for success in 2021 is to take today’s latest technical capabilities and implement them, while also looking ahead to future trends. Effectively engaging customers at the beginning of their shopping journey, encouraging repeat purchases through advanced search, loyalty programs, and shipping convenience should be at the forefront of B2B executive’s minds.
 
Olam International, a multi-national agriculture distribution powerhouse, has already implemented new shipping solution ShipperHQ along with advanced search by Amasty and Customer Approval extensions from MagePlaza with Redstage’s help. Utilizing Magento 2’s out-of-the-box B2B feature set, we helped Olam digitize operations for multiple multinational stores; OlamSpices.com, OlamSpecialtyCoffee.com, and OlamEdibleNuts.com. The latter of these being the first and only online portal for edible nut distribution in the world. B2B companies that not only keep up with trends but stay ahead of them will remain one step ahead of their competitors as well.
 
To find out how you can integrate these technologies and more into your 2021 eCommerce strategy, book your free consultation with Redstage today. And if you’re thinking about upgrading to Magento 2 but are strapped for time, learn more about our 40-day B2B accelerator here.