Online E-Commerce is a Key to Surviving the Recession

Experts are continuing to highlight the advantages of a Web presence during the economic downturn! This week, it's Irwin Kramer at E-Commerce Times! Kramer points out that "Online sales continue to show steady growth in face of adverse economic conditions!"

Also, Kramer warns of a dismal outcome for those businesses that choose not to leverage the Web, giving competitors who are online a considerable advantage.

"As in-store retailers that haven't embraced online shopping go out of business, orphaned shoppers are turning to the retailers that have."

Kramer outlines some key benefits of selling online using what's known as a "cross-channel" strategy. (For instance, allowing customers to order online and pick up in-store, or enabling customers to use things like gift cards online.) By implementing a cross-channel strategy, Kramer writes, retailers and their customers can experience the following benefits:

• Convenience: "You can't always keep your physical retail locations open 24/7," Kramer writes, "but an automated online platform allows retailers to receive orders at any time." This is a major benefit for any kind of business! A professional, content-rich Web site is available at all hours to provide information as well as accept customer orders!
• Eco-Friendly practices: "Increasing attention is being placed on 'green' business practices these days, and an e-commerce platform helps retailers promote ecologically-friendly business practices," Kramer writes. We told you about this growing trend last week. Don't underestimate its influence as a marketing tool!
• Savings: According to Kramer, "From a business perspective, retailers can save significant costs by eliminating traditional paper marketing and distribution methods." Research increasingly shows that direct-mail marketing is losing to avenues like e-mail marketing. Tell your prospects about the money they'll save in the long run with your Web solution!

Kramer sums up his perspective by explaining that leveraging the Web during the downturn depends on effective use of the Web and e-commerce tools. He writes that a growing number of businesses are "relying on e-commerce platforms to gain a greater understanding of their customers, cut costs, and run operations more efficiently."