The Initial Step Towards Increased Sales
When in doubt or in need of information, where’s the first place you turn to? For a majority, the answer is Google (or any search engine), a trend that’s only growing. Reflecting on retail history, offline sales dominated with 92% in 2012, but this figure has since dipped to 80%. More notably, 81% of consumers now prefer to research online before making a purchase. If your inventory matches a customer’s search, an online presence could be crucial in leading them to your product, potentially increasing your in-person sales. Offering an online shopping experience can further boost these chances. Establishing a Digital Presence for University Surplus Stores For university surplus operations without an online footprint, starting an e-commerce site may appear daunting. A simpler beginning could be to launch a website showcasing available surplus items and essential information such as operational hours and pickup guidelines. This can significantly enhance your online visibility and inform potential buyers of your offerings. Assetworks’ Recoup Promote tool can simplify this process by importing your surplus asset data into an easily navigable online catalog, enhancing your digital presence with minimal effort.
The Importance of SEO for University Surplus E-commerce
SEO optimization is critical in directing potential customers to your site, as merely having a website doesn’t guarantee traffic. Effective SEO ensures higher visibility in search results, a task made simpler with the Recoup Promote tool, which provides SEO-ready pages. Incorporating search terms relevant to your audience can further refine your visibility, attracting customers with specific needs.
Visual Appeal with Images and Product Photos
Given that 75% of online shoppers rely on product imagery to make purchasing decisions, high-quality photos are indispensable. Adopting a standardized approach to your product photos not only aids in attracting customers but also lends a professional look akin to established online retailers.
AssetWorks offers a solution to the often time-consuming task of photo-taking with the AssetWorks Image Capture app, designed for efficient photo synchronization with your surplus database, allowing for immediate online display.
Expanding Reach Through Social Media
Social media serves as an effective channel for increasing awareness and driving sales, with around 40% of U.S. shoppers making purchases influenced by social media exposure. Neglecting this avenue may limit your store’s potential and impede long-term sustainability goals.
Embarking on E-commerce
While launching a comprehensive online store might seem ambitious at present, initial steps towards online listing and promotion can pave the way for significant revenue growth. AssetWorks’ Recoup Promote offers a manageable start, with the option to scale up to Recoup Buy for a fully integrated e-commerce solution, complete with secure payment processing.
