Faced with the physical closure of non-essential businesses due to the spread of COVID-19, many Canadian retail businesses must rely on e-commerce to ensure their survival. A study carried out in 2020 reveals that online transactions in Quebec have seen an increase of 118% unlike the same period last year. AOD Marketing explains that: “consumption habits adapt according to the available channels, hence the meteoric rise of online commerce, the only option available at the moment”.
This increase in online transactions varies depending on the sector of activity of the companies. The level of digital development of the company is also an important factor to consider. A study carried out by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in 2017 reveals that the majority of Canadian SMEs experience “a low level of digital maturity” making online sales even more difficult. This digital gap currently represents a real headache for many business leaders who are struggling to make ends meet.
Discover today different online sales channels that will allow your business to benefit from the growing popularity of e-commerce.
Sell online using your own transactional website
Having your own transactional website offers many advantages to businesses. In addition to having personalized control over content, presentation and data storage , having your own transactional website will give your business additional credibility while allowing users to shop whenever they want. The growing popularity of online commerce, and even more particularly during this period of confinement, generally benefits companies that have decided to embark on this digital shift. However, having your own transactional website can be very expensive, depending on your needs. Designing a site generally requires a lot of time and a fairly significant financial investment, especially if you decide to use the services of a specialized agency to sell your products online. There are also online sales platforms that allow you to create your own online store . These platforms, although more accessible, offer limited functionality.
Sell online on social networks
The Business Development Bank of Canada believes that social media is an essential marketing tool. Unlike traditional marketing, social networks allow companies to have much more direct access to their target customers and to have real interaction with them. Small businesses benefit the most from this visibility, as it provides them with a communications network that is easy to use and requires very little investment. The benefits of good use of social networks can be multiple: increased online sales, visibility, notoriety, easier recruitment and reduction of the budget allocated to marketing. If you have a transactional website, it may also be interesting to promote it on your various social networks, or even to import your products onto an online store supported by a social network like Facebook.
According to a study carried out by Cefrio (2018), 65% of Quebec adults connect at least once a day to a social network and 44% of Quebec adult users of social networks bought or sold products there in the year preceding 'investigation. In other words, social networks constitute a great platform for carrying out online commerce activities, and this is particularly true for companies that do not have a transactional website but still wish to sell online.
Sell online on Outgo
Investing in a website and social media requires business owners to have significant cash flow and/or internal resources with knowledge on the subject. Outgo is a simple, inexpensive way to get online . With a commission-free formula , the Outgo concept is based on this desire to promote local commerce in Quebec by helping businesses sell online. In collaboration with local SMEs, Outgo offers exclusive experiences to live and offer that allow connected consumers to discover Quebec. Activities, Classes & Workshops, Catering and Gastronomy, Relaxation Treatments and Getaways: Outgo is full of sensational experiences to live and offer. Blogs, Newsletters, optimization of natural and paid SEO as well as increased presence on social networks: Outgo works for you. It is an excellent alternative for companies that do not have a transactional website and for those that have one but wish to diversify their acquisition channels in order to reach a larger customer base.
No matter which solution you decide to adopt, ensuring your online presence in 2021 is no longer an option. Online commerce is currently experiencing rapid growth, and it is only just beginning. The Covid-19 pandemic will have made many businesses realize what a golden opportunity online sales is. Small businesses in Quebec must enter the online market in order to succeed in standing despite confinement.
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