Social media has become the most loved digital platform, revolutionising how people consume information and watch entertaining content. Approximately 77% of Australians use these channels actively, and their penetration is increasing significantly. The number of social media users in the country is expected to grow by 2.1 million from 2024 to 2029. These channels offer a wide range of content formats that appear in the feeds of the users.
The platforms analyse the interactions of the user to customise the feed using a combination of algorithms. Thus, users can view the content that interests them and is useful for them. Since people of all age groups are spending significant time on social media, it has become imperative for businesses to leverage these platforms. They use these channels to create brand awareness and build relationships through engagement.
Posting valuable and relevant content regularly helps them generate website traffic. In addition, advertising on these channels helps to increase traction and conversions. With a lot of sales generated through these channels, businesses are not focusing on social commerce to stay ahead. Here is how to leverage social commerce for direct sales to increase profits and customer satisfaction.
Engaging customers to make purchases becomes easier with high quality images and videos that captivate the target audience. Since visual communication can be compelling on this platform, every digital marketing agency Gold Coast suggests showcasing product videos and images. They must include product tags and shopping links that take them directly to the product page instead of loading the business website.
The product image posts on social media must have the ‘click to buy’ buttons to increase conversions. These must be uploaded in stories and reels to get more clicks and impressions. Customer engagement can be enhanced by allowing users to interact with the business through live Q&A, polls, and asking for referrals by sharing the shopping links with friends. Creating shoppable content and increasing participation can amplify sales.
The purpose of using social commerce is to make the process of buying online easier and less complicated. However, if the checkout process on the landing page is too complex, it can lead to customer churning. The pages must load quickly and showcase all the information needed to purchase, such as product description, specification, price, return policy, delivery date, etc. Social commerce must allow customers to make in-app purchases to reduce the time spent shopping and completing the transaction. The page must offer multiple payment options that offer secure transactions.
Gold Coast digital marketing agencies suggest encouraging user generated content to help others find the products. Businesses must ask loyal customers to share reviews and product demonstrations to increase reach and improve brand awareness. It can help increase sales with the help of social proof that builds an online reputation.
Marketers can also boost social commerce by running paid ads on these channels. These campaigns are highly targeted and can showcase products that customers have browsed. They can offer personalised product recommendations through these ads that increase the likelihood of conversions.
Businesses can increase direct sales through social commerce by offering robust customer support, which is the backbone of ecommerce. Customers may have questions, issues and problems that must be resolved promptly to gain their trust and increase credibility. The marketing team must use social listening tools to identify brand mentions and respond to comments.
Businesses should also offer live chat support to help customers complete purchases effectively through social commerce. Direct messaging helps to get rid of pain points and increase satisfaction levels. Businesses can also use live streaming to showcase products to customers and personalise their shopping experiences.
Experts in digital marketing in Gold Coast recommend offering discounts and exclusive offers to customers to increase sales through social media. These campaigns can be used selectively for social commerce to showcase exclusivity and create a sense of urgency. Businesses can announce clearance sales and discount codes for first-time buyers to increase customer acquisition.
Social commerce with the benefit of discounts can encourage customers to spend more because of the ease of buying. It increases the average order value and amplifies revenue. Limited time offers can generate quick customer responses and boost brand recognition because of increased trial purchases.
Social media influencers have widespread followings and can sway opinions because of their impact on the audience. Businesses can use their massive reach to reach customers and create a trustworthy image in the marketplace. Influencers can promote the products directly and share shoppable links to drive conversions.
Influencers can also help brands with storytelling to build emotional connections with the target audience and induce loyalty. Businesses can also build communities of these loyal customers to connect regularly and share information and views about their industry and products.
Social commerce can be measured to determine performance. It can help them identify how conversions increased and which products were sold the most. They can gather data related to customer buying behaviour on social media channels and recognise patterns. It can help them recognise the most profitable channels and campaigns that can be leveraged for growth.
Every digital marketing agency in Gold Coast uses data insights to make improvements and adjust the social commerce strategy. They also track the latest trends in social commerce to stay relevant and maintain a competitive edge. They must focus on optimising social commerce through data analysis.
Social commerce is growing in the country and will continue to expand because of the large number of social media users. Several home grown and small brands have leveraged these platforms to attract customers and offer convenient shopping experiences. Businesses must take note of this trend and use it to increase profits.