Content is still king! …but e-commerce is the new priority in 2020.
When it comes to SEO, the more tailored your content is to local customers, the better Google will rank your website. Now that the pandemic has forced customers to change their spending habits, integrating e-commerce in any modern website is essential toward staying relevant. Businesses can take advantage of e-commerce with Local SEO in the pandemic.
What is e-commerce?
E-commerce is a one-stop-shop within a business website that enables merchants to have a clear view of their finances.
Merchants will be able to access their money through physical and virtual cards. Merchants do not have to pay any monthly fees for most e-commerce plug-ins.
How can local businesses attract local customers?
Placing product inventories online will force your products to appear in Google search results, and because Google already has a built-in algorithm to connect users to local search results, your business will appear to your specific local area. (Tip: Offering local delivery options will place your inventory ahead of your competition!) Placing your product inventory online is easy, there are plenty of e-commerce plug-ins online, and Fantasea Media is here to do the heavy lifting for you.
E-Commerce Plug-ins
WooCommerce
BigCommerce
Shopify
Easy Digital Downloads
SeedProd
TrustPulse
WP Shopping Cart & eCommerce Store
WP eCommerce
Ecwid Ecommerce Shopping Cart
Why E-Commerce is Important in Times of COVID-19
Case Study: Manic Mermaids
As told in Shopify’s Instagram, “Funding from Shopify helped this art store sell more than ever during the pandemic. As COVID-19 started to sweep Washington state, Charles and Janelle were one of the first businesses in their city to close their brick and mortar shop Manic Mermaids.
Though they were financially set for normal situations, the impact of the global pandemic put a major strain on their finances. So when they discovered Shopify Capital, they jumped at the opportunity. Watch how the funding not only gave them some breathing room but also allowed them to pivot their business model in a new way.”
Case Study: ANIA Skincare
This skincare brand increased their revenue by 30% during COVID-19. Not only did they focus on establishing the totality of their brand, they paid special attention to the overall tonality as well. By consistently using the same “voice” in their brand, they increase brand recognition and customer loyalty.
Because of the stay-at-home mandate, everyone is on their phones to pass the time. The customers are already on major social networking apps, so shifting the focus to your online stores and social media marketing will lead to success. (We think that this virus has forced us all to accelerate our digital lives.)
Which E-Commerce Plugin is Right?
While WooCommerce and Shopify are usually the e-commerce plug-ins that we see users opt for, that doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for you.
See below for which e-commerce plugin is right for you:
• If you’re a developer who needs plenty of customization tools, consider WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads. BigCommerce is a good option too, if you’re ready to dive into something new.
• If you’re a beginner with e-commerce, consider WP Shopping Cart. Many people can also handle WooCommerce. (Thanks Kinsta for the tips!)
• If you’d like plenty of features for small businesses, consider WP Shopping Cart.
• If you’re looking for a free core e-commerce plug-in, consider WooCommerce or WP eCommerce.
• If you’d like to keep costs low with fewer add-ons, consider WP Shopping Cart.
• If you’d like add-ons, consider WooCommerce or WP eCommerce.
• If you’re only selling digital products, consider Easy Digital Downloads.
• If you would like to sell on many channels, consider Ecwid.
• If you want to combine BigCommerce with WordPress, consider the BigCommerce Beta.
E-commerce will work together with your current website design, and your SEO efforts. Ensure your local SEO is working for you with this checklist.
Local SEO Checklist:
What else helps Local SEO?
If you’re going to try a do-it-yourself approach, here are some tips to get you started with SEO. The following helps your Local SEO:
1. Custom Posts
2. Q&A’s
3. Solicitations for Reviews (Yelp, Google, BBB, etc.)
4. Case Studies,
5. Utilizing “best” in your well-performing keywords
6. Business Listings
7. Strategic Content Planning
(and that’s just a basic start)
Would you rather have our help with Local SEO?
Written by Victoria Zade
Victoria is a writer, SEO analyst, consultant, and designer who transforms businesses through graphic storytelling to business owners, artists, professionals, and visionaries. • www.vzade.com
Schedule a private call to discuss how Victoria’s strategy, graphic design, and copywriting will transform your organization.
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