Using QR Codes In Your Ecommerce Strategy

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Published: Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:05

Nowadays, you can't take a stroll down the street without seeing a QR code on a billboard or storefront. From restaurant menus to business cards to employee uniforms, QR codes are becoming a common fixture in the modern consumer landscape.

Safe to say, their usage in the brick-and-mortar businesses is well established. But QR codes' potential extends far beyond physical locations – they can also prove to be a valuable tool in your eCommerce arsenal.

In this article, we'll explore how incorporating QR codes into your eCommerce strategy can benefit your eCommerce store, and offer some tips on the best practices for using them.

What is a QR code?

At first glance, QR Codes may appear to be a random collection of black and white squares. But these codes can hold a significant amount of information, from  links to landing pages with product details to payment options and promotions. All customers need is a smartphone with a QR Code scanner, and they can quickly access the information without typing lengthy URLs or handling physical materials.

For example, say you own an online clothing store and want to provide customers with additional product information, such as fabric content or care instructions. Instead of making them search for this information on your website, you can add a QR code to the physical clothing tag that, when scanned, brings them directly to the relevant page.

How do QR codes work?

A QR code uses a visual encoding system that can store thousands of alphanumeric characters. When scanned, this information is converted into readable text for the user to access. This transaction takes place in a matter of seconds, making it an incredibly efficient and convenient form of sharing information.

Due to QR codes' widespread use, most smartphone users already have a QR code scanner built into their device's camera app. But for those who don't, plenty of free QR code scanner apps are available for download.

Benefits of QR codes

Sure, QR codes may seem like a small addition to your eCommerce strategy, but they can be extremely beneficial to both you and your customers. How? Let’s look at a few ways integrating QR codes into your eCommerce strategy can benefit your business:

• Provide instant access. As mentioned earlier, customers can use QR codes to gain instant access to product details, size charts, promotional offers, and more. This streamlines the customer's experience and eliminates any frustration they may encounter searching for this information on their own.

• Collect data. QR codes can also serve as a tool for gathering customer data and insights. Most QR code generators offer the option to track how many times a code is scanned, where it was scanned, and even what type of device it was scanned with. This information can be valuable in determining the success of your QR code campaigns and making changes for future strategies.

• Save marketing dollars. Two of the best things about QR codes are that they are affordable and easy to generate. Many generators offer free options, and even upgraded versions are typically much less expensive than traditional advertising methods. So not only are QR codes convenient and efficient, but they can also save your business money.

How to use QR codes in your eCommerce business

Now that the basics are covered, let's get down to the practical ways you can incorporate QR codes into your eCommerce strategy. 

To increase social media engagement

Few customers will actively seek out a business's social media pages unless they have a particularly strong affinity for the brand. A QR code offers a seamless way to direct customers to your various social media platforms and encourage them to follow and engage with your pages.

Include a QR code on product packaging, cards enclosed in online orders, or other printed materials (like invoice receipts) that leads customers to your social media pages. You can also use a unified QR code to link customers to multiple social media channels, rather than creating separate codes for each platform.

To promote product transparency

Green. Sustainable. Fair-trade. These buzzwords have become important for customers in recent years, with many seeking to support businesses that align with their values. 

However, with limited real estate on product packaging, a brand can’t possibly convey all of its affiliations and beliefs. Until now, customers may have had to visit the company's website or contact customer service for this information. 

But with a QR code, all this information can be readily available to the customer at their fingertips. Midwest Dairy, for example, uses QR codes on their milk cartons to link customers to information about their dairy farm and animal care practices. This allows customers to make informed decisions and feel confident in their purchases.

To offer discounts and coupons

Of course, we can't talk about QR codes in eCommerce without mentioning their usefulness in offering discounts and coupons. Rather than sharing a lengthy url or link, customers can easily access coupons by scanning a QR code displayed on promotional materials or product packaging.

This method of offering discounts also helps to limit usage to recent customers or target demographic, as the code can only be accessed and used by those who have made a purchase or fit the desired criteria. For example, a QR code displayed on the receipt of a recent purchase can offer customers a discount on their next purchase, only redeemable by first -time customers. 

What's more, you can also track the success of specific promotions and campaigns by simply seeing how many customers have scanned and redeemed the code. That way, you can also gather insights into what kind of offers, discounts or other incentive offers are most popular with your audience.

To provide a unique experience

The Darling in West Loop provides a leading example of how QR codes can enhance the customer experience in unique and memorable ways. The restaurant uses QR codes on their to-go menus to bring the in-restaurant experience to patrons dining at home, with live stream cabaret performances and looped footage from the bar.

Consider how you could bring a similar level of engagement to your online business. For example, a beauty company may use QR codes on product packaging to link customers to video tutorials or virtual makeup consultations. Or a furniture retailer may use QR codes to link customers to assembly demonstrations or interior design inspiration.

By providing value in the form of entertainment or education, you can create a more engaging and immersive brand experience for your customers.

To streamline inventory management

QR codes can also be applied to more logistical purposes, like inventory management. After all, they started as a way to track automotive parts in the manufacturing industry. 

Generally, barcodes have been the go-to choice for inventory management. But QR codes offer several advantages over traditional barcodes. Unlike barcodes, QR codes can be edited and updated with new information, making them a more efficient and flexible tool. In an eCommerce setting, this means the ability to easily update product information and track the real-time availability of inventory.

Additionally, QR codes can hold much more data than traditional barcodes, allowing for more specific and detailed inventory tracking. And since QR codes can be read with a smartphone, there's no need to invest in dedicated scanners.

Steps to create a QR code campaign

Itching to get started on your own QR code campaigns for your eCommerce business? Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward. If you need a little guidance, follow these steps:

#1: Determine the type of information you want to share.

Depending on the data you want to share, you'll select the corresponding QR code type. Suppose you want to share a coupon code for your online store. In this case, you'll create a Coupon QR code. If you want customers to download your mobile app, you'll create an App Store QR code. 

#2: Choose between a static or dynamic QR code.

Static QR codes can only contain fixed information, while dynamic QR codes can be edited and tracked. If you want to frequently update the information or track how many people are accessing it, you may want to go with a dynamic QR code. But if the information will remain constant, a static QR code might be more appropriate. 

#3: Generate and design your QR code.

You'll find plenty of free QR code generators online. These tools will allow you to input your chosen information and even customize the design of your QR code. 

#4: Test and implement your QR code.

Test the QR code with a scanner before using it in your eCommerce strategy. Then, you can start incorporating it into your marketing materials and product packaging to offer your shoppers a more streamlined experience.

#5: Track and analyze QR code performance.

If you opted for a dynamic QR code, you'll be able to track how many people have scanned your code and view metrics such as location and scanning device. This data can give you insight into the effectiveness of your QR code campaign and inform future strategies.

Tips to get the most out of your QR campaigns

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind as you start incorporating QR codes into your eCommerce strategy:

Figure out if using QR codes is a good idea

Not every campaign or brand will benefit from using QR codes. Consider your target audience and the purpose of your campaign before deciding if incorporating a QR code is the best approach. 

If your target audience skews older or isn't as tech-savvy, they may not be as likely to use a QR code. In that case, sticking to more traditional marketing tactics may be a better fit. However, if your target audience is technologically adept, incorporating a QR code can add an element of novelty and innovation to your campaign. 

Keep it simple and mobile-friendly

When designing your QR code, bear in mind that most people will scan it with their smartphones. Make sure the landing page or content it leads to is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Additionally, try not to cram too much information into a single code. Keep it simple and direct, with one clear call to action or message.

Organize your resources ahead of time

QR codes may be cost-effective marketing tools, but if you're new to using them, you may want to start small and test their effectiveness before fully committing to a full-scale campaign. Just like any other marketing project, it's important to have a clear plan and budget in place before you get started. 

Also, if you aren't particularly tech-savvy and data tracking isn't your strength, you may have to allocate resources to train employees or outsource some tasks. Before launching your first QR code campaign, make a resource schedule outlining who will be responsible for each stage of the project. That way, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly and avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Choose the right printing material

The material you print your QR code on can greatly influence its scannability. Choose a material that won't reflect too much light or distort the image, and avoid uneven surfaces like ribbed cardboard. Always test your QR code before fully committing to a printing material to ensure it can be easily scanned.

Pick the right size and placement

Avoid making your QR code too small or placing it in an area where it may blend in with other designs or graphics. Your code should stand out to catch the attention of potential scanners. A good rule of thumb is to make your code at least 2x2 inches and consider placing it in a prominent location such as the center or top corner of your packaging or advertisement.

Use QR codes to your advantage

Ecommerce is one sector that's constantly evolving. What worked five years ago may not work today, and what works today may be obsolete in five years. That's why eCommerce leaders always have to be on the lookout for new trends that could potentially disrupt the status quo.

QR code is one such trend that's been gaining momentum in recent years. And rightly so! By providing value and an interactive customer experience, QR codes can boost brand engagement, drive traffic to your website, and potentially increase sales. So, if you're ready to shake up your marketing game, give QR codes a try and see the results for yourself.

Everything you need to know about Small Business Insurance

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Published: Tuesday, 04 October 2022 05:29

Introduction

Businesses, big and small, are at constant risk of financial loss. Certain losses are unpredictable, making small businesses vulnerable to permanent damages. It is very hard for them to bounce back from such unforeseen risks and get back to shape. Therefore, every small business should invest in Business Insurance.

Business Insurances is a form of risk management that protects against uncertain losses. But before opting for a Business Insurance Policy, you must understand the various insurance types based on your needs. This article provides you with the essential information you need before making a Business Insurance decision.

What is Small Business Insurance?

Business owners use Small Business Insurance Premium to protect themselves, their business, and their business assets. It helps you to protect your business against bodily injury or property damage. It can help cover losses incurred if your company damages someone else’s property or your property and income. 

Small Business Insurance can protect the business's Financial, Physical, and Intellectual property. It can be a natural disaster, lawsuit, theft, injury or loss of income.

Things you need to Know about Small Business Insurance

Before choosing the right policy to insure your small businesses,you need to try new marketing strategy to increase your business sales and you must understand its various aspects.You can use several recruitment software to hire people to make it easy for you to run your business.  It would be best if you also were vigilant while selecting the Insurance Provider. Make sure you buy your policy from a reputed company that provides maximum coverage at minimum cost. Choosing the right policy from the right Insurer might be overwhelming. Read through the following factors that should be considered before finalising your Small Business Insurance. 

1. Types of Business Insurance

Based on the needs and requirements of your business, you have to choose the best type of insurance. The insurance you select depends on the type of industry and what the insurance covers.

• General Liability Insurance

Covers lawsuits over

• Third-party injuries

• Third-party property damage

• Defamation lawsuits

• Copyright Infringement

• Business Owner’s Policy

It combines General Liability Insurance with Commercial Property Insurance at a lower cost than purchasing them separately.

• Commercial Property Insurance

Covers for repair or replacement of stolen, lost, or damaged business property, including,

• Office or workspace equipment

• Inventory equipment

• Furnishings

• Business Interruption Insurance

It covers your business's operating cost in case of a temporary emergency closure due to fire, storm, or other happenings. It can be included in a Business Owner's Insurance or Commercial Property Policy.

• Professional Liability Insurance

Also known as Errors and Omissions Insurance, it is opted by professional services offering companies. Covers lawsuits due to

• Work mistakes

• Negligence

• Cyber Liability Insurance

Covers lawsuits over

• Data Breach

• Other cyber issues

• Client’s data breach

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance

  • Medical expenses for employees due to work-related injuries or illness

  • Pay for lost wages due to work-related injuries

  • Covers employees’ lawsuits for negligence

• Commercial Auto Insurance

Covers for damages caused due to company vehicle, like

• Medical expenses

• Property damages

• Legal bills

• Hired and Non-owned Auto Insurance

Covers damage caused by personal, hired or leased vehicles while being used for business purposes.

2. Assess the Industry Risks

Each industry requires different Business insurance depending on its industry type. Before buying a policy, businesses should study the risks associated with their industry. They should opt for Cyber Liability Insurance if they are a data-based company. But, in the case of firms offering professional services, they should opt for Professional Liability Insurance.

3. Insurance Cost Vs Coverage

The cost of Business Insurance is essential to consider when choosing the right Insurance Policy. The budget of the firm should be considered while making the decision. But, it would be best if you also considered the fact that risk management is important. The insurance will protect your business from severe financial implications due to unforeseen losses. 

While weighing the cost implications, you must consider

• Risk coverage

• Claim processing time

• The credibility of the insurance provider

• Premium hike policy

You should choose a policy that does not compromise the above criteria to avoid future vulnerabilities. 

4. Factors affecting your Insurance Rates

Apart from the risks associated with each industry, some factors will affect the premium amount payable. These factors are listed below. 

• Size of your business

• Location

• Assets to be covered

• History of claims

• History of Insurance lapses

• Security systems installed in your firm

• Safety of the work environment

• Deductibles, etc.

Apart from uncontrollable factors, make sure to follow good business practices to reduce the cost implications. 

5. Insurance Providers

Trust is a significant criterion in evaluating an Insurance Provider. Go with reputable companies by verifying the ratings and financial stability. There are various platforms where you can assess the credibility of the insurance providers. Compare and rate them on multiple criteria. Choosing a reliable and consistent Insurance Provider is important.

6. Read the Policy Documents thoroughly

Every firm is different in its insurance offerings. You have to read through the Policy Documents before choosing one. The deductibles, coverage, premium, and exclusions differ from one Insurer to another. So, make it a point to read through the documents to have a hassle-free experience.

Final Words

Small and Medium Businesses need to get their businesses insured. Stay prepared for any unforeseen losses or disasters. Specific policies also cover legal expenses. Learn in detail about all your options, and compare the policies offered by different Insurers before choosing one. 

How To Use Guest Posting To Promote The Ecommerce Website

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Published: Wednesday, 31 August 2022 07:17

Writing articles for other sites and blogs can seem counterintuitive. Why share valuable content if you can post it yourself? We all know that the links to your resource are a great way to heighten the site's trustworthiness for search engines and boost traffic. One of the best ways to get such links is by publishing your texts on other blogs. First, it attracts new visitors and increases traffic. Second, it is a good sign for search bots. 

The hardest part of this promotional method is finding reliable blogs with a solid reputation. Here you can find blogs for promoting finance-related companies and eCommerce sites. But before you start, let's discuss top guest blog posting tips in 2022.

The Benefits of Guest Posting

Is this method worth trying? Definitely! Posting your articles on other resources can be useful in many ways. For example:

1. It attracts target customers and increases organic traffic. Only people who are interested in your services or goods will follow the link. And all you should do for it is to interest the readers with content.
2. It builds communication with bloggers and influencers who can help with promotion. Sometimes one word from the influencer is more effective than the entire promotional campaign. Try to establish positive connections with famous bloggers in your field.
3. It improves your place in search results. As you know, Google estimates the resource popularity by the number of links published on other resources. It means that you can heighten your rating and attract traffic at the same time.

For a free and simple method, these are amazing results. You should include it into your promotional strategy and use it to the fullest extent.

Make It Natural

Don't fall for any opportunity to publish the article with the link. First, consider the reputation of the resource. Is it trustworthy? Does it publish articles with quality information? Only if both answers are yes, you can include this resource in your plan. 

Your second concern should be the theme of the blog. It's not only useless to post articles about Ecommerce in blogs for gardening; it can be harmful to your site. Search bots can consider it suspicious activity and ban your resource. If you want to promote your eCommerce store, find an eCommerce blog for publishing your links.

The specific link-building process in the eCommerce area is described in detail on emarketinghacks.com. Use these tips while preparing the publishing materials. Many blogs apply the "write for us" guest posting strategy. It means that they eagerly post the articles appropriate to their theme. It's a wonderful opportunity, and it can bring amazing results if you do it correctly.

Share Valuable Information

Your article should be really valuable for the readers. Don't post things everybody knows. No one will go to your site if they don't receive something first. There are millions of resources on the Internet, and your site has to stand out. Unique and fascinating articles are a good way to achieve this goal. Think about your unique experience and find out the ways to share it with readers. 

Understand that you work for people and not for search mechanisms. Don't ruin your reputation by posting wrong or harmful information. In order to attract organic traffic, use your knowledge and experience. People like to read expert opinions and recommendations.

Hype can attract attention to your resource, but it's a dead-end. This fame is short-term and won't bring you new customers, in the long run. It's better to stick to more safe ways of promotion. Slow and steady wins the race. Place a bet on quality, not on the quick fame.

Use Modern Tools

You may think that you don't need any instruments for guest writing for blogs. What is the use of special programs if you just need a simple post? Well, it's not the truth. In the digital space, there is no such thing as a "simple post." You have to include keys, determine the volume of the article, and find the best anchors for your link.

It's not wise to do it manually. Special programs are much more effective for SEO optimization. This article shows the best instruments you can use to expand your online presence. Some of them can prove useful for writing the post. The most helpful option is finding the main keys. You need to use them in the title and headings to make your post more effective.

More and more companies embed publishing on other blogs into their SEO strategy. This tool doesn't require many resources and time, but its effectiveness is mind-blowing. It helps to kill two birds with one stone and get both new clients and high ratings. Please don't waste this chance to tell about your business and to boost its popularity. Use the recommendation from this article to make your posting experience flawless and avoid mistakes.

11 Tips For Promoting Your Local Business On Instagram

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Published: Monday, 29 August 2022 06:10

So, you are running a local business and want to drive new customers to your door. Word of mouth is great but can only do so much. What do you need? New customers. How do you get them? Instagram! 

In today's time, having a presence on social media is essential. One of the most popular social media platforms is Instagram, due to its high usage and ability to capture a wide demographic with its mobile-friendly nature.

Instagram has proven to be a valuable marketing tool for my local business. The photo and video-centric platform allows businesses to show people a beautifully curated view of their products and build trust and loyalty with their customer base.

However, users don't always know where to find your Instagram handle. So, here are 11 different ways you can promote your local business on Instagram.

How to promote your local business on Instagram?

1. Focus on your bio

Your bio is great to include links to your website and social media profiles and a short description of what you do. If you have a new product or service that isn't yet listed on your website, it's also a good place to mention it briefly in your bio so that people can find out more later.

While writing your bio, you can incorporate keywords and use interesting headlines. Also, you can use powerful emojis to attract attention and express your brand's personality.

2. Be an active part of the Instagram community

The next thing you need to do when promoting your local business on Instagram is to be an active community member. This means following other people, liking their posts, commenting on them, and posting your content regularly.

The more active you are in the community, the better chance you'll have of building relationships with other businesses and people. They can also help promote your business through their channels as well.

3. Create authentic content

The best way to promote your local business on Instagram is with authentic, high-quality content that resonates with a local audience. Local businesses should focus on creating relevant photos and videos for their customers, whether about products or services.

Instagrammers love seeing pictures of their hometown, so be sure to post pictures of landmarks, businesses, and events happening in your neighborhood. Your customers are more likely to follow and engage with brands they know and love.

4. Use local hashtags to connect with customers and build awareness

You can use local hashtags to connect with other Instagram users in the same area. Hashtags are a way for users of the platform to search for specific content based on their interests or location. You can use them in photos as well as in captions. Also, you can use geotagged photos to get found by people searching for businesses near your location.

For example, if you're selling shoes and want to connect with people in New York City who might be interested in buying them, then include the #NYC tag in your photo description or caption. This will help people find your post when they search for #NYC-related posts on the platform.

5. Make sure your posts are visually appealing, especially if you're a product-based business

The average user spends just 29 minutes on Instagram each day. So, make sure your posts are interesting enough to keep them scrolling through their feed. If people can't 

see what your product looks like or how it works in their lives, they probably won't buy it from you.

Instagram is all about graphics. When promoting your local business on this platform, make sure that every post you publish looks great from a visual standpoint. This means using high-quality images,video via video tools and make infographics and videos that are well-composed, clear, and colorful—or at least, have an interesting subject matter or angle.

PNG format is preferred on Instagram as it helps individuals and businesses post high-quality graphics. You can easily use a PNG converter to convert any JPG image to PNG.

6. Show the local lifestyle

Show off your city's unique culture and lifestyle with photos of locals enjoying their favorite activities. You can also use Instagram stories to highlight certain aspects of life in your city or region—like a specific festival or event—while encouraging users to follow along with their posts simultaneously.

Using photos of your customers is a great way to show that you're part of the community, but don't just take pictures at your store. Take photos at events, from behind the scenes (like making pizza), or other places around town. The goal is to show people what they might not have seen otherwise while still promoting what you do.

7. Consistent brand identity

Your Instagram page should be an extension of your other marketing efforts. That means using the same colors and fonts as you do on other social media platforms and keeping the look and feel consistent with the rest of your website. This helps people recognize your brand across all channels, which can increase your sales.

Use the same filters and hashtags across all of your photos and videos. This will help people find you when they search for similar content—even if your account isn't connected to theirs.

8. Stick to a schedule for posting

If you post something random now and then, people will be confused about what your brand or product is all about. Consistency is key when it comes to social media engagement.

You should set up an editorial calendar to have a schedule for posting images and videos on Instagram. It helps your followers know when to expect new content from their favorite brands. It encourages them to follow along more closely. You can also use this opportunity as an excuse for promotions or sales streaks that'll help boost engagement on your posts.

Plan to know when you'll be posting images and videos regularly (ideally every day or every other day). Then stick with it.

9. Run Instagram contests

Instagram contests are a great way to get people to interact with your brand on social media and promote your business. The best part? They're incredibly easy to set up.

Here's how:

Choose a theme for your contest: This will help you narrow down what type of photos you want entrants to submit.

Choose a prize: You can choose from many different types of prizes, including gift cards or discounts on products or services offered by your company/organization (like free tickets). If possible, offer multiple prizes so that everyone has a chance to win something.

Create rules and guidelines for participating in the contest: Make sure you follow all of Instagram's policies when setting up your contest and fill out all the information required on their form page before submitting it. This includes providing a list of acceptable hashtags (which we discussed earlier), eligibility requirements (such as age limits)

10. Partner with local influencers for promotions

If you're looking for ways to save money and boost sales, one of the best things you can do is a partner with local influencers.

Nowadays, it's easier than ever to find influencers in your industry. Sites like Instagram make it simple to find people already posting content related to your product or service. And sites like Fiverr make it possible to hire someone to create engaging content on your behalf.

The key is finding someone with an audience that matches your product or service and is willing to promote it for a small fee.

You don't have to limit yourself to one influencer, either. If you have more than one product or service to promote, find multiple local influencers who will be interested in helping you spread the word about your brand.

11. Research successful local businesses on Instagram similar to yours

The best way to get started with Instagram is to research successful local businesses on Instagram similar to yours. Look for posts with a lot of engagement and use that as a guide for what type of content you should post. Get an idea of how many followers they have, how many times their posts were liked, and what types of comments they get from their audience.

The next step would be creating a persona that fits with the people likely following these accounts. Adopt a voice or tone of voice that fits this persona, and then start posting. This will help you understand what works and why it'll work for you.

Make your local business success with Instagram

If you have proper planning and execution, you can't go wrong in promoting your business on a social media platform.

In the case of Instagram, use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and make yourself a more recognizable name in your community. That way, you can be there when people post photos of your local area or talk about things related to your business.

Then the ball is already rolling. From there, it's merely a matter of keeping up with the conversation, posting interesting photos, and—above all else—being a good listener and engaging community member.