Your business growth feels like a roller coaster. It was fun at first, but now you want off the ride.
Recent global events made many businesses turn to e-retail. As customers adapted to the changing circumstances, there was exponential growth in e-retail sales.
If you’re an Ecomm business, this was exciting —Until it wasn’t. More visitors meant dealing with more customer data, inventory data, and chaos.
And that’s not all.
According to Shopify, worldwide ecommerce sales will continue to grow and global conditions will continue to change the landscape of retail and commerce in 2021. This data implies that E-commerce growth will continue.
So, how can Ecomm businesses enjoy higher traffic—without experiencing overwhelm?
Three words. E-Commerce data automation.
What is E-commerce Data Automation?- It’s More Than You Think.
E-commerce data automation involves using software tools or applications to complete tasks as opposed to doing them manually. Usually, the targeted jobs are manual and repetitive such as filling customer orders.
Automation can include forms of Artificial Intelligence, data integrations, or marketing automation tools.
E-commerce automation may be the secret to scaling your business as it has plenty of benefits.
The catch?
You’ve got to do it right. Let’s explore this more, shall we?
E-commerce Data Automation-Are You Doing It Right?
Most eCommerce businesses know that data analysis gives critical advantages over their competitors.
Unfortunately, many of them don’t take advantage of their data. And building data infrastructure isn’t cost-efficient.
In fact, current business intelligence solutions cost too much to set up and maintain and small businesses can't afford these solutions. Moreover, medium-sized businesses attempt to rebuild the same systems but don't have monitoring.
So, what’s the solution?
An automated analytics platform.
This is much more cost-efficient, saves so much time, and anyone can analyze and understand the data without needing technical skills.
The catch?
Segmentation matters. An automated analytics platform is extremely valuable if segmentation data is available so you can truly understand your customer behavior.
Let’s now take a look at the best eCommerce automation tools useful to e-comm businesses.
Best E-commerce Automation Tools- It’s Not What You Think
Yes. It’s complicated.
Ideally, you’d be reading about a list of tools that you could use to automate your eCommerce business. But that wouldn’t be fair to you.
The best tools depend on what processes you would like to automate for your business. Is it your marketing? Customer experience support? Inventory management?
There are so many options to consider.
So how do you decide? How do you choose a tool that works for your business?
You want the tools that provide data management that puts your customers first. Do your business decisions reflect the mantra “the customer is king?” How do you meet your customer’s core needs—while considering segmentation? How do you manage their data, provide customer service, and keep them coming back?
The secret?
You use an automated analytics platform like Peel Insights.
It’s time to say goodbye to the old way of building data infrastructure (manually) that isn’t cost-effective.
So, what does that look like?
E-commerce automation tools are a worthwhile investment to make.
Still not convinced?
Let’s take a look at the benefits eCommerce automation can have for your business.
5 Benefits of E-commerce Data Automation You Want For Your Business
#1: Time-saving (Efficiency)
Every task performed in an eCommerce business is essential.
However, the majority of the duties are time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to error. Because most of these tasks are manual, they create bottlenecks in business operations.
E-commerce data automation reduces time spent on routine, repetitive jobs while increasing time spent on more strategic functions.
The result?
A higher efficiency rate and time saved.
Increased efficiency levels promote growth. Moreover, your business can deliver a better customer experience.
#2: Data and Task Accuracy
Ecomm businesses generate a lot of data. Data such as order details, customer information, and inventory levels are critical for an E-comm store’s operation. Manual handling of this data can result in errors, which could cause significant problems.
For example, incorrect inventory levels can cause a failure to fulfill customer orders.
The result? Lost revenue and poor customer experience.
With eCommerce data automation, there’s a lower probability of human error.
#3: Enhanced Understanding of Target Customers
E-commerce data automation can help achieve a deeper understanding of your target customers.
How does eCommerce data automation accomplish this? By providing critical segmentation data on your business.
Some automation tools provide segmented reports and cohort analysis.
E-commerce businesses can identify key customer insights by segmenting customers by variables such as location, discount code, product type, and others. Customer segmentation also facilitates the personalization of services.
Why is this a good thing?
E-commerce businesses can give their customers purchase experiences that help them save time and money.
What’s more?
Customers are likely to return to eCommerce businesses that give them a positive customer experience.
Customer retention is a critical element of success in any business.
#4: Increased Revenue and Average Order Value
E-commerce data automation significantly contributes to nurturing leads and lead them to a purchase decision.
More leads mean higher potential revenue.
E-commerce data automation also facilitates personalization and incentives by the customer or customer class. Personalization helps build better customer relationships.
The result?
You’ll have Increased revenues and average order values.
So, how do you achieve this?
For example, you can personalize pricing calculations, shipping options, and promotions by customer class. Applying these strategies ensures that the targeted customer class is more likely to purchase your products.
#5: Increased Focus on Strategic Goals
Mckinsey's previous data showed that B2Bs with the best digital and automation capabilities generated higher total returns to shareholders.
What could the reason for this be?
Automating time-consuming tasks increases focus on expansion and growth strategy —critical for every business.
When you free your staff from routine tasks, people can focus on other creative business processes.
For example, eCommerce professionals have a wealth of customer information. Comprehensive customer information can result in crucial decisions to grow market share.
Skyrocket Your Ecommerce Business in 2021
Business growth is valuable.
It shouldn’t be a reason for experiencing overwhelm in your eCommerce business.
It’s time to take advantage of the eCommerce growth trend.
Consider an automation tool that helps you analyze your business metrics in record time.
Don’t believe it?
Take a tour for free.
Your business will thank you—and so will your bank account.
Written by Enda Ndungu.
A certified Content Marketer and Direct Response Copywriter.
She is passionate about creating content that moves minds and grows businesses.