5 New Year Resolutions for Online Sellers in Canada

Another New Year and more new resolutions! It may sound cliché but the juncture of a passing year and an upcoming one is a great time to reflect on ourselves. 

If you’re an online seller in Canada, you know that the eCommerce landscape is constantly evolving, and it can be tough to keep up. Here are five New Year resolutions that can help you succeed in the Canadian eCommerce industry in 2023:

Improving your product listings

One of the first things potential customers see when they visit your online store is your product listings.

In fact, improving product listings is a key part of running a successful online business, and it’s something that you should prioritize in the New Year. You can make your product listings better in the following ways:

• Use high-quality images: High-quality product images can attract customers to click on them. Using high-resolution photos show your products from different angles. 

It will help customers visualize how your products look and they are more likely to purchase them.

• Write clear and concise product descriptions: Besides images, customers rely on product descriptions to make informed buying decisions. 

Make sure your product descriptions are clear and concise and highlight key features and benefits of your products.

• Use bullet points: Product listings with plenty of text can overwhelm customers. Using bullet points can make your product information easy to scan. 

It helps customers quickly find the information they’re seeking and stay on your site longer.

• Include relevant keywords: For customers to find your products, you need to include relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions. It will help your products show in search results when customers look for similar products.

Expanding your product range

If you want to grow your online business in the New Year, it’s a good idea to consider expanding your product range. It is a great way to grow your online business and attract new customers. 

Here are a few ways that online sellers in Canada can expand their product offerings:

• Conduct market research: Before adding new products to your inventory, you can do market research to see what your customers want. It could involve surveying your existing customers, analyzing customer data, or looking at industry trends.

• Offer personalized products: One way to make your business stand out is to offer customized products. For example, you can offer things, such as monogrammed items, personalized jewelry, and custom-made furniture. Customers are often willing to pay a premium price for products that are customized to their specific needs.

• Partner with other businesses: Another way to expand your product range is partnering with relevant businesses to offer products in a bundle or package deal. 

It can be a win-win for both businesses, as you can get new customers and offer more value to your existing customers.

• Add new variations or sizes: If you already have a product line, you can add new colors or sizes. 

For example, if you sell clothing, you could offer your most popular items in different colors or sizes. It can help you appeal to a broader audience and potentially increase sales.

Increasing Your Online Presence

A strong online presence is essential for eCommerce sellers in Canada who look to gain a significant share in the digital marketplace. You can increase your online presence in the following ways:

• Make sure your website is up to date: Your website creates the first impression about your brand, and it’s crucial to ensure it’s up-to-date and easy to navigate. It includes a sleek design, clear and concise content, and a mobile-friendly layout.

• Use social media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can effectively connect and engage with customers and promote your products. Share updates, new product launches, and special promotions on social media.

• Optimize your website and products for search engines: To make it easier for customers to find your products, you need to make your website and products search engine-friendly. It includes using relevant keywords, tags, and metadata to improve your search engine rankings.

• Invest in paid advertising: Another way to increase your online presence is paid advertising. It could include search engine advertising, social media advertising, or display advertising. Paid advertising can help improve your brand’s visibility and online traffic.

Offering excellent customer service

Offering excellent customer service is essential for any eCommerce business, and it’s something you should prioritize as an online seller. Here are some of the ways to offer excellent customer service:

• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and complaints: Customers expect timely responses when they have questions or issues, so you have to ensure prompt customer service. 

It could involve using automated systems to acknowledge receiving inquiries and setting up clear escalation procedures for handling complaints.

• Offer multiple channels for customer contact: To make communication easy for customers, consider offering multiple channels, such as email, phone, chat, and social media. By providing different options, you can make it convenient for customers to reach out to you. 

• Follow up with customers after their purchase: After customers buy a product, it’s a good idea to follow up with them to ensure they are happy with their purchase. 

You can follow up by sending a thank-you email or messaging. By showing you care about your customers’ satisfaction and getting repeat business.

• Consider offering a satisfaction guarantee or return policy: A satisfaction guarantee or return policy can give customers peace of mind when shopping with you. It is particularly crucial for first-time customers who might hesitate to purchase. 

By offering a guarantee or convenient return policy, you can show that you are willing to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

Keeping up with industry trends

Keeping up to date with industry trends is essential for eCommerce sellers in Canada who want to remain competitive in the online marketplace. The following are a few ways to stay up to date with industry trends:

• Follow eCommerce industry blogs and newsletters: One of the easiest ways to stay updated about industry trends is to follow eCommerce industry blogs and newsletters. 

These resources can provide valuable insights and updates on new technologies, marketing strategies, and consumer trends.

• Attend trade shows and events: Trade shows and events can be a great way to network with other eCommerce professionals and learn about the latest trends and technologies. 

These events often feature presentations, workshops, and panel discussions on a range of topics relevant to e-commerce sellers.

• Experiment with new marketing strategies and technologies: Another way to stay up to date with industry trends is to experiment with new marketing strategies and technologies. 

It could involve testing new social media platforms, using data analytics to inform your marketing efforts, or trying new advertising formats. By staying open to new ideas, you can find out what works best for your business and stay ahead of the curve.

Closing Words

In conclusion, online sellers in Canada can set themselves up for success in the New Year by making a few resolutions. Considering the tips above, you can create a positive customer experience, attract new customers, and keep your businesses growing in the competitive online marketplace.