Online platforms offer a diverse range of means by which startups in all sectors can cut through the noise and make a name for themselves. From delivering compelling promotions on comparison platforms such as oddschecker, which collates the best sign-up deals on online casinos, to brands hitting upon a viral marketing campaign that takes social media by storm. For creative new businesses the possibilities are virtually endless. Below we’ll be taking a look at 5 ways entrepreneurs and emerging brands alike can turn the ecommerce landscape to their advantage to get ahead and achieve recognition.
Table of Contents
SEO
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is the name given for the process of increasing the volume of web traffic to a given website from major search engines like Google. A brand with good SEO will normally appear high up in the listings of a relevant search term — as such, for discoverability it’s one of the most essential things to focus on for a start-up seeking to establish their presence in a given sector. The details of how SEO works are nuanced, but a whole industry of specialists and consultants has grown up around providing support to businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to climb the search rankings.
Crowdfunding
Few things can be said to have a bigger impact on the fortunes of modern start-ups than the rise of crowdfunding platforms. The most popular examples of these are Kickstarter and GoFundMe. They have become hotspots for innovation as they are full of novel product ideas and experimental projects seeking investment directly from regular consumers. The reason why this is so significant is that it has enabled many businesses to get the funding they need directly from the people most likely to patronize their products.
A common stumbling block for start-ups is that sometimes their ideas are too novel or niche to be understood, and then endorsed by, traditional investors. This is especially so as investors are typically cautious with their money. Crowdfunding circumvents this issue by only allocating funding if the project’s goal is reached. An effective crowdfunding campaign can help new businesses leapfrog many of the obstacles that would have once held them back when trying to bring a concept to market.
Online Comparison Platforms
Otherwise known as OCPs, these are services that collate market rates in specific sectors all in one place. They are a great way to see, at a glance, what different providers of a certain service offer, and how their rates compare. Coming out on top of your sector for low prices and quality service on an online comparison platform can be instrumental in driving new customers to your service. They’re also a great way to do market research, helping you identify the existing organizations, and deals, to beat.
Viral Marketing
Viral marketing is a broad concept, and one of the hardest to apply as its application is an inexact science. While true viral sensations are few and far between, any brand can utilise the basic concept to their advantage. By creating compelling content that people will want to share, you can increase awareness of your social media presence. Driving up engagement through creative and entertaining posts can be a priceless strategy, and one that can cause you to beat out much larger organizations when done well.
Collaboration
Last but not least is collaboration. Working together with existing organizations or prominent influencers can have a significant impact on your business. There are numerous ways this can be achieved, from direct product collaborations, to hosting competitions with other brands. This latter is particularly common as it drives up engagement for both brands, encourages sharing of their respective content and socials, and effectively functions like an organic marketing campaign. Collaboration can also extend to endorsement such as the paid promotions that are commonplace among influencers on Instagram. Having a prominent social media user pictured with your goods or services can transform a small business’s fortunes overnight.
