With the country’s economy declining 0.5% every week and economists predicting a looming largest crisis of the decade, the ability of businesses to rapidly and quickly transition online is a necessity for survival. Not only state institutions have rushed to rescue small and medium enterprises, but also private companies creating electronic commerce platforms.
Solutions for internet sales at record speeds – just within 24 hours
In order to aid businesses, IT experts are prepared to respond rapidly – according to Tomas Vilmanas, the head of the company Synergy Effect, which specialises in the creation of online stores, with the help of seasoned experts, an e-store can be created even withing 24 hours: “You can definitely create a full-fledged, individualised e-store within 24 hours and begin operating it. Purchasers can form shopping carts from the assortment on offer in the e-store, choose delivery options and payment methods, later such a store can be supplemented with all other desired functions.”
Expenses for the creation of e-commerce platforms can currently be lower than usual because everyone is inclined to help businesses survive during this difficult period: “Seeing the demand, technology companies are reacting to the markets and are offering businesses a means of salvation. We have specifically invested to this end and prepared a special e-store solution, which allows to especially easily and rapidly adapt to a customer’s style, perform all necessary configuration work and immediately go operational, while later it can be developed as needed, thus for those, who are quick on their feet, this crisis could become an excellent opportunity to transform their business,” the head of Synergy Effect T. Vilmanas explained.
In the long run, those able to see future prospects in the face of crisis will win out
Those seeking appealing prices have a variety of e-commerce alternatives available. One of the increasingly most popular currently is renting an electronic store, which is notable for its particularly low prices, however experts warn that in the long run, this solution can have numerous flaws: “You must consider whether renting will definitely satisfy the needs of your store in the near future already, perhaps even within a few weeks because a platform created under such a model will not allow the implementation of further functions if the need arose, which could lead to significant losses.
An e-store tailored to you personally is also adapted to your brand style, which means lesser expenses in the future and furthermore, the sales platform, including its administrative system, belongs exclusively to you, thus you will have far more freedom to act,” V. Vilmanas listed the advantages of the traditional e-store. While in the face of unrest, it may be difficult to think about the future, experts advise avoiding panicking and primarily think about your business strategy.
Investment in marketing becomes a boost to new electronic commerce platforms
Those seeking effective ways of entering the ranks of online retailers mustn’t forget that a large part of the success of an online retailer lies not only in the choice of suitable technologies, but also consistent communication about the services you offer. At the initiative of the organisation Enterprise Lithuania, already on the first days of quarantine, the platform Internete Karantinas Neegzistuoja [Quarantine Doesn’t Exist Online] was created, offering a free of charge opportunity to advertise one’s business. The platform contains a list of various newly founded online stores, which helps consumers find their favourite brands easier online.
Already on the first day of its launch, an entire 72 retailers presented themselves on the platform.
Not only demand in online purchasing has risen as of late, but also the creation of new e-stores. During the quarantine, 30% more of them are being opened than is usual at such a time. Thus, it is essential to inform potential customers of this. Social media and online advertising are most suitable for this. Digital marketing school EduMint.lt founder Domantas Širvinskas notes that “When creating flows to an online store, usually the choice is made to make use of organic communications on the Facebook and Instagram social networks, as well as commissioning adverts on the Facebook and Google advertising platforms. Also, previous customers’ email addresses should be included if you have such a list. At the moment, it is essential to maintain two fronts – both the authentic telling of a story and the effective purchase of advertising. When choosing the marketing specialists, who will represent you, make certain that they have experience with Facebook and Google products.”
