For the majority of people, “e-commerce” means a retailer selling directly to consumers through the Internet. However, this view is reductive and doesn’t take into account the tremendous impact it has on the world of business-to-business (B2B) commerce. Just as the average shopper benefits from the ease of ordering goods and services online, companies large and small also have learned it can be a game-changer for them. It allows them to streamline procurement, keep inventories manageable and locate the best prices anywhere in the world. This is why Internet-based B2B sales are expected to total more than $1 trillion by the end of 2019.
This means e-commerce represents a significant opportunity for any organization in this arena. Yet it also can be a major trap for companies that try to enter into it unprepared. To help ensure the process is as trouble-free as promised for your company and your customers, it is necessary to do your due diligence and be prepared.
For example, it isn’t enough to simply build a website. A lot of thought has to go into the design and underlying strategy behind it. It must be aesthetically pleasing as well as easy to navigate, including a sitemap. You also should consider the functionality of the website where social media is concerned. Allowing those who use it to share product or service pages through links to popular platforms helps build your brand and connect with potential clients.
Another crucial element of your online presence has to be security. The importance of keeping your patrons’ identities and financial information safe cannot be overstated. A powerful software solution to protect against hackers and other cybercriminals is essential, as is a backup system in case of system failure. No matter what you do, being transparent about the information you collect from a client and how you will use it is always appreciated.
Finally, your e-commerce site will only be successful as long as it makes the buying experience pleasant for your clientele. One clear way to accomplish this is by implementing ERP connectivity. This can allow you to utilize information about past orders for forecasting, enabling you to provide faster turnaround for future orders.
Harnessing the Internet’s power can be a real differentiator for your B2B business, but only if you enter into the process the right way. For more useful tips about bringing your operations into the online realm, consult the accompanying checklist.
Guest article written by: Marty Acks is Senior Director of Product Management for CDI Technology, which focuses on delivering intuitive payment processing, e-commerce, point-of-sale and supplier collaboration solutions to enterprise-level organizations. Acks’ experience and authority with SAP, Oracle and IBM has made him a sought-after speaker and editorial contributor.
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