E-Commerce, Social Commerce, Omnichannel, and various online sales channel terms you need to know

In the digital age, terms such as e-commerce, social commerce, omnichannel, and various other online sales channels are increasingly heard. However, what exactly do these terms mean and how do they impact your business? Let’s thoroughly peel these concepts to understand the online sales landscape. 

E-commerce:-

●Definition: Refers to all buying and selling activities of goods or services done over the internet. It covers a wide range of business models, from brand-owned online stores to marketplaces that house many sellers.

●Platform: Usually have a full-featured custom website or application to display products, process payments, arrange delivery, and provide customer service.

●Focus: Focuses on buying and selling transactions and an efficient shopping experience. 

Social Commerce:-

●Definition: buying and selling activities that occur directly on social media platforms (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, 
TikTok).

●Platform: Utilizes features that exist on social media, such as posts, live streaming, or live messaging, to promote and sell products. 

●Focus: More interactive and focused on building relationships with customers, harnessing community and social influences to drive sales. 

M-commerce (Mobile Commerce):-

●Definition: M-commerce is a buying and selling transaction made through a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. An example of an m-commerce platform is the Goject or Grab app.  

●Platform: An example of an m-commerce platform is the Goject or Grab app. Features in this app include booking online transportation, ordering between meals, bill payments, pulse purchases, to financial services such as GoPay or OVO.    

●Focus: The focus of m-commerce is to provide convenience and convenience for users in accessing various services and making transactions quickly and easily through their mobile devices. 

D2C (Direct-to-Consumer):-

 

●A D2C is a business model in which manufacturers sell directly to the end consumer without an intermediary. 

●Platform: An example is the official website of Everlane or Warby Parker. Features in the D2C platform include detailed product descriptions, high-quality product photos, customization options, and responsive customer service.  

●Focus: D2C’s focus is on building direct relationships with consumers, offering more competitive prices, and delivering a personalized shopping experience. 

Omnichannel:-

●Definition: Omnichannel is an approach that integrates multiple sales channels, both online and offline, to provide a seamless shopping experience for  customers.  

●Platform: An example of omnichannel application is a Starbucks strategy that allows customers to order coffee through the app, pick it up at nearby outlets, or even order via drive-thru.  

●Focus: The omnichannel focus is on creating an integrated and consistent shopping experience at various customer contact points. 

Marketplace:-

●Definition: A marketplace is an online platform that brings together many sellers and buyers.  

●Platform: Examples of popular marketplaces include Upwork and Fiverr (Freelance Services), Airbnb (Short Term Accommodation Rent), Etsy (Handmade   Products), and many more

●Focus: The focus of the marketplace is to provide a wide selection of products from a variety of sellers, make it easier for consumers to compare prices and quality, and provide opportunities for sellers to reach a wider market. 

Dropshipping:-

●Definition: Dropshipping is a business model in which sellers do not store their own stock of goods, but rather ship orders directly from suppliers to customers. 
●Platform: An example of a dropshipping platform is Shopify or AliExpress. Features within the platform include integration with various marketplaces, 
order processing automation, and inventory management from suppliers. 

●Focus: The focus of dropshipping is to reduce business risk by not having to keep stock of goods, so that the initial capital needed is smaller. However, sellers need to ensure product quality and delivery from suppliers to maintain customer satisfaction. 

A business is very possible to have more than one sales channel, and this has been applied by various business people to achieve maximum revenue. How ever, this poses a challenge in itself because many businesses / companies in their business activities do not record, less productive results, inefficient budget because they do not have a special business software. Therefore, it is important that a business has special business software. We recommend  using the world’s leading cloud-based software, ZOHO. 

What is ZOHO? Why ZOHO? 

Zoho is an India-based multinational technology company, offering a comprehensive range of cloud based business software. Zoho provides solutions for various aspects of business operations, from sales and marketing to finance, human resources, and customer support. 

Why use ZOHO for your business? 

●Complete Solution: Zoho offers more than 55 integrated software, covering almost all business needs 
●Affordable Price: Zoho offers competitive and flexible pricing packages (suitable for MSMEs) 
●Ease of Use: Zoho user interface is designed intuitive and easy to use, 
●Scalability: You can easily increase or decrease the number of users and features as needed.

Zoho Software for Sales, Marketing, and Related Activities:-

●Zoho CRM: Customer relationship management (CRM) software that helps you manage leads, contacts, sales, and marketing activities in one centralized platform. 

●Zoho SalesIQ: A sales engagement platform that lets you track website visitors, conduct live chats with prospects, and automate sales tasks.

●Zoho Campaigns: Email marketing software that helps you create, send, and track effective email campaigns.

●Zoho Social: A social media management platform that lets you manage multiple social media accounts, schedule posts, and track campaign performance.

●Zoho Analytics: A business intelligence platform that helps you analyze sales and marketing data to gain valuable insights.

●Zoho Commerce: An e-commerce platform that allows you to build and manage your own online store. 

Don’t let your business get left behind in the digital age. Optimize your business potential with Zoho’s integrated business solutions. As Zoho Authorized Partner in Indonesia, PT. Indo Krisna Technology is ready to help you find the right solution according to your business needs. Benefit from our experience dealing with more than 30 clients in different countries, as well as special discounts for Zoho subscribing to Zoho. 

Contact us right now and consult your business software needs to improve the efficiency, productivity, and growth of your business. Click here