Running an eCommerce business can feel like a juggling act. There’s visibility, there’s value, and then there’s the endless stream of tools and channels to manage. But here's the truth: the key to thriving at eCommerce is simpler than it seems. 

These days, shopping is more than a quick search online or a store visit. Today, consumers use a blend of in-store and online tools to explore, save, and finally buy. Whether they’re at a baby shower, bookmarking a gift idea, or at home browsing, customers are becoming more intentional and savvy, and so should your eCommerce strategy. 

Here’s how to keep up—and even thrive.

Set Up Google Merchant Center for Product Visibility

One of the first steps to getting your products seen online is to set up Google Merchant Center. This free tool is perfect for managing your product information and showing it on Google’s Shopping tab, making it easier for customers to discover your products. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

• Create Your Account: When you create your Google Merchant Center account, you’ll agree to the terms of service. After that, you can start uploading your products. Even though some people use Shopify, Merchant Center also works with Wix, Squarespace, and WooCommerce. However, it doesn't integrate with closed-loop platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay, as they control customer information and do not share that with sellers.

• Verify Your Business: Verifying your business on Google Merchant Center confirms that you are the owner. This step helps with security and allows Google to link your products to your store. If you already use Google Analytics, the verification process is even simpler because your site is already connected to Google.

• Upload Products in Bulk: Adding products individually can be time-consuming, so if you have a large number of items, try using a Google Sheets template for bulk uploads. This sheet is already formatted for product details, making it easy to add and manage items.

Using Google Merchant Center means you have more control over product listings, better visibility, and a greater chance of reaching customers. You’ll also gain valuable insights into which products perform best, allowing you to adjust inventory and marketing as needed.

Leverage Google Analytics for Data-Driven Decisions

Once your products are listed and available, it’s important to understand how they perform and how customers interact with your store. Google Analytics is the perfect tool to give you this insight. Here’s why Google Analytics is essential for eCommerce and how to make the most of it:

• Track Product Views and Sales: Google Analytics shows which products are most popular, allowing you to see which items are getting a lot of interest. This helps you decide whether to promote certain items more or improve listings that may need more attention.

• Learn Customer Behavior: Knowing how long visitors stay on product pages, where they click, and where they may drop off helps you improve your website. If certain items aren’t getting much love, it might be time to highlight the product’s benefits more clearly or adjust your product descriptions.

• Measure Your Marketing Impact: Analytics allows you to track campaigns and know if your marketing efforts are paying off. By analyzing data on clicks, engagement, and conversions, you can focus on the strategies that drive the best results.

• Identify Opportunities for Growth: Your eCommerce site has many revenue streams, from product sales to subscriptions or affiliate links. Use Analytics to see where the most revenue is coming from and find ways to increase it. Understanding your return on investment (ROI) for each area helps you make informed choices that grow your business effectively.

Increase Reach with Google Market Finder

When you’re ready to take your business beyond your local market, Google Market Finder can be a game-changer. This tool helps you identify which new markets, domestically or internationally, are most promising for your products or services.

• Expand to New Markets: Whether you want to start selling in other states or countries, Market Finder helps you understand the best areas to target. You can explore markets in Mexico, Canada, Europe, and more. This tool is especially helpful if you’re in an area with specific customer interest, like South Texas, and want to reach places like Dallas or even international regions.

• Do Research with Market Profiles: Market Finder provides profiles for each potential market, with details on things like population, average income, and purchasing habits. You’ll also learn if a particular market has a high demand for your product, helping you decide where to invest.

• Understand Cultural and Economic Factors: Market Finder lets you see key stats, like language preferences, Android vs. iOS usage, and online purchasing behavior. If you have a luxury item, knowing a market’s disposable income helps you gauge interest and set prices that fit the region.

• Look at Logistics: Expanding globally can come with added logistics. This tool also shows the time and cost of importing products, ensuring you understand the expenses and time frames for each potential market. You’ll know ahead of time what challenges may exist, helping you prepare for cross-border sales.

Using Google Market Finder means you can make smart choices about where to sell, reducing risks and maximizing your returns. It’s like having a detailed roadmap to new markets!

Balance Your Marketplace Strategy

You might wonder if you should focus only on your website or if you should also sell on marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. While Google Merchant Center and Market Finder help with visibility, selling on platforms like Amazon or Etsy has its own benefits. Here's how to decide what works best:

• Know Your Goals: Selling on Amazon or Etsy may give you more visibility right away, as these marketplaces are widely popular. However, keep in mind that these platforms don’t share customer data with you, so you have less control over follow-up marketing or building a customer relationship.

• Use a “Loss Leader” Strategy: You could use these platforms to sell a single, popular product at a lower price. This strategy, called a “loss leader,” allows you to attract new customers to your store where they can see your other offerings. For example, if you sell custom coffee mugs, you could offer a popular style on Amazon and then upsell more customized versions on your website.

By balancing your own store and popular marketplaces, you can reach more customers and drive them back to your site, where you have more control over their experience.

Increase Your Average Order Value and Lifetime Customer Value

Once customers start shopping, it’s time to think about maximizing their experience and your profits. Here are a few tactics that can help you boost sales per transaction and encourage repeat business:

• Cross-Sell and Upsell: Suggest related products that customers might like based on their purchase. If someone is buying a T-shirt, for example, recommend a matching hoodie or accessories. This can increase the average order value and make your customers feel they’re getting a more complete experience.

• Offer Subscriptions: Subscriptions are a great way to keep customers engaged and buying regularly. Offering subscription plans for products they use often can provide consistent revenue and help strengthen customer loyalty.

• Use Exclusive Offers for Repeat Purchases: Sending coupons or offering discounts on future purchases can motivate customers to come back. With tools like Google Analytics, you can identify the customers most likely to return and focus on giving them special incentives.

These techniques can help you build stronger customer relationships and create more value with every transaction.

Focus on Knowing Your Customer

Finally, to succeed in eCommerce, be sure you deeply understand your customers. Knowing their buying habits, product interests, and decision-making processes helps you meet their needs and build a business they can trust. By becoming an expert in your customer’s preferences, you can shape your offerings, adjust your marketing, and grow more effectively.

Building a successful eCommerce business from home is achievable with the right tools and strategies. By using Google Merchant Center, Google Analytics, and Google Market Finder, you can attract more customers, track performance, and expand to new markets. Combining these tools with a clear understanding of your audience will help you thrive in the competitive eCommerce world.

These tips are just the beginning. If you’re ready to learn more about boosting your remote eCommerce game, check out our YouTube video on "Thriving at Remote eCommerce". It’s packed with hands-on tips and examples that show you how to set up, communicate, and save smartly. Watch now and take the next step toward your best remote eCommerce life!