October 13th, 2023
Since childhood, many of us have been drawn to the kitschy horrors of Halloween. From fake blood to fog machines and blow-up representations of the undead, there’s a sort of delightful terror that many of us are drawn to as October comes to a close.
For ecommerce sellers, this time of year takes on new significance as the beginning of the busy holiday rush, and with it comes a revised rendition of the same tried-and-true seasonal spirit.
Love at First Fright
In 2023, consumers are expected to spend an all-time high of $12.2 billion, a two billion dollar increase from just two spooky-seasons ago. We’re not just talking candy and costumes, as this upswing can affect anything from party supplies to hair dye. What is and what could be shifts a little, and strangers come knocking on our door asking what treats we have in store.
The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend a record $10.6 billion on Halloween in 2023, up from $10.14 billion last year. If that isn’t enough to get you inspired during the coming weeks, we’ve compiled a list of frightful facts that will get you into gear just in time for the Halloween rush.
So uncover your eyes, grab your fun-sized candy bars, and tune in as we unmask some scary ecommerce facts to live by.
#1. Look for Fresh Blood
Looking to expand your clientele? Have no fear, a brand new audience is here! In 2023, the ecommerce landscape is shifting, with younger customers on the hunt for Halloween tricks and treats galore.
It's estimated that more than half of Gen Z and millennial shoppers will use Amazon to stock up on all their spooky essentials. With Halloween spending on the rise, that means it’s high time to refresh your keyword research, optimize listings, and ramp up your advertising efforts to carve out your own sweet slice of the pie.
#2 If You've Got It, Haunt It
Bare-bones product listings freak shoppers out. Optimizing your listings with clear, compelling, and informative content consistently results in improved product ranking, higher customer satisfaction, and increased conversions. With all the details they need to make an informed purchase decision, shoppers can feel confident about purchasing from you over your competitors.
Amazon has taken its customer obsession one step further by giving sellers the ability to dazzle shoppers with holiday-themed storefronts. If you have an existing Brand Store, promote seasonal products or add some charming images and copy to entice trick-or-treaters and party-goers. Set a date for your store to go live and revert back to its original design to take advantage of the increased holiday traffic.
#3 Don't Be A Scaredy Cat
Sure, it’s a frightful time of year, but don’t be so hard on yourself! Staying organized and ahead of the game is key, but for many business owners, success takes time. Amazon was founded in 1994, and while it may be the most wildly successful ecommerce platform in modern times, that was not always the case.
It actually took Amazon 14 years to make as much money as it did in a single quarter in 2017. The rest, as they say, is history. Amazon consistently lost money during its first few years as a public company, and over the years, it completely revamped its strategies and even its identity. The once-upon-a-time online bookstore kept an eye on their trends while creating their own, and it certainly paid off.
Nowadays, there are so many resources available to ecommerce sellers. Even slow-growing businesses can optimize, advertise, and partner with experts to fine-tune their strategies. Finding a full-service ecommerce consultant to chart your course and maintain your accounts can set you in the right direction and reroute any unexpected detours. Leave the Sunday Scaries in the past, and find a path that works for you.
#4 Give 'em a Thrill
Sure, it’s smart to entice shoppers with attractive language, images, and descriptions, but honesty is always the best policy. Do you know what’s sweeter than a quick sale? Return customers! And how do you keep buyers coming back for more? Give ‘em a thrill!
The ecommerce facts show that nearly 80% of people shop online at least once a month. That means throwing shoppers a bone like free shipping or 10% off really pays off in the end! Be clear about your product's features and benefits and give existing customers a reason to come back. We’re creatures of habit, and once you’ve gained a loyal following, you’re well on your way to success!
#5 Avoid Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Mistakes and setbacks are an inevitable part of being in business. Unfortunately, there is no magic spell that can undo customer complaints, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Every business will get negative feedback at some point, but addressing these issues quickly, politely, and effectively can convert a critic into a fan.
The cold hard truth is that 94% of buyers have avoided a company due to its negative reviews. While there’s no way to completely avoid complaints, addressing them right away, establishing a customer-centric return policy, and sending follow-up emails can weigh the odds in your favor.
#6 Don't Get Spooked
Starting from the ground up can be scarier than your third rendition of Bloody Mary, but success rarely happens overnight. Work with your team and professionals you trust to find your own unique selling point and develop a strong following.
Ecommerce sales are expected to rise 9.4% in 2024, which means congratulations are in order. If you’re just starting out, fret not, you officially have the best seat in the house. With some hard work, a strong product, and unwavering commitment, you can start to capitalize on your efforts in no time.
#7 Steer Clear of Ghastly Goals
As an ecommerce seller, it’s great to pursue lofty goals, but it may take some smaller, more practical steps to get there. Trying to do too much too soon can undermine your efforts and lead to utter disappointment.
Working with full-service ecommerce consultants can get you on the fast track to success. A reputable team will help you set realistic goals and overcome even the most horrifying obstacles in record time. Ecommerce sales are expected to reach $5.8 trillion in 2023, forcing many brick-and-mortar sellers to hop on board. The opportunity for growth is there, but it’s crucial to create a plan of action that is realistic and sustainable.
#8 Sleep With One Eye Open
Building a great reputation and having honest business practices is the only way to achieve long-term success in the world of ecommerce. Unfortunately, not everyone abides by these rules. Ecommerce fraud is very real, and sellers have to stay informed so they don’t fall victim to these monstrous predators. In fact, ecommerce fraud caused losses of 41 billion in 2022.
From payment fraud to chargebacks and false returns, the world of ecommerce has given birth to a whole new brand of schemers. It’s important to keep a close eye on your accounts, look for suspicious behavior, and keep your staff trained on red flags. Having professional backup is also a great way to stay ahead of any potential problems.
#9 Avoid Getting Ghosted
Getting traffic to your listings is great, but if shoppers aren’t hitting that “place order” button, it may be time to adjust your tactics. These might be cold, hard ecommerce facts, but roughly 70% of shoppers abandon ship before completing their purchase. Mobile shoppers are even more likely to abandon their carts.
Making sure your content is mobile-friendly is a great way to snag the sale. Optimizing your listings is a no-brainer, and can help you avoid lost sales. Mobile-optimized images and copy can also make you appear more professional, honest, and legitimate to shoppers.
#10 Don’t Dig Your Own Grave
Like we’ve mentioned time and time again, succeeding as an ecommerce seller is all about reputation, reputation, reputation. Platforms like Amazon and Walmart have created a customer-centric dynamic, and they certainly expect their sellers to follow suit.
Responding politely and thoughtfully to customer contact will not only keep you in good standing with your ecommerce platform; it will also encourage repeat business. In fact, 68% of shoppers say they are willing to pay more for products and services from a brand that offers good customer service. While it may be tempting to speak your mind when dealing with rude or creepy customers, it simply isn’t worth it. The high road is where success lies.
#11 Slay the Competition
Sure, there’s room for all of us in the world of ecommerce. But the cold hard ecommerce facts don’t lie. With online global retail sales projected to surpass $7 trillion by 2025, creating a name for yourself can prove to be challenging.
Keeping an eye on the competition, staying ahead of the trends, and creating great content can make all the difference. With over 26 million ecommerce websites across the world, competition is fierce. Make sure you keep your ecommerce facts straight by staying on top of your accounts 24/7. If you’re too busy to do it yourself, hire a consultant you can trust to get the job done!
#12 Conduct Strange Experiments
Frankenstein wasn’t the only odd experiment that’s come to life. The world of ecommerce has paved the way for trailblazers galore! But where did it all begin?
Michael Aldrich can be credited with the first ecommerce business in history! He connected a modified domestic television with a telephone line. While Michael probably never imagined his crazy concoction would become a multi-billion dollar industry, his innovative spirit lives on!
In Michael’s honor, adopt a creative mindset that sets you apart from the pack. During this profitable period, don’t imitate and duplicate your competitors, look for ways to stand out! A/B test new content, experiment with engaging ad campaigns, and test out new social media strategies to drive customer interest.
#13 Use Social Sorcery
In 2023, social proof has played a significant role in the decision-making process of shoppers, leading to a surge in influencer marketing on social media and Amazon. According to industry predictions, this trend is expected to grow 23.4%, reaching a staggering $6.16 billion in revenue in 2023.
For brands looking to overcome stagnant sales, partnering with influencers just might be the key to breaking the curse. With a large following, these social sorcerers possess the power to direct shoppers to your Amazon listings and deliver the assurance they need to feel confident about buying your products.
Have no fear, our experts are here! If you’re short on time, getting lost in the shuffle, or simply want to improve your sales, let’s chat. Our team of Amazon consultants has a vast portfolio of experience in helping businesses list, optimize, advertise, and stimulate sales on Amazon and Walmart. Contact us for a free consultation and learn more about what we have to offer.