E-commerce platforms have emerged as indispensable resources for brands to showcase and sell their products. With online purchases projected to constitute 20.1% of all transactions in 2024, the significance of e-commerce continues to soar, necessitating increased investment in online business presence and digital marketing strategies by brands.
Particularly for smaller, niche brands lacking physical storefronts, e-commerce platforms serve as vital resources for conducting business, enabling these niche brands to bloom and expand within the online marketplace.
Moreover, the growing use of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram has further amplified the reach and impact of these smaller brands’ marketing efforts, situating the online landscape as equally lucrative as traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.
Keep reading to explore a selection of e-commerce tools and platforms that are empowering niche brands in 2024 to thrive in the digital landscape.
Shopify
Shopify is the go-to e-commerce platform for small brands, offering ease of use for anyone looking to start selling products and manage their store efficiently. It also provides post-sale analytics, giving business owners valuable insights into their brand's performance.
Favoured by brands in various niches and product categories, Shopify stands out for its affordability, particularly beneficial for startups. It simplifies the process of launching a business, eliminating the complexities associated with physical stores. With its user-friendly interface, Shopify streamlines brand launch and marketing efforts, enabling easy sharing and promotion of stores through simple links.
Dream Giggles on Shopify
Dream Giggles on Shopify
Linktree
Speaking if links, Linktree emerges as an invaluable solution to the challenge of link restrictions on social media pages, offering seamless organisation of multiple links for brands. Widely embraced by influencers, small businesses, and brands alike, Linktree facilitates effortless navigation across various social media platforms.
In the e-commerce landscape, Linktree is a staple tool due to its ability to direct users not only to a brand's website but also to their social media accounts where they do a lot of their marketing. This strategic approach not only provides customers with additional information about the brand's identity, products, and reviews but also enhances brand exposure.
Linktree from Blossom
Social Media platforms
Social media have emerged as a central hub for affordable brand marketing, especially TikTok. The potential to reach the "For You" page and achieve viral status has made TikTok especially enticing for brands seeking rapid exposure. Moreover, small brands are increasingly leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, where owners prompt customers to inquire about products via direct messages, or the recent TikTok shop, enabling brands to sell directly through TikTok's e-commerce platform.
While leveraging social media mostly for marketing is now commonplace among brands, it underscores the remarkable influence and reach of these social platforms for brand outreach and recognition. This trend further emphasises the ongoing shift of brands towards online platforms, marking a departure from the traditional brick-and-mortar approach.
E-commerce presents unparalleled opportunities for smaller, niche brands aiming to expand their business outreach and boost sales. Offering a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to physical stores, e-commerce requires fewer resources and manpower. If you're a small brand looking to launch your business, explore these tools to kickstart your journey!