Shopify has more than 1.35million sellers, making it a popular platform for both new and experienced sellers. Shopify is a popular online store platform for entrepreneurs due to the many features it offers in terms of store management and ecommerce. Multi-channel selling is also a part of this appeal.
It’s an option that Shopify users have not yet fully explored.
Multi-channel marketing and selling is essential in today’s digital economy. Companies with multi-channel marketing strategies that work effectively retain 89% of customers. This fact, which has a 30% lifetime value for customers who shop across multiple channels, should not be surprising to you.
We have the answers for you, no matter if you are new to multichannel selling or just want to know how to get the most from each channel Shopify has to offer.
Let’s get started!
MULTI-CHANNEL SALES ARE IMPORTANT
Let’s first take a look at each channel. Then let’s talk about multi-channel sales as a whole. This may seem overwhelming at first. You’ve created a Shopify storefront to sell your products, right? Surely each sales channel adds complexity and work to the mix?
This is true in part. It is a good idea, though, considering that more than 66% of online shoppers use multiple sales channels to make a purchase.
Multi-channel sales allows you to reach a wider audience and engage your target market across all channels. Not everyone is comfortable doing business online with unknown stores. They might be more comfortable buying your products from Amazon.
Omnichannel selling is all about finding customers where they are. This means more targeted selling which results in better customer experiences.
Multi-channel selling has the top reason for success. This is supported by the fact that multi-channel marketing is 3x more effective than companies who do not. You also get to collect more customer data, which will help you gain a better understanding about your customers’ behavior. This is a win-win situation!
MULTI-CHANNEL SALES ARE EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Shopify makes it simple to set up multiple sales channels. Shopify syncs products automatically with other sales channels in most cases to make it easy for you to populate and manage other storefronts.
You can also access your Shopify dashboard from anywhere you are.
- Track your products and orders on Shopify and other sales channels
- For new sales channels, check the availability of the product
- You can assign listings to your preferred channels or even whole product categories.
- Manage and create discounts
- You can receive order notifications through different channels
- Generate sales reports across different sales channels
- Filter your order history using a sales channel
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Noting that every sales channel has its own eligibility requirements is important. These requirements may exclude some stores. We’ve listed any relevant eligibility requirements where applicable in the sections below – Shopify’s regional requirements for wholesale marketplaces.
Shopify Facebook Sales Channel
Facebook is a wonderful place to share your brand’s values.
Customers also love to contact their favourite brands via social media. In fact, “>30% of online shoppers use social media to find new products, with 26% using Facebook as their primary source.
These statistics will make it easy to integrate your Shopify and Facebook Shop. To sync your products, you don’t have to upload them more than once. This makes it easy to get up and running in no time.
Additional benefits include:
- Your Facebook Shop page can be transformed into an attractive storefront.
- You can add products to your Facebook posts. These can be liked and commented on.
- You can also launch your Facebook shop and set up an Instagram checkout (more details in another section).
- Facebook Shops are completely free. So why not take advantage of this multi-channel selling opportunity! There is nothing to lose, and all you have to gain.
THE CONS OF SHOPIFY’S FACEBOOK SHOP SALES CHANNEL:
- Some users have complained that Facebook Shops takes a long time to load. This might discourage some customers.
- Facebook regulations must be followed. Not all products or content are accepted on Facebook.
- Instagram Shops and Facebook are only currently available to US-based store owners. You must direct your customers to your Shopify Store to sell Facebook products in other countries.
Shopify Facebook Messenger Sales Channel
Shopify allows you to sell through Facebook Messenger. Customers can reach you by clicking the “Message Us” button on their Facebook Shop or Facebook Business page.
Customers can opt-in to receive updates via Facebook Messenger app about their orders and shipping statuses at checkout. This can be a great way to improve the shopping experience by allowing customers to choose their preferred sales channel.
A chatbot can be used to launch Messenger campaigns and then sell products through Messenger conversations, without the need to actually be there.
THE PROS OF SHOPIFY’S FACEBOOK MESSENGER SALES CHANNEL:
- In 2019, Messenger was second in popularity, just behind WhatsApp. This is combined with the fact that 56% messaging app users reported seeking out more information at every stage of the buyer’s journey. It’s obvious that Facebook Messenger could greatly expand your reach.
- Small businesses can market and sell through this channel easily with automated messenger campaigns. The queries can be answered by anyone, and you don’t even need to hire staff!
- Messenger can be added to Facebook accounts that are already being used as a sales channel.
CONTENTS OF SHOPIFY’S FACEBOOK SALES CHANNEL
- Buyers may be more responsive to you if you are active on messaging platforms. This is an extremely difficult standard to keep for solopreneurs.
- You can have more direct contact with your customers through this sales channel. Your team and you need to be fluent in customer service, and ready to scale up if necessary.
Shopify Instagram Sales Channel
As we have already mentioned, setting up an Instagram Shop is possible by creating a Facebook Shop. This allows you tag your products in Instagram stories and posts. Shoppers can also click on the “View Shop” tab in their profile to see all of your products without leaving the app. To make a purchase, shoppers can click “View on website”
THE PROS OF SHOPIFY’S INSTAGRAM SHOP SALES CHANNEL:
- It’s easy to sync your products into Instagram if you have an existing Facebook Shop.
- Instagram has more than 1,000,000 active monthly users. 81% of them use Instagram to search for products and services. This could dramatically increase your reach.
- If you have visually appealing products, Instagram is great!
- Influencer-oriented brands can use this channel to increase sales.
SHOPIFY’S INSTAGRAM SHOP SALES CHANNEL CONTENTS:
- You need an Instagram account to sell via Instagram. This account must have at least 100 followers.
- To link to your products, you need a Facebook page already set up for Shopify.
- Selling through your Instagram Shop can be very profitable if you have a solid social media strategy that grows and engages your Instagram followers
Shopify Amazon Sales Channel
Amazon attracts nearly 184 million people each month. Sellers report a 50% rise in sales after joining the Amazon marketplace.
Shopify gives you the opportunity to share in that Amazon sales channel. You can manage and track your Amazon products and create new offers for Amazon products that are not part of your Shopify store.
You will need to set up a professional seller account in Amazon Seller Central. This is easy to do.
THE PROS OF SHOPIFY’S AMAZON SALES CHANNEL:
- Amazon offers convenience and speedy shipping. Many customers prefer shopping online because of the range, ease-of-use comparisons, and the availability of many products. You can list your products on Amazon and customers will be able to add them to their shopping carts along with other items.
- This gives you an opportunity to direct customers to your Shopify store. Even if they have never heard of Shopify, they might be more inclined to visit it once they are familiar with your brand via Amazon. This is especially true when you brand your product packaging materials using a link to Shopify.
- Amazon allows you to sell your product to a wider audience, allowing you to grow faster and more easily.
SHOPIFY’S AMAZON SALES CHANNEL CONTENTS:
- Only USD and CAD can be sold
- Your Amazon channel must be set to the same area as your Shopify store
- You should have a return policy as good as Amazon’s.
- Also, orders must be fulfilled through your Shopify dashboard . This means that Fulfillment by Amazon is not available to you. This means you will miss one of the easiest fulfillment options for Amazon products.
Shopify Buy Button Sales Channel
These locations can be used to promote your products if you are actively posting content on the internet. The Shopify Buy Button can be embedded on your blog or website, including Squarespace and WordPress websites. To ensure smooth online shopping, the Buy Button links buyers to their Shopify checkout.
THE PROS OF THE SHOPIFY BUY BUTTON:
- If you have a blog, the Buy Button allows you to easily sell products from it. You can embed a Buy Button in your blog to allow readers to buy directly from the page.
- It is easy to add the buy button to your website.
CONTENTS OF THE SHOPIFY BUILD BUTTON
- One thing is certain about the Buy Button: It should not be used directly on Shopify’s storefront or Shopify blog. This could cause problems with your checkout process. To preload your cart, you can use the Shopify Buy Button instead of the Buy Button.
Shopify Handshake Marketplace Sales Channel
Wholesale is a key part of your business. You might also consider the handshake Marketplace, which allows you to find approved Shopify merchants that offer wholesale products.
To list your items and business on the Handshake Marketplace, you can apply. If approved, retailers will be able to find and purchase from you. Simple, right?
THE PROS AND CONTRASTS OF THE HANDSHAKE SMARKETPLACE
- Shopify users do not have to pay listing fees or commissions
- Shopify verifies all Handshake stores so your customers can be confident in your credibility.
- To reflect your brand, you can change the look of your supplier profile
- Wholesale prices can be set and minimum order quantities can be added.
- You can personalize shipping and return policies
- Orders for handshakes can be made from the Shopify Admin area
CONSIDERATIONS OF THE HANDSHAKE SMARKETPLACE
- Handshake can only be used if the currency of your store is USD and your address is within the United States
- Although Handshake is easier to set-up and run than a single wholesale storefront, you still need to create and manage a profile.
Shopify Google Sales Channel
Google is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think of “sales channel”, but when Googlers search products, Google displays results in its “Shopping” tab. Google lists your products for free, best of all!
Shopify automatically syncs your products and store details to the Google Merchant Center, so you don’t have to list your products on Google. The entire process is automated for you!
THE PROS OF SHOPIFY’S GOOGLE SALES CHANNEL:
- Customers with buying intent often use Google to do primary product research. This platform can increase brand awareness as well as sales.
- It’s hard to refuse free campaigns, and listing products on the Google Sales channel for no cost is a great way to get them!
THE CONS OF SHOPIFY’S GOOGLE SALES CHANNEL:
- Only Google Ads accounts or Google Merchant Center will allow you to appear on Google’s Shopping Tab.
- Advertisements can’t be customized automatically. You will need to manually manage your Google Ads account in order to create targeted campaigns.
- Only eligible US stores can get free Google Shopping Tab Listings
Shopify Walmart Marketplace Sales Channel
A Walmart Marketplace is another great channel for Shopify sales. Once you have set up your Shopify store, you can apply for the Walmart Marketplace. After approval, you will be able to start selling to their 120+ Million monthly online visitors.
You can sell on Walmart Marketplace using your Shopify store. There are no subscription or setup fees. And, just like other Shopify channels, you can control all your sales from your Shopify dashboard.
THE PROS OF SHOPIFY’S WALMART MARKETPLACE SALES CHANNEL:
- Place your product before the 120+ million monthly online shoppers at Walmart Marketplace
- There are no subscription or setup fees
- Shopify dashboard allows you to manage all of your customer and sales transactions.
- It is simple to add products to Walmart Marketplace
- You can add unlimited products to your listings and can bulk edit them.
CONTENTS OF SHOPIFY’S WALMART SALES CHANNEL
- Sellers must have a US tax ID and be located in the USA
- For their products, sellers must have UPC and GTIN codes
- To be eligible for sale on Walmart.com, products must be eligible
- Walmart’s service requirements must be met by products
Shopify eBay Sales Channel
eBay is one of the most popular online marketplaces. You can connect your Shopify store directly to eBay to reach more customers and increase sales.
THE PROS OF SHOPIFY’S WALMART MARKETPLACE SALES CHANNEL:
- With eBay’s extensive customer base, reach more customers
- Shopify makes it easy to list products and you can manage them all right from your dashboard.
- Use eBay’s integrated messaging service to communicate with customers
- PayPal integration available
CONTENTS OF SHOPIFY’S WALMART SALES CHANNEL
- eBay.com (US), eBay.ca. (Canada), eBay.com.au Australia, eBay.co.uk United Kingdom and eBay.de Germany are currently supported by the eBay sales channel
- International eBay sites are not able you to sell directly
Last words
Shopify users should already be able to take advantage of multi-channel selling. You don’t need to spend a lot of effort to link your store to other channels, such as Amazon or Facebook, to reach more people and drive sales.
Although selling across multiple channels can seem daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to manage everything. Shopify syncs all your products to any sales channel and allows you manage everything from your Shopify dashboard. This saves you a lot of time.
