After reading the
professor's blog this week about the E-commerce business model, I started thinking about ways in which a website could be a success. One thing I thought could be an important aspect for an E-commerce business model is differentiation, how you can make you website so it differs from other competition. Operating an online business could be very profitable, but it is important that your website stands out in order to be successful. There is so much clutter in the online world that it is important to incorporate differentiation into your business plan. I found a
website that describes some of the things that can be done in order to achieve differentiation with your website. Some things suggested were to find out how you can differentiate yourself from competitors. Are you going to offer faster, less expensive shipping, or have a wider selection of inventory? Whatever it may be, it is important that it is well thought out.
Another way to achieve differentiation with your website could be with the products or services that you may be offering. Instead of offering products or services that you can find through many websites, you can offer something to a specific market niche. Let's say that you decide to start an online clothing retailer for example. They are all over the place on the internet. So how are you going to make your website stand out? One way could be to target to a specific market, for example, people like expensive designer clothing for a lower price. This is probably what the creator of websites like
Bluefly.com had in mind when starting their online business. Can you can think any successful websites are targeted to specific market niche, feel free to post any...
Jeniffer, I agree 100% when you say that in order for online companies to gain market share and keep a loyalty barrier with their consumers, one must differentiate from the competition. E commerce sites that are user friendly and connect with thir consumers will always see increases in sales.
ReplyDeleteDifferentiation - creating a novelty - is definitely the key to any successful business these days, especially when it comes to the beauty/fashion industry. With the new advances in technology it is easier to get things done quickly and efficiently. Anyone can have a cool website or a really intricate design. The product and services themselves hav to be what stands out because it is really easy to get in the e-commerce game now a days. I think Forever 21 is a good example of what you are talking about. They offer a wide range of clothes for young adults and teenagers. The clothes they offer changes so quickly both in stores and online. They are constantly offering items that a "trendy" while also having pieces that can fit any lifestyle. They do all of this by offering their products for very cheap. There products are so cheap in fact, that most people (myself included) don't care that their shipping takes forever!
ReplyDeleteAnother website I feel that differentiates themselves really well is the business I work for, mark. You can check out their offerings with this link http://mymarkstore.com/rebeccasampson
It is all about thinking outside the box and finding the missing link in the equation. It is important to have a clear understanding of your target market and knowing what it is that they are after. Once you have that figured out you can cater to their needs and offer innovative features that they they not have before.
ReplyDeleteDifferentiation is definitely a key element on any business model. The uniqueness of your product or service will make you gain loyal customers. At the same time, it help you build a stronger customer value proposition (Meaning does your product offer a benefit or to solve a problem?) and a placement in the market.
ReplyDeleteSure enough...differentiation is a must. I wouldn't want my online business to look the same as another website, and just be a "norm" that others also see. It's good to be different...you catch the unique visitor's eye, and they will simply love it - or not. Your selling yourself - and a way to make yourself stand out is being different. The same can be said of the internet...but you people will not be able to see you online. So what best way to represent your brand then by having a unique cool looking website?
ReplyDeleteI agree! Novelty in itself (ie: crazy 'out-there' creativity) is not so wise, but when novelty aimed towards adding value to your customers (ie: innovation) is a winning characteristic of online businesses. You're right that online businesses really need to stand out. Customers have so many to choose from, your competitor being just a click away. Be different in a better way to your customer, and the cash will flow in :)
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