learn all about this business model and what its advantages are

E-commerce is growing by leaps and bounds in different corners of the world, and Latin America is a very good example of this.

By the end of 2019, the expansion of sales through digital channels could increase by 15.7% in the region, compared to 2018 figures, according to statistics from the Global E-Commerce Index, cited by América Retail .

This is mainly due to the undeniable growth in Internet penetration and the use of social networks. For example, there are more than 300 million Facebook users in the region.

Imagine if your brand could reach part of that huge community! Amazing, isn’t it? Given this reality, it is important that your company truly achieves digital transformation so that it can make the most of this thriving sector.

For this reason, today we want to help you learn much more about e-commerce, specifically aspects such as its definition, characteristics, uses, history, types and best platforms , among others.

So, how about we start by talking about what e-commerce itself is?

Keep reading!

What is e-commerce?

Electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce, has as its main characteristic the economic activity that allows the purchase and mexico telegram data sale of products and services through digital media , such as, for example, web pages, mobile applications and social networks.

Through the Internet, customers can access various brands, products and services anytime, anywhere.

The relevance of this type of commerce is such that businesses take it as part of their sales strategy thanks to its efficiency.

Establishments already have websites and create profiles on social networks to reach a wider audience.

Buying and selling is now a simple task, made possible, of course, by technology, such as mobile devices with Internet access.

Basically, it involves the processes of selling and purchasing products and services through electronic channels, especially websites, applications and social networks.

Also, to explain it from a more informal point of view, we can value it as a process in which two or more people reach a commercial agreement (specifically purchase or sale) through digital or electronic means.

Although it may seem similar to the first definition, the latter makes it clear that to market electronically it is not necessary to create a large virtual store and be an established brand on the Internet, since anyone can do so through a simple publication on their social networks or by taking advantage of an external platform.

Of course, when you want to make this activity a sustainable, profitable and long-lasting business, it is important to focus on branding , digital authority, marketing and many other elements that contribute to positioning and exposure.

What are the characteristics of e-commerce?

Although, like traditional commerce, its wordpress for small business: benefits and how to get the most out of the platform ultimate goal is to generate sales, e-commerce is undoubtedly very different.

There are many characteristics that differentiate e-commerce from what we knew decades ago as commerce, and these are some of them:

Global reach

Years ago, for a company to be able b to c database to generate sales on another continent it had to be a colossal organization, with different branches, collaborators and a great logistical capacity.

On the other hand, e-commerce offers global reach to anyone who wants to get into it. Consumers from any country can access your virtual store or social media account.

You just need to develop the right strategies to connect with them.

Speaking of countries, Mexico and Colombia have been among the main ones in Latin America in terms of the growth of virtual stores.

Ubiquity

Do you know what this term means? It refers to something that has the ability to be present everywhere at the same time.

Yes, just like e-commerce. If you want, a virtual store can serve the public 24 hours a day, regardless of where the user is located.

Interactivity

Another characteristic of e-commerce is that it encourages constant feedback between consumers and brands.

Within seconds, users can ask questions, make comments about products, and even make complaints.

Meanwhile, customer-focused stores have the ability to respond to any interaction immediately.

What is e-commerce for?

At this point we will focus on the usefulness of this marketing method for companies and entrepreneurs. Specifically, we will talk about 3 things that e-commerce is useful for.

Attention!

1. Increase in sales opportunities

Logically, a business that operates in a traditional way will significantly increase its sales opportunities if it also decides to take advantage of electronic channels.

On the other hand, brands that are dedicated exclusively to this form of commerce also have greater opportunities, as they have access to a global community of millions of users.