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Today, the Social media platforms are way more than just a means of communication and entertainment. Smart sellers and resellers use social media platforms as powerful tools for eCommerce businesses to connect with their target audience and drive sales. 

As a fusion of eCommerce and social media, Social Commerce allows businesses to sell products directly through social platforms. Here is how.

What is Social Commerce?

Now an increasing number of consumers who are active on social media and prefer to discover and purchase products through these platforms. 

In 2022, 98% of the consumers planned to browse and make their purchase through social media. 

So, social commerce can be defined as the process of selling products and services directly through social media.

Take a look at this Facebook page of Filofax, a well known stationary that is creating a difference in the office supplies sector through social commerce.

Unlike traditional reseller eCommerce platform, where customers are redirected to a separate website or online store to make a purchase, social commerce enables users to complete the entire shopping experience within their favorite social media app.

What a great way to let customers browse, select, and buy products without leaving their social media feeds!

The Benefits of Social Commerce for Resellers

For resellers, social commerce presents a myriad of opportunities to reach and engage with customers effectively. Here are some key benefits of using social commerce as a reseller:

1. Expanded Reach and Audience Targeting

Social media platforms have millions of active users. IT resellers, for example, can tap into these vast user bases and expand their reach to a larger audience. 

They can breakdown their audience in segments. It makes it easy for the resellers to reach their ideal customers based on demographics, interests, and behavior.

Using robust targeting options, they can project their relevant IT/software products to the right consumer base.

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement and Personalization

Social commerce enables resellers to engage with customers in a more personalized and interactive manner. Through social media platforms, resellers can communicate directly with customers, answer questions, provide product recommendations, and offer personalized shopping experiences. 

This level of engagement creates customer loyalty and build long-term relationships.

3. Increased Sales Conversion and Revenue Generation

With social commerce, resellers can optimize the customer journey and reduce friction in the buying process. Customers can seamlessly discover products, read reviews, and make a purchase without leaving their preferred social media app. 

This streamlined experience leads to higher sales conversions and increased revenue for resellers.

4. Social Proof and User-Generated Content

Social media platforms thrive on user-generated content and social proof. Resellers can leverage this by encouraging customers to share their purchases, reviews, and testimonials on social media.

User-generated content acts as social proof, building trust and credibility for resellers and their products. 

5. Data and Insights for Better Decision-Making

Social networking sites offer valuable information and observations regarding customer actions, preferences, and patterns. Resellers can utilize this data to gain a deeper understanding of their target audience, identify popular products, track sales performance, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their social commerce strategy.

How Resellers Can Utilize Social Commerce

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of social commerce for resellers, let’s delve into some effective strategies and tactics resellers can employ to leverage social commerce successfully.

1. Choose the Right Social Media Platforms

Not all social media platforms are created equal when it comes to social commerce. Resellers need to identify the platforms that align with their target audience and product offerings. For example, fashion and lifestyle products may perform well on visually focused platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, while B2B products may find better traction on LinkedIn.

Drawing example from one of the top IT resellers- SHI International Corp., see how an IT VAR eCommerce software can market itself on LinkedIn.

2. Optimize Your Social Media Profiles

Your social media profiles serve as a digital storefront for your products. It’s essential to optimize your profiles with high-quality images, compelling product descriptions, and clear calls to action. Provide all the necessary information that potential customers need to make informed purchasing decisions.

3. Showcase Products with Engaging Visuals

Visual content is key to capturing attention and driving engagement on social media. Invest in high-quality product photography and create visually appealing content that showcases your products in the best possible light. Utilize features like carousel posts, product tags, and shoppable stickers to make it easy for customers to explore and purchase your products.

4. Leverage User-Generated Content and Influencers

User-generated content (UGC) and influencer marketing can greatly amplify your social commerce efforts. Encourage customers to share their experiences with your products by reposting their content and providing incentives for UGC creation. Collaborating with influencers in your niche can also help increase brand visibility and credibility.

See how office supplies giants, Office Depot, are sharing their user generated clipping on Instagram.

5. Offer Exclusive Promotions and Discounts

Everyone loves a good deal, and social media is an excellent platform to showcase exclusive promotions and discounts. Run limited-time offers, flash sales, or social media-exclusive discounts to incentivize customers to make a purchase. Look for prompt immediate action by creating a feeling of urgency and scarcity.

6. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Customer service plays a crucial role in social commerce. Respond promptly to customer queries, comments, and messages to provide a positive shopping experience. Address any issues or concerns promptly and go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Satisfied customers have a higher chance of becoming loyal purchasers and strong supporters of the brand.

7. Analyze and Optimize Performance

Monitor the performance of your social commerce efforts regularly. Track key metrics such as engagement, click-through rates, conversion rates, and sales. Analyze the data to identify trends, understand customer behavior, and optimize your strategy accordingly. Experiment with different tactics and iterate based on what works best for your reselling business.

Social Commerce – a Must have Marketing Strategy.

By studying the strategies employed by these office supplies stores, resellers can gain insights and inspiration for their social commerce endeavors.

Social commerce is not a trend that can be ignored. It is a valuable strategy that resellers can utilize to expand their reach, increase revenue, and build long-lasting relationships with customers. Embrace the opportunities offered by social commerce and unlock the full potential of your reselling business.

Explore VARStreet , a perfect platform for IT & Office supplies VARs and VAR ERP software to take your intial steps as an online reseller and use social commerce at its best.

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