How to Build Brand Awareness for Your New eCommerce Store

Every entrepreneur dreams of having a brand that stands out from the competition, one that is so well-known that it becomes part of everyday language. But achieving that level of success doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on marketing.

There are plenty of ways to build a powerful brand without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a look at three key principles that have helped local companies in Canada and beyond become household names.

1. Create a Customer Persona

Creating a customer persona is a must-do for any business looking to develop a successful brand.

It allows you to get familiar with your target audience and tailor your marketing strategy to reach them more effectively. A customer persona is a profile of your ideal customer. It should include things like their

Demographic information

• Age

• Gender

• Income

• Family structure

• Location

Psychographic information

• values

• interests

• and goals.

To get started finding this information, begin by asking yourself key questions such as:

• Who is my ideal customer?

• What do they need?

• What do they care about?

Collect customer data

As a small eCommerce business, it is important to collect customer data to fill in the details.

Knowing who your customers are, what they like, and what they don’t like will help you build brand awareness and make informed decisions that will drive your business forward. There are a variety of methods you can use to collect customer data, such as surveys, interviews, and market research.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand which ones are best for your particular business.

Surveys

Surveys are an effective way to collect customer data. They are relatively inexpensive, and can be used to ask a variety of questions. You can use surveys to ask questions about customer preferences, such as what type of products they prefer, or their thoughts on pricing. You can also use surveys to gather demographic information, such as age, gender, and location.

Interviews

Interviews are another effective way to collect customer data. They are more time consuming than surveys, but they can provide valuable information. Interviews are also useful for getting feedback on specific products or services.

Market research

Market research is a great way to collect customer data. It involves gathering data from a variety of sources, such as competitors, industry experts, and potential customers. Market research can provide valuable insights into customer preferences and needs, as well as current trends in the industry.

No matter which method you choose to collect customer data, it’s important to remember that the data should be collected in a way that respects customer privacy. When possible, make sure you have the customer’s consent before collecting any data.

Make your customer profile

Once you have all the information you need, use it to create a customer persona. To make your customer persona more realistic, give them a name, add a photo, and even write a short paragraph about their values and interests. With an accurate customer persona, you can craft an effective marketing strategy that speaks to your target customer.

This will help you make the most of your budget and reach your desired audience.

By taking the time to research and create an accurate customer persona, you can get to know your target audience better and craft a message that resonates with them.

Keep iterating

Creating a customer persona isn't a one-time task. As your business grows, you should regularly review your customer persona to make sure it reflects the current needs and interests of your target audience. This will help you stay on top of the ever-changing landscape and ensure your marketing strategy stays relevant.

2. Use Content Marketing

Content marketing is an effective way to build trust with your target audience, engage them, and ultimately, increase sales. With content marketing, you can create content tailored to your customer's needs, giving them valuable information that is not just a sales pitch but also helpful and informative.

Content marketing can come in many forms – blogs, videos, podcasts, and more. Each type of content has its own advantages and benefits, and all can be used to create a comprehensive content marketing strategy.

Blogs

Blogs are a great way to reach potential customers and build trust. They are easy to produce, and when done right, can provide valuable information to your readers. Plus, blogs are easy to share and can help you increase the visibility of your brand and website.

Videos

Videos are highly engaging and can be used to show customers how to use your product or service, or to provide tips and advice related to your industry. Videos can also be used to showcase your products or services and give customers a better understanding of what you have to offer especially if you share your videos on video-first platforms like YouTube or Tiktok.

Podcasts

Podcasts are another great way to engage with your target audience and build brand awareness in the early days of your eCommerce business. Podcasts can be used to discuss topics related to your industry and product and provide valuable information, tips, and advice. Being a guest on a podcast can help you gain credibility and establish your brand as a thought leader.

Content marketing is an effective way to reach potential customers, build trust, and establish your brand as an authority in your industry. By creating content that is valuable, helpful, and tailored to your customer's needs, you can create an effective content marketing strategy that will help you increase your visibility online and drive more sales.

3. Create Brand Advocates

As an ecommerce store owner, you understand the importance of building a strong brand. One of the key ways to do this is to create brand advocates.

Brand advocates are customers who are passionate about your brand and spread the word to others. They are a valuable asset to any business, as they can help to drive sales and increase brand awareness.

Creating brand advocates is a process that should start with excellent customer service. Treating customers with respect, providing helpful advice and responding to queries promptly will help to create positive associations with your brand. Customers who feel valued are more likely to be loyal to your business.

Offering exclusive discounts and loyalty rewards is also a great way to create brand advocates. People love to feel special and will be more likely to tell others about your business if they feel like they are getting something in return. This can be a good way to attract and retain customers, as well as encourage repeat purchases.

Finally, it’s important to show your appreciation for your customers’ support. This could be through thanking them for their purchases, or sending out a handwritten note or gift to show you care. This can go a long way to creating brand loyalty and ensuring your customers become passionate advocates for your business.

Creating brand advocates is an important part of building a successful ecommerce store. By providing excellent customer service, offering exclusive discounts and loyalty rewards and showing appreciation for your customers’ support, you can develop a loyal customer base and build a powerful brand.

Conclusion

By following these three principles, you can create a powerful brand that stands out from the competition and resonates with your target audience. Building a strong brand takes time and effort, but it can be a very rewarding experience. So get started today, and soon you’ll be on your way to becoming a household name in your industry.