MAM software, a major supplier of IT systems and solutions to the automotive aftermarket, has issued some very useful advice on how businesses can best navigate the fast changing ecommerce landscape. 

MAM say that an ecommerce website has quickly gone from being a ‘nice to have’ to a crucial tool for staying competitive in today’s market. Customers expect a business to have a website, but starting out can be daunting. MAM has therefore produced some top tips on making those all-important first steps into the online domain.

Firstly, one of the best decisions a business owner can make is to choose a website that will directly integrate with its existing ERP solution. Details such as stock and pricing will automatically be reflected from the core ERP to the online portal in real time, which not only removes the need to manually carry out the same task in two different places, but also provides the customer with precise up-to date information.

MAM says an ecommerce platform should be easy to use for both business and customers. This means a good understanding of a sector is vital. MAM has extensive knowledge of the aftermarket sector and is able to offer industry-tailored content management systems. 

MAM also point out that establishing an ecommerce website is “essentially like opening a new branch” – and needs to be treated as such. It is not enough just to build a new website. It needs to be correctly marketed. All interactions with a customer or prospect should be viewed as a chance to promote a site, whether that be through flyers, van signage, Google Ads, magazine adverts or other methods. MAM stresses that it is important to not just focus on digital marketing simply because a shop is online!

Customers today are probably better informed than ever before, and a site that passes on knowledge will be seen as a valuable resource in attracting repeat business. A site will also allow a business to trade outside of normal hours providing a more complete shopping experience. However, a good website will also have a positive effect on normal business with one normal benefit being increased footfall, perhaps through click and collect, or simply by letting the customer know about a wider variety of products and services. 

MAM also makes the point that the way customers buy is changing meaning that having a good ecommerce site is vital for business growth. For example the ability to find a part, check stock availability and pricing and place an immediate order is now an essential component of doing business.

For more information visit www.mamsoftware.ie