If you run an online business, then don’t get stuck in the “you can’t compete with Amazon trap”.  It’s not the impossible task it may seem, or is it? Get ready to learn how to compete with Amazon.

After all, Amazon is a household name, while your business might be unknown to most online shoppers.

Take heart, though: by understanding the limitations of Amazon and other large retailers, you can learn to play up your own strengths and stand out in your niche.

Here’s how you can build a business that holds its own in the online retail game.

Look Professional

When your website doesn’t look professional and up-to-date, viewers won’t stick around long enough to find out how great your product is.

Appearances matter, and for better or for worse, your website is responsible for visitors’ first impression of your business. Attractive design, great ad copy, and effective use of images all play a role in grabbing viewers’ attention and guiding them further into your site.

If you haven’t had your website updated in five years, now is the time to fix that. Don’t try to mimic Amazon’s site design, though. They’re built to be an online superstore, while you’re a small, specialized market.

To make the most of your site, feature your main selling point front and center. Emphasizing the biggest benefit you offer lets customers know they’re in the right place.

Niche Down

Don’t try to compete with Amazon in terms of variety – that’s a war you’ll never win. Instead, use the opposite tactic.

Your business will stand out most if you specialize in one particular thing instead of trying to do everything.

People who need something very specific or who are searching for a one-of-a-kind product are likely to shop somewhere other than Amazon, so find ways to meet this market’s needs.

If your business sells one particular type of item, offer a wide variety of the item and make it easy for customers to search for the specifications they want.

When you’re selling something that Amazon also sells, play up the uniqueness and high quality of your product.

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Provide Top-Notch Customer Support

When it comes to customer service, you have one major advantage over Amazon: you’re not one of the largest retailers on the planet. That means you can offer your customers a great experience in ways that Amazon can’t.

Go the extra mile to make sure each of your customers is happy not only with your product but also with the whole experience of doing business with you.

Answer their questions quickly, offer returns and exchanges so no one gets stuck with a product they dislike, and don’t be afraid to let your personality show through a little.

Customers enjoy knowing there’s a real human on the other end of a transaction, and they’ll be more likely to give you repeat business when they feel like you put personal care into their order.

Ship For Free

When it comes to shipping, Amazon has set the new standard.

Many customers regard quick, free shipping as a necessity, not just a nice bonus.

Expensive shipping and long wait times will hurt your sales, even if your product is amazing.

Ship your products for free if it’s at all possible.

There are many strategies to reduce shipping costs so free shipping can be the default option for all your orders.

Bump up your prices to cover the extra cost if you have to – people would rather pay extra for a good product than pay for shipping.

Build Relationships to Build Your Brand Reputation

When you’re thinking about buying a product, what influences your decision most – the business’ description of how great their product is, or a glowing review by another customer?

Most people view a product more favorably if they know other buyers rate it highly. This is especially true if the good review comes from a friend.

Building relationships with people is the key to getting rave reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and repeat business.

The best way to do this is to look for ways you can help your customers. Provide value through content marketing, work quickly to resolve any complaints or problems buyers have, and reward customer loyalty with discounts or freebies.

When you don’t own your customer, i.e. when you are selling on Amazon – you maintain near zero control of the customer relationship.

So, the take away, if you really want to know how to compete with Amazon, you must prioritize your brand experience and the customer relationship.

Making a great impression might take a little extra effort on your end, but it will work wonders for your brand reputation down the line.

Wrapping Up: How to Compete with Amazon

Competing with Amazon might look impossible on the surface, but it’s completely achievable once you adopt the right strategy.

By developing your business’ unique strengths in areas where the retail giant falls short, you’ll attract the right customers and claim your own niche that Amazon can’t touch.

And there you have it, some actionable tips about how to compete with Amazon.