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How to Make a New Brand More Effective: 3 Reasons to Work with an Influencer

How to Make a New Brand More Effective: 3 Reasons to Work with an Influencer

New Brand

Did you know that an astonishing 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations to make a purchase decision? Let’s take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of that statistic. 

Almost half of your potential customers are likely to trust a familiar face on their screen more than any other type of advertisement. It’s the era of the ‘like’ button, #OOTD, and swipe-up links; welcome to the age of influencers.

In a world where everyone seems to be dazzled by the glare of social media, traditional marketing strategies might feel like trying to signal for help with a dim flashlight in a brightly lit cityscape.

The platforms are saturated, and the competition is fierce. For a new brand aiming to leave a mark, to carve out its unique niche, the stakes are higher than ever. It’s like a high-stakes game of chess where one right move can put you miles ahead of your competition. 

So, what’s this winning move? The answer might be as simple as a tag, a share, or a shout-out from an influencer.

This article explores how a strategic partnership with the right influencer can revolutionize your brand’s image, awareness, and effectiveness. Stick around; you might find the perfect strategy to take your brand to the next level!

Top 3 Reasons to Work with an Influencer

Here are a few of the most important reasons every new brand should consider partnering and building relationships with influencers.

  • Enhanced Brand Awareness

Imagine walking into a bustling party where you don’t know anyone, and the music is too loud for a proper introduction. Now, imagine you walk in with the life of the party, the charismatic host who introduces you to everyone, ensuring your name is on the lips of all the guests. 

That’s essentially what an influencer does for your brand in the digital space; they make introductions and get people talking.

Enhanced brand awareness is the first reason you might consider working with an influencer, and here’s why:

  • Influencer as a Storyteller

Ever noticed how influencers have a knack for storytelling? Whether it’s their day-to-day activities, a vacation, or a product they’re using, they know how to weave a captivating narrative. 

Leigh McKenzie, Community Advocate at Traffic Think Tank says, “Now, imagine if your brand becomes part of that story. Suddenly, your product or service isn’t just a nameless item; it has a story, a recommendation, and a familiar face attached to it. This connection can spark curiosity, conversations, and most importantly, clicks towards your brand’s online platforms.”

  • Leveraging the Influencer’s Reach

Influencers are social media powerhouses with a wide reach. They can easily introduce your brand to thousands, if not millions, of followers with a single post. This mass exposure is akin to digital word-of-mouth marketing, and it can be a game-changer in boosting your brand’s visibility.

  • Increased Brand Recall

When an influencer shares content about your brand, it isn’t merely seen; it’s engaged with it. Followers may like it, comment on it, share it, or save it. These interactions increase the chances of your brand staying in the minds of potential consumers. 

The more they see your brand associated with an influencer they trust, the more likely they will recall your brand when they’re ready to make a purchase.

  • SEO Benefits

Did you know that influencer marketing could even boost your SEO rankings? When influencers link back to your brand’s website, it increases your site’s inbound links, a significant factor in search engine rankings. 

For example, suppose your brand specializes in custom t-shirts and you’ve created a detailed guide on designing personalized shirts. In that case, an influencer might share a link to it, thereby boosting its visibility. As it gains more exposure on search engines, your brand awareness continues to grow.

  • Trust and Credibility

While digital platforms have multiplied the avenues of advertising, they have also made the audience more skeptical about whom to trust. 

In this context, consider an ecommerce business that has employed savvy dropshipping pricing strategies to ensure competitiveness in the market. However, without the trust of potential customers, these strategies can fall flat.

Let’s face it – people are less likely to trust a faceless corporation than a living, breathing human with whom they can connect. This is where influencers bridge the gap. 

They are the human touch in a digital world that can imbue a new brand with trust and credibility. But how exactly do they do it? Let’s dissect this crucial component.

  • The Personal Connection

Influencers are relatable. They aren’t airbrushed models on billboards; they’re everyday individuals who’ve created a robust online following due to their authenticity. They share their life, passions, ups, downs, and everything in between. 

This personal connection is the key to their power; their followers see them as friends rather than promoters. When influencers endorse your brand, it’s as if a trusted friend is recommending it, making the audience more receptive.

  • The Power of Authenticity

Influencers have worked hard to build their credibility. They’ve spent years gaining the trust of their followers, and they wouldn’t risk losing it by promoting a product they don’t believe in. 

When they endorse a brand, it’s understood that it aligns with their image and that they genuinely stand by it. This authenticity translates into credibility for your brand.

  • The Effect of Consistency

Most influencers tend to work within a particular niche, whether it’s fitness, beauty, tech, or lifestyle. Their content is consistently focused on their expertise, making them an authoritative voice in their respective domains. Associating with an influencer within your brand’s niche helps you leverage their expert standing and, by extension, gain credibility.

  • Influencers Drive Purchasing Decisions

Ever find yourself in a situation where you’ve bought something simply because a friend, or someone you admire, can’t stop raving about it? That’s precisely the influence we’re about to dissect here, albeit on a larger, digital scale.

Influencer marketing is not merely a flashy trend; it’s a substantial shift in the way businesses approach selling products. Influencers, with their large following and palpable online presence, are becoming pivotal drivers in shaping consumers’ buying behaviors.

Let’s dive into why and how this happens.

  • FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

Influencers create an aura of aspiration. They depict lifestyles, experiences, and products that people desire to have. When followers see an influencer using a product and enjoying its benefits, it stirs a sense of FOMO. This can motivate followers to purchase the product so they, too, can partake in the same experience they fear missing out on.

  • Tailored Content and Personalized Recommendations

Influencers know their audience well, their likes, dislikes, and what clicks with them. They leverage this knowledge to promote products that align with their audience’s interests. These feel like personalized suggestions rather than mass-targeted advertising, which is more likely to result in a purchase.

  • Authentic Reviews and Tutorials

Influencers often provide in-depth reviews, unboxing experiences, or product tutorials. These honest and detailed insights help potential buyers understand the product better. Such content diminishes doubts or apprehensions, nudging followers closer to a purchase decision.

Conclusion

We live in a world where consumers value authenticity and personal connection more than ever. A strategic partnership with an influencer can help bridge this gap, fostering a relatable and engaging brand identity. 

So, as you embark on your brand’s journey, remember the potential impact of influencers. They might just be the game-changer you need to stand out and shine brightly in the cluttered skyline of the digital cityscape.

 

Building Success: Essential Needs for Construction Growth

Building Success: Essential Needs for Construction Growth

Successful construction projects require more than just materials; they need strategic planning and the right resources. Quality materials, skilled labor, and advanced technology are crucial for meeting safety, budget, and efficiency standards. 

Early stakeholder engagement and clear communication help prevent disputes and delays. Strong partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors are essential to staying on schedule and delivering quality results.

Staying current with industry trends, like green building and smart tech, offers a competitive edge and boosts project sustainability. Prioritizing these elements ensures not just successful projects, but lasting success.

Establishing a Solid Foundation

Choosing the right legal structure and ensuring compliance, implementing robust risk management strategies, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders are critical for construction growth. 

A well-laid foundation ensures projects are not only safe and sustainable but also capable of overcoming challenges.

Legal Framework and Compliance

Navigating the legal landscape in construction is crucial for success. You need to familiarize yourself with local regulations, zoning laws, and environmental guidelines. This helps prevent costly legal disputes and delays. Make sure you collect all the necessary permits and documentation before starting any project. 

Consider hiring a legal advisor to streamline complicated processes and keep you updated on any regulatory changes. Compliance is not just a requirement—it ensures safety, quality, and client satisfaction. It also protects your business from liabilities, which can be financially crippling.

Risk Management Strategies

Identifying potential risks is an essential part of the planning phase. You should develop a risk management plan that includes assessing workplace hazards, financial pitfalls, and project delays. Implementing safety solutions provider, conducting regular team training, and investing in quality control measures form a solid risk mitigation strategy. Understanding what is project accounting can also help in identifying financial pitfalls and ensuring effective cost management.

Prepare contingency plans for unexpected events to minimize impact. You can use technology to monitor progress and mitigate risks efficiently. Robust strategies protect not only financial investments but also uphold your reputation in the industry.

Building Strong Relationships with Stakeholders

Strong relationships with stakeholders enhance cooperation and trust, forming the backbone of any successful construction project. These relationships are crucial for smooth communication and project execution. Take time to understand the needs, expectations, and concerns of your stakeholders—whether they are clients, suppliers, or team members. 

Open communication channels and regular updates can help in aligning goals and solving issues promptly. Recognize and value the contributions of your partners by fostering a collaborative environment. Satisfied stakeholders are more likely to invest further, recommend your services, and contribute positively to the project’s success.

Workforce Development and Management

Effectively developing and managing a workforce is crucial for sustainable growth in the construction industry. The focus is on attracting skilled workers, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring a safe working environment for all employees.

Recruiting Skilled Labor

Finding skilled labor is a top priority in the construction industry. You need to focus on competitive compensation packages and attractive benefits to draw in experienced professionals. Creating a supportive company culture can significantly improve recruitment efforts. 

Networking in industry circles and partnering with trade schools can help identify potential recruits. Apprenticeship and internship programs provide a direct path for new workers to enter the industry, helping you to grow your team efficiently.

Training Programs

Effective training programs are essential to maintain high productivity levels and quality standards. When you provide comprehensive training, employees become more adept in their roles. This results in fewer errors and increased job satisfaction. 

Cover a wide range of skills, from technical abilities to soft skills like communication and teamwork. Utilizing both classroom settings and on-the-job training creates well-rounded workers. Continuous learning is vital too; encourage workers to pursue further certifications and credentials.

Safety and Well-Being

Ensuring safety on a construction site is non-negotiable. Implement strict safety protocols and require compliance with all safety regulations. You need routine safety training sessions and regular site inspections. These actions help prevent accidents and demonstrate a commitment to worker safety. 

Focusing on emotional and physical well-being is crucial as well. Providing access to resources like mental health support and wellness programs can greatly improve the working environment. Encouraging open communication fosters a sense of trust and support among team members.

Adopting Technological Innovations

In the rapidly evolving construction landscape, integrating innovative technologies can significantly boost efficiency and project outcomes. You’ll explore software solutions for project management and discover emerging construction technologies, equipping you with practical insights for leveraging technology.

Software Solutions for Project Management

You’re likely familiar with the challenge of managing multiple facets of a construction project. Modern project management software, like AutoCAD, Procore, and Autodesk Build, streamlines scheduling, design visualization, budgeting, and resource allocation, offering a unified platform to oversee operations. 

You’ll appreciate features like real-time data sharing that enhance communication and decision-making. By integrating these solutions, you can effectively manage risks and improve overall project delivery. This software not only tracks progress but also automates tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.

Emerging Construction Technologies

Innovations in construction technology are transforming how you accomplish tasks. Drones and 3D printing are revolutionizing site surveys and prefabrication processes, offering precision and speed. 

You might also explore robotic automation, extrusion equipment for producing specific building materials, and other machinery like the Horizontal Boring Mill to facilitate complex machining and large-scale project execution. 

Technologies like the Horizontal Boring Mill facilitate complex machining and large-scale project execution. As you embrace these advancements, you’ll discover new capabilities that can drive quality and efficiency in your projects. Investing in leading-edge machinery and approaches will likely set your work apart in this competitive field.

Marketing and Customer Engagement

Engaging with customers through strategic marketing can significantly boost your construction business’s growth. By establishing a strong brand and utilizing effective communication channels, you enhance customer loyalty and attract new clients.

Creating a Strong Brand Presence

Your brand is more than a logo; it’s the perception customers have of your business. Focus on consistency in visual elements and messaging across all platforms to build trust and recognition.

Consider collaborating with a B2B PR agency to refine your messaging and enhance your brand’s visibility in the construction sector. These agencies specialize in building relationships, generating media coverage, and strengthening your company’s reputation among industry stakeholders.

Social media can be a powerful ally here. Share updates, project highlights, and interact with followers to create a community around your brand. This not only attracts potential clients but also reinforces relationships with existing ones.

Effective Communication Channels

Choosing the right communication channels is crucial in reaching and engaging with your target audience. Identify where your customers spend their time online and tailor your strategies accordingly. 

Email marketing is a direct way to update clients and share promotions. Additionally, using high-impact snap pack mailers can create a tangible, attention-grabbing approach for direct mail campaigns, increasing engagement and response rates. Make your content informative and relevant to maintain interest. 

Utilize a mix of traditional and digital media to maximize your reach. Direct mail, local advertising, and community events can complement online efforts, ensuring you connect with both local and online audiences. Always be open to feedback and adapt your strategies based on customer responses.

Conclusion

In the construction industry, success is built on strategic planning, quality resources, strong relationships, and continuous innovation. Prioritizing compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement sets a solid foundation for projects. 

Investing in workforce development, safety, and advanced technology not only boosts efficiency but also enhances overall outcomes. 

As you embrace new tools and establish a strong brand presence, you’ll strengthen customer loyalty and open doors for growth. By focusing on these essentials, you’re not just building structures—you’re building long-term success.

 

How to Create A Brand Identity for Your Startup

How to Create A Brand Identity for Your Startup

Brand Identity

The power of branding isn’t exclusive to corporate giants like Apple, Microsoft, or Amazon. Even startups and small businesses can harness this power, as demonstrated by successful small brands such as Patagonia, Mailchimp, Duolingo, Bumble, and Turo.

Regrettably, many startup owners tend to sideline branding, prioritizing other aspects like product development and customer service. As a result, despite having a robust product or service, these startups often struggle to connect with their customers due to weak branding. 

In reality, effective branding can elevate every aspect of a business, from product research and development to customer service, marketing, and even recruitment. Branding is the cohesive image that binds a business together.

So, what’s holding back some entrepreneurs? The misconception that branding is an expensive endeavor. However, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some cost-effective strategies to establish a compelling brand identity for your startup.

What is a Brand Identity?

Brand identity is more than just a memorable logo design or a catchy tagline. It’s the total package that affects how your startup is perceived, including visual elements like color, design, and logos, as well as your brand voice, messaging, and even the experience you offer to your customers. 

It’s the persona of your business, embodying the core values, ethos, and unique characteristics that set you apart from your competitors. It’s the way you communicate with the world, differentiate from your competition, and create a brand experience that encourages people to engage with you. 

Pawel Krok from EestiConsulting.ee says: “EUIPO launched the SME Fund 2025 Program — if you have a logo or a brand name, you can register this asset as a trademark with a 75% discount. You will pay €212.50 instead of €850 with this program. It’s valid for EU businesses only.”

The Goal of Having a Brand Identity

The primary goal of having a brand identity is to differentiate your startup in the marketplace and establish a consistent presence that attracts and retains loyal customers. 

A strong brand identity helps to build customer recognition and loyalty by providing a consistent, positive experience across all touchpoints — from your website to your social media platforms, customer service interactions, and even the packaging and presentation of your products or services. Consider Gamma alternatives to easily create designs that stay true to your brand’s look and feel.

Moreover, a well-defined brand identity can inspire trust and convey the message that your startup is a professional, reliable choice. It can also communicate your startup’s mission and values, helping to connect with customers who share similar values and fostering a sense of community around your brand. 

In essence, the goal of a brand identity is not just to make your startup look appealing or professional but to encapsulate the essence of who you are, what you stand for, and what unique value you bring to your customers. 

It’s about creating an emotional connection that turns casual customers into loyal brand advocates and ensuring that every interaction they have with your brand is consistent, memorable, and positive. 

Steps to Create a Brand Identity for Startups

1.    Conduct Thorough Research

Research is an affordable yet powerful tool for building a solid brand. It helps you understand your position in the market, your competitors, and your target audience, enabling you to carve out a unique identity in your industry. 

Whether you aim to be a cost-effective solution or a luxury option, or a brand that caters to diverse ethnicities and cultures, your research will guide you. Consider the following questions during this phase: 

  1. What sets you apart from the competition?
  2. What values define your brand?
  3. Who are your target customers?
  4. Who are your main competitors?
  5. What unique solution do you offer for a specific problem?

These questions will steer your research in the right direction. Remember, the goal of branding is to distinguish your business from others. Without a well-defined roadmap, you risk losing your unique identity. 

2.    Define Your Business

After conducting insightful research, it’s time to consolidate your findings and define your business. This step involves establishing your value proposition and defining who you are as a business, an organization, and a solution provider. 

Your self-definition will significantly influence the subsequent steps. Once you’ve established your identity, everything else should align with it. Consistency is crucial in branding. 

Define your business based on the following: 

  1. Your value proposition
  2. Voice and tone
  3. Visual elements
  4. Customer service approach
  5. Business model

Clarity is paramount here. A clear definition of your brand will enable your stakeholders and employees to align their efforts, create compelling narratives, design materials, develop products, and forge partnerships without losing sight of the brand identity. 

3.    Develop Your Branding Materials

With a clear definition of your brand, you can confidently create materials that reflect your desired image. Start with your business name. 

While choosing a business name is a personal decision, avoid generic industry-related names. Consider how brands like Apple, Amazon, and Target have thrived with non-industry-specific names. 

Of course, there are exceptions, such as Microsoft, Mailchimp, and Shopify. The key is to choose a name that stands out from the competition and avoids sounding too generic. 

Next, design your logo, which could be a mascot, emblem, typeface, monogram, or icon. Keep your brand identity in mind during this process. A logo maker tool can provide inspiration and help beginners create a logo quickly and easily. When planning your brand materials, you could also design a promotional gift, such as branded merchandise or giveaways, that reflects your identity and leaves a lasting impression on customers.

4.    Test and Refine Your Brand Identity

Your brand identity should evolve naturally with your business. As you progress, you may realize that your target audience needs refining, your color palette is too intense, or your voice and tone need adjusting to align with your goals. 

Good branding recognizes and adapts to these changes, ensuring your brand identity remains top-tier. You want to be seen as a fresh, relevant, and consistent choice, not an outdated option. 

Final Thoughts

Strong branding drives sales. Look at Apple and Nike – their brand loyalty is unparalleled. Every product they release, bearing their logo, sells out instantly. While innovation and novelty play a part, it’s undeniable that many people buy these products because of the brand, not just the features. 

Achieving this level of brand loyalty is a dream for many startup owners. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. With diligent research and strategic planning, you can make a significant impact on your business, even on a modest budget. 

The Evolution Of Company Names: A Look At Rebranding And Its Impact

The Evolution Of Company Names: A Look At Rebranding And Its Impact

Rebranding

hat’s in a name? When it comes to businesses, the answer could be everything. A well-crafted company name can have a major impact on how customers and potential partners perceive the brand, and crafting a great one is no easy task. But what happens when the market changes or times evolve? That’s where rebranding comes in. The evolution of company names is an interesting phenomenon that highlights the importance of staying ahead of trends and understanding customer needs at any given moment.  

In this article, we’ll explore why companies choose to update their names. We’ll also provide tips on choosing effective business names and look at the impact that rebranding can have on a company’s success. 

Choosing An Effective Business Name  

Given how important choosing a company name can be, it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Here are a few tips for selecting an effective business name:  

  • Keep it simple – It should be relatively easy to remember and pronounce. 
  • Make sure it’s unique – Do a thorough online search of any potential names to make sure they’re not already taken by another company or trademarked. 
  • Consider your audience – Your name should reflect both what you do and who you serve, so try to strike a balance between being niche enough that customers understand your purpose without pigeonholing yourself too much if you plan on expanding in the future.  
  • Don’t get stuck on one concept – Brainstorm multiple ideas and test them out with friends and colleagues to get feedback on which ones are more effective. You can also consider an eCommerce name generator to further simplify this important task. 

What Is Rebranding?  

Rebranding is the process by which companies change their appearance or brand identity to remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing market. 

This may involve anything from a simple logo update to complete alterations of name, mission statements, core values and overall brand focus.  

Rebranding can be done for many reasons, including:  

  • To better reflect current customer needs 
  • To target new markets or demographics 
  • To modernize outdated visuals and branding elements 
  • To distance the company from negative publicity 
  • To capitalize on new trends or shifts in technology  

No matter the reason, rebranding should always be done with careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure that the new identity connects with customers in an effective, meaningful way.  

Notable Rebrandings  

Let’s look at some noteworthy rebrandings from the corporate world that demonstrate how companies can and do change their names and visuals over time.  

  • Amazon – One of the most successful rebrands has been Amazon’s transformation from its original logo featuring a river drawn around an arrow (representing customer satisfaction) to a simple black-and-white depiction of its iconic smile logo. The change was intended to better reflect Amazon’s shift from online bookseller to global ecommerce giant. 
  • Nestle – This iconic food and drink company has gone through multiple logos over its long history, though the familiar red-and-white serif lettering remains unchanged. The most recent rebrand removed the swirl from the ‘e’ in ‘Nestle,’ creating a cleaner, more modern look. 
  • Apple – Despite being one of the world’s most recognizable brands, Apple is no stranger to change when it comes to its logo. The iconic bitten apple that we know today has remained essentially unchanged since 1998, but prior to that was replaced several times with simpler designs intended to reflect technological advancements at the time. 

The Impact Of Rebranding  

Rebranding can have a major impact on the success of a company, but how much it actually affects sales is difficult to say definitively. It’s clear though that having an identity that resonates with customers—and staying up-to-date with trends—can go a long way in keeping your business competitive in today’s market. 

At the end of the day, rebranding should always be done thoughtfully and strategically, taking into account customer needs and what makes sense for your brand in the long term. With careful consideration and planning, businesses can find success with a new look. 

In Conclusion 

Rebranding can help companies to stay competitive and reach new customers, but it’s important to remember that rebranding isn’t just about changing your logo or name; it’s also an opportunity to realign customer expectations and focus marketing efforts on the right target audience. By taking these considerations into account, businesses can ensure their rebranding is successful in connecting them with the right customer base.

How to Create a Combined B2B & B2C Store on Shopify: Tips for Success

How to Create a Combined B2B & B2C Store on Shopify: Tips for Success

combined B2B and B2C store

Are you looking for ways to create a combined B2B & B2C store on the Shopify store? If so, you’re on the right path. Running a combined B2B & B2C store can bring a lot of business opportunities and maximize profits. But sometimes it can also be tricky to get right due to multiple factors involved such as setting up of wholesale / b2b discounts, product pricing, shipping costs, etc. 

In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide that will help you create a successful combined B2B and B2C store on Shopify. We will also share some tips along the way to improve overall functionality and customer experience on your Shopify store.

So, let’s get started!

What is a B2B and B2C?

Briefly, a B2B (business-to-business) company usually sells its products and services to other companies. A B2C (business-to-consumer) company, on the other hand, sells products or services to an individual or direct consumers.

Does Shopify allow you to run a combined B2B and B2C store?

Yes, Shopify does allow you to run a combined B2B and B2C store on their platform and in one single store. However, there are three different methods you can choose to run a successfully b2b/wholesale and b2c business. 

  1. Running your separate wholesale / b2b store on Shopify’s “Handshake” platform.
  2. Upgrading your current Shopify store to a Shopify Plus plan to enable B2B features of Shopify.
  3. Installing a 3rd-party Shopify Wholesale App that offers the feasibility of running a B2B+B2C store.

We will discuss some of these in detail in the later part of this article.

Benefits of running a combined B2B & B2C store on Shopify

There are many benefits of having both types of Shopify stores under one umbrella.  

The most obvious benefit is that you can reach out to two different markets with just one store. This means that you can save a lot of money on running and promoting two separate stores. 

Furthermore, you can take advantage of the fact that many consumers are now open to buying products from businesses, and vice versa. This is especially true for products that are related to each other, such as in the case of office supplies. By having both types of products in one store, you provide your customers with an easier option to purchase one or multiple products based on the b2b and b2c offered discounts. 

Another benefit is that you can use data from your B2C sales to improve your B2B sales (and vice versa). This data can help understand what type of products are selling well, what type of promotions work, etc. This information can then be used to improve the overall experience for your customers and help increase sales. 

Finally, by running a combined B2B and B2C store on Shopify, you can take advantage of Shopify’s many features and integrations.

What are the challenges of running a combined B2B & B2C store on Shopify?

Running a combined B2B & B2C store on Shopify seems like an easy task but there are a few challenges that come across. These include: 

  • Creating a streamlined checkout process for both B2B and B2C customers.
  • Managing inventory and shipping costs for both wholesale and retail orders.
  • Password-protecting or hiding specific content on your Shopify store.
  • Setting up different pricing and discounts for your products with the scan of a QR code.
  • Creating a seamless experience for both types of customers in a single store.

But you can overcome these challenges with careful planning and execution.

Methods & steps to create a combined B2B & B2C store on Shopify

Now that we have discussed the benefits and challenges of running a combined B2B & B2C store on Shopify, let’s take a look at how you can set one up.

Method 1: With Shopify Plus’ B2B Ecommerce Plan/Feature

If you have an existing store, simply upgrade your plan to Shopify plus to be able to access B2B features developed by Shopify developers and sell DTC and wholesale from a single store. If you don’t have an existing store, you can create one by signing up here: https://www.shopify.com

The Shopify Plus plan starts from $2000/month and it offers the following B2B features such as: 

  • Company Profiles
  • Price Lists
  • Payment Terms
  • B2B Checkout
  • Customer Accounts
  • B2B Analytics

For more information, you can see this article by Shopify on B2B.

Method 2: With a 3rd-party Shopify Wholesale App

If you don’t want to upgrade your plan to Shopify Plus but still want to run a combined B2B & B2C from a single Shopify store, you can follow these steps: 

To create a store for Shopify wholesale without Shopify Plus, you can add/install a 3rd-party app that offers this functionality. There are many wholesale apps available in the Shopify App Store, but we recommend using Wholesale Pricing Discount (WPD). 

Wholesale Pricing Discount app is the only app available on the Shopify store that lets you choose the installation type and run the wholesale stores according to your needs. It allows you to create a Wholesale experience for your B2C and B2B customers by: 

  1. Creating a separate Dedicated Wholesale Section (DWS), which later you can add as a menu item in your current B2C store.
  1. Customizing your existing store for wholesale discounts (in your current Shopify store’s theme) – allowing you to show discounts and pricing to your B2C and B2B customers from one store.

Here are some key features of the Wholesale Pricing Discount Shopify Wholesale App: 

  • Wholesale signup form
  • Tiered/volume pricing
  • Net term payments (Net30, Net60, etc.)
  • Percentage and flat price discounts
  • Discount coupons for manual orders

and more… 

Now, let’s look at the steps to create a B2B & B2C combined store using the Wholesale Pricing Discount (WPD) app. 

STEP 1: Add the WPD app to your store by clicking on Add app button

B2B & B2C store on Shopify store

STEP 2: Go to the Apps > Wholesale Pricing Discount 

Configure the app according to your B2B and B2C needs. 

B2B store

For more information visit their WPD help center here.

STEP 3: Select the app customization type 

As we mentioned before, the Wholesale Pricing Discount app gives you two options to display your b2b and b2c store to your customers: 

  1. with the Dedicated wholesale section (can be added as a menu item in your b2c store).

combined B2B and B2C store on Shopify

  1. with B2B/B2C combined store (installed in your current theme’s code).

combined B2B and B2C store on Shopify

Choose the desired customization type and follow the next instructions in the app dashboard. 

That’s it! This is how simple it is to create a combined B2B and B2C store on Shopify.

How to make your combined B2B and B2C store successful?

Branding

One of the most important aspects to consider when running a combined B2B and B2C store is your branding. It’s important to have a cohesive look and feel throughout your website so that customers can easily identify your products and services, no matter which section they’re shopping in. 

Consider using the same logo, colors, and font throughout your site, as well as similar product photography. If you have different target audiences for your B2B and B2C sections, you may want to create separate sub-brands for each one so that customers can easily tell them apart.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, it’s important to strike the right balance between making a profit and being competitive. 

Do some market research to see what other businesses are selling similar products for what price, and then price your products accordingly. You may also want to offer discounts or wholesale pricing for bulk orders to encourage customers to buy more.

Regular promotions and discounts

Shoppers love a good deal, so it’s important to offer regular promotions and discounts on your website. This will not only help you move inventory, but it will also encourage customers to come back to your site. 

You can offer discounts in several ways, such as through coupon codes, special sales, or loyalty programs. Just be sure to promote your deals prominently on your website so that shoppers are aware of them.

Shipping

Another important factor to consider is shipping. If you’re selling physical products, you’ll need to decide how much to charge for shipping and whether or not you’ll offer free shipping for certain orders. 

You may also want to consider offering expedited shipping options for customers who need their items quickly. Free shipping is often a great incentive for customers to make a purchase, so it’s worth considering if it’s feasible for your business. 

Separate checkout process

A payment checkout process is essential for any running eCommerce business, but it’s especially important for B2B stores. If you’re running a combined B2B and B2C store then you should have two different options such as, for B2C customers – default Shopify checkout, and for B2B customers – a wholesale/net order checkout. This can be achieved using the 3rd-party Shopify checkout app(s).

Easy store navigation

Your B2B and B2C Shopify store should be easy to navigate for even non-technical users. Your customers should be able to find what they’re looking for with a few clicks. 

To do that, use clear and concise labels for your menus and sub-menus, and include search functionality on every page so that customer is happy with surfing your Shopify store. 

Including customer testimonials

To reduce the buying decision of your B2B and B2C customers on your store, you should include one or multiple customer testimonials. 

If you have any positive reviews or testimonials from previous customers, be sure to showcase them prominently on your store. You can also include them in your product pages under the description or Add to Cart / Buy Now button.

Customer support

Finally, it’s important to offer excellent customer support, no matter what type of store you’re running. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, it’s possible to set up a B2B and B2C combined store on Shopify. However, there are some things to keep in mind as you go about setting this up. We hope that following the steps and tips mentioned in this article will help you create a seamless combined B2B and B2C shopping experience for you and your customers that will drive sales and grow your business.

How does counterfeit detection protect your brand and customers?

How does counterfeit detection protect your brand and customers?

counterfeit detection

Counterfeiters cost the global economy a lot of money. These losses harm not just the makers of legitimate things, but also the general public. Consumers are the ultimate victims of unfair competition. They are given low-quality things at an exorbitant price. So, counterfeit detection is very important.

The English term “counterfeiting” technically only relates to particular forms of trademark infringement. In practice, however, the phrase is permitted to embrace any manufacture of a product that so closely resembles the look of another’s product as to deceive a buyer into believing it is the product of another.

As a result, it may also encompass the unauthorized manufacture and distribution of a product covered by other intellectual property rights, such as copyright and neighboring rights.

Certain industries that are heavily impacted by counterfeiting have created trade organizations dedicated to combating the problem.

Internationally, the most active organizations are from the US copyright sector, such as the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), and the Motion Picture Association (MPA).

These organizations provide regular statistics on the effect of piracy, counterfeit detection, and counterfeiting in their business, advocate for proper legislation and enforcement, organize public education programs, and aid their members in conducting counterfeit product investigations.

Let’s see some counterfeit monitoring tools and methods.

RFID Anti-Counterfeiting for Retailing Systems

This strategy suggests an RFID approach to finding counterfeit products and assuring product authenticity. This RFID system includes two protocols: tag authentication protocol and database correction protocol.

The tag authentication protocol is used to authenticate tags without disclosing sensitive information, and it allows the client to query the tag independently. RFID tag data is used to prevent the proliferation of counterfeit items.

In the interim, the database repair mechanism assures that the tax status is correct. Finally, the counterfeit system is extremely resistant to forgery, and the tag authentication protocol is enough for use in RFID-based applications.

The author has emphasized on RFID tag technology is only applicable to pricey items and not suited for inexpensive products.

Watermarking Algorithm for QR Code Images

This approach employs novel counterfeiting software, as well as a more robust digital DWT and SVT-based watermarking algorithm. Take a QR code; the carrier pictures created by the copyright owner’s relevant information, and then insert the copyright owner’s information as a watermark into the QR code.

Then, using watermark counterfeit detection and two-dimensional bar code scanning technologies, extract the watermark information from the QR code.

The goal of the counterfeiting technique is to validate its validity by examining the information’s watermark and scanning it. This approach can withstand compression, rotational, and noise attacks, among others.

  • Counterfeit product Detection of fraudulent offers on online shopping platforms

The concept suggests using a semiautomatic workflow to discover potentially fraudulent offers on online platforms and presenting these offers to a domain expert for human verification.

The work method includes steps to make a search in online shopping for counterfeit products that are less expensive and have more offers, as well as actions to evaluate the counterfeit suspiciousness based on numerous criteria.

The goal is to screen counterfeit items at normal intervals that are also served to a limited degree of manual labor. The authors described how the suggested strategy may be implemented and provided a preliminary evaluation of its most significant phases in a case study utilizing an online platform.

Conclusion

So, by now you must have understood why counterfeit detection is important. Additionally, this blog also discusses the methods of counterfeit detection in detail.