The growing impact of eCommerce in Canada can’t be overstated -- especially when it comes to online marketplaces.
It will come as no surprise that in 2020, online spending grew by over 72%. This is more than triple 2019’s online orders.
A large part of this spending bump stems from pandemic pressures. But, as noted by eMarketer, both the breadth and depth of the global crisis has fundamentally changed Canadian consumer habits. This means that the eCommerce increase isn’t just a flash in the proverbial pan — it’s a permanent spending shift.
And it’s not just happening here. Across the globe, consumers are choosing online purchases over in-person trips to reduce potential risk. They’re also discovering the benefits of having high-quality products shipped right to their door — and often free of charge.
The shift represents a massive opportunity for Canadian entrepreneurs. They have the ability to expand beyond the borders of the Great White North and ride the eCommerce wave worldwide.
But improving online impact demands more than great products and a user-friendly web store; Canadian companies need seamless integration with the most popular online marketplaces on the planet.
Here’s where GoDaddy can help.
Build your best fit
First thing first: To succeed in competitive global marketplaces you need an online store that stands out.
Best bet? Start with GoDaddy’s DIY Online Store building tool.
Our solution offers the speed you need to get up and running within hours. It also provides the flexibility and options you need to create a great customer experience.
Below, we’ll list all the ways GoDaddy’s Online Store builder can help boost your business.
When you're building an online store it's important to select a reliable credit card processing provider. GoDaddy's Payment Processing provides a diverse array of payment methods and also ensures secure, dependable, and fast transactions.
Improve your eCommerce experience
Deliver an improved eCommerce experience with the ability to add up to 5,000 products and 10 images per product to help customers choose the product that’s right for them. Even better? Let customers pay the way they want — GoDaddy's Online Store integrates with GoDaddy Payments that supports all major credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay.
Get your brand noticed
Attract more traffic to your online store with a dedicated business listing on Google search and Google Maps. Stand out from the crowd with an SEO wizard that makes adding keywords a breeze. Then, broaden your sales options by promoting and selling your products on your Facebook Business page.
Connect with customers
Use GoDaddy’s Online Store to create and automatically send emails that get noticed. Using the design of your site, our tool generates eye-catching emails that won’t end up in the spam folder.
Make the most of mobile
Mobile devices are now the preferred shopping method for most customers so a web store that’s clunky when viewed on a smartphone is useless.
Make sure you’re prepared for this massive mobile market with integrated support for:
- Fast checkouts and easy payments that minimize swipes and clicks
- Responsive designs that looks great on any device
- The ability to securely and easily manage orders and calendars — right from your phone
Master new markets
With your online store up and running, you’re better equipped to reach Canadian customers. The next step in your global journey, however, is more daunting: How do you master new markets outside the confines of Canadian eCommerce?
One option is to create your own storefront with each online marketplace you’d like to use. For example, Amazon.ca offers step-by-step instructions for small businesses to start selling their products on its platform.
The downside? This process is resource- and time-intensive. It requires small business owners to manage multiple storefronts for differing global online marketplaces, while simultaneously managing their business at home.
GoDaddy offers a better way.
Instead of making you do all the work, our new Marketplace feature seamlessly integrates your GoDaddy online store with some of the most popular eCommerce marketplaces like:
Amazon
With more than 95 million Prime users and access to virtually any product consumers want or need, it’s no surprise that Amazon is both the U.S.. and Canada’s biggest online marketplace — making it a big deal for Canadian SMBs.
eBay
eBay remains one of the largest global online marketplaces and with good reason: The site makes it possible for buyers to find unique products at a reasonable price. This makes it an ideal option for Canadian brands looking to expand their reach.
Etsy
If it’s handmade, chances are it’s on Etsy. This fast-growing online marketplace helps customers connect with craftsmen and women worldwide, and is a great fit for Canadian companies selling high-quality, hand-made products.
Google Shopping
With its massive reach as a search engine, Google Shopping is a natural next step — the service makes it possible for customers to buy whatever, wherever using their Google accounts. It’s also a great way for Canadian companies to make their global mark.
Walmart
The largest brick-and-mortar retailer in the United States is also making significant online inroads, thanks to its trusted brand name and massive product selection. Being able to quickly list products for sale through Walmart offers a huge opportunity for Canadian SMBs.
Also worth noting? GoDaddy’s Marketplace feature lets you create a master list of all products you want to sell on all channels and sync any changes to your Online Store across all connected marketplaces. No need to worry about supply and demand -- Online Store tracks it all.
Streamline your sales
Despite drops in overall marketing and advertising spending in 2020, Canadian companies still spent billions on digital campaigns last year. This suggests that post-pandemic spending in these areas will quickly bounce back.
The challenge
Spend doesn’t guarantee sales success. Consider that in 2018, the average open rate for email marketing in Canada was just over 26 percent.
While a one-in-four chance of getting noticed doesn’t sound so bad, data shows that in 2021 conversion rates (defined as a completed purchase) tied to opened marketing emails sat at just over 14%.
To get your foot in the door, selling online requires substantial spend. This could lock SMBs out of more lucrative eCommerce sales rates — if they select the wrong marketing channels or strike the wrong balance with their ads.
The solution
By seamlessly integrating your Online Store with popular online marketplaces, it’s possible to streamline sales and marketing by leveraging the built-in traffic that comes with selling on sites like Amazon, Etsy and Walmart.
Instead of working to identify prospective customer segments, you can take advantage of the built-in consumer trust these global online marketplaces bring to the table. This lets you focus on quality over quantity.
If customers find your brand on Amazon, Google or Facebook, they can both buy your products and connect with your Online Store directly. In turn, this removes the middleman and helps boost your overall sales.
GoDaddy helps you go big with online marketplaces
No matter what part of this country you call home, global reach matters for your Canadian small business.
Go big and get the biggest benefit from popular online marketplaces.
Avoid breaking the bank on digital marketing or missing the mark on online advertising. Boost your bottom line and expand your global impact with GoDaddy’s Online Store, so that you can take advantage of a booming eCommerce industry. Try it for free!
