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<\/h3>\nAny journey needs a navigator and the customer’s journey is no different. Guiding customers along\u00a0the way, from the ‘awareness’ stage\u00a0to the ‘purchase’ stage, is key\u00a0to\u00a0creating and maintaining\u00a0a successful business.<\/p>\n
This customer journey is represented by a funnel.\u00a0A certain number of potential customers become interested, fewer end up purchasing and fewer still become devoted, loyal followers of the brand. However, with advances in technology, this journey is increasing made online,\u00a0allowing for more exposure, a global reach and a wider funnel.<\/p>\n
An online solution for real world processes, e-business\u00a0enables companies to broaden\u00a0their reach. It involves the automation of all business processes. From purchasing of raw materials to production, stock holding, distribution and logistics,\u00a0it is effective for any\u00a0process. With clear processes, an online solution can better serve the business. This could include\u00a0after sales solutions and CRM solutions, for example.<\/p>\n
E-Marketing is the beating heart of e-business. Through e-marketing,\u00a0companies can better\u00a0understand their customers. This, in turn, adds value to products, widening distribution channels and boosting sales. Nowadays, people are increasingly\u00a0using\u00a0smartphones and spend a\u00a0large\u00a0part of their day\u00a0on social media. Potential customers will be\u00a0exposed to your content through this medium, but the key question is, how will you engage your customers and build a real relationship with them? E-Marketing is about\u00a0creating a buzz through\u00a0word of mouth. Therefore, the\u00a0way you respond to your online customers is very important. Continuous customer support is also essential.<\/p>\n
It is a common belief that\u00a0online sales success depends solely on having a well-designed portal\u00a0and an eye-catching\u00a0product. That is not entirely the case. Digitalizing your whole logistics and inventory process, as well as your payment system, is an effective solution.\u00a0Of course, it also helps to\u00a0have a nice, user-friendly portal\u00a0to sell your\u00a0product.<\/p>\n
In\u00a0recent\u00a0years, $9 million\u00a0have been processed\u00a0daily through PayPal. By 2018, it is expected that a\u00a0massive $307 billion will\u00a0have been traded, across borders. Even in developing countries such as\u00a0Egypt, the number of people shopping online is steadily increasing. Facebook pages for small business make up for the largest percentage\u00a0of online sales in Egypt.\u00a0The market is very promising and,\u00a0within the\u00a0next 5 years, the younger generation\u00a0will\u00a0become the main\u00a0consumers. These young people are very aware of how to use digital platforms.<\/p>\n
There are some key factors that have influenced the e-commerce boom in Egypt. Traffic congestion\u00a0pushes people to the comfort of online shopping and payment flexibility,\u00a0such as accepting cash on delivery. It also adds convenience;\u00a0it is still not possible to carry out online credit card transactions in Egypt. Also, there are now some companies that provide safe money transfer over the internet. Others, such as Fawary and mobile money transfer,\u00a0offer payment solutions provided by telecom companies in Egypt.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nTo take customers through the funnel, all factors of e-business need to be integrated. This includes e-commerce and e-marketing.<\/p>\n
Devising a clear brand strategy, defining a target audience, and having knowledge of brand positioning\u00a0is essential.<\/p>\n
Next comes a digital e-marketing strategy that considers how customers will\u00a0be\u00a0engaged and on which online platforms, social media portals or apps.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, what\u00a0tone of voice is appropriate for the brand? It will shape\u00a0the subsequent\u00a0business\/consumer\u00a0relationship.\u00a0Will the brand message be delivered through messaging,\u00a0images, videos, AR or 360?<\/p>\n