Niche eCommerce - Mom & Pop Store Reborn
October 26th, 2005
Though there are businesses out there with enough capital to compete with the eCommerce giants like the Amazon and Overstock one stop shops, it is an inherently risky business venture. The investment and potential for error is steep. The logistics of successful operation are complex. So where does that leave the rest of us?
Alternatives to the Big Box Approach
Fortunately there is a viable alternative to the “we have everything you ever wanted” approach. In fact, it has enough appeal to give the majors a run for their money. The days of the quirky Mom and Pop one stop shop may be gone for good, but something similar has been thriving on the internet for years. What is this hardy business model? You guessed it - niche marketing.
Just like Mom and Pop, these marketers have their finger on the pulse of a demographic group and have done the research to anticipate the needs of pet owners, coffee lovers, candy connoisseurs, and gift givers.
Similar to the Mom & Pop Approach
The Mom and Pop business model segmented its market geographically, offering everything they could for sale; the niche eCommerce entrepreneur segments her market by taste, lifestyle, and personal values while providing a limited product selection. The niche eCommerce marketer retains the quirky identification with this niche much as Mom and Pop identified with the tastes of a local community.
Identifying a Market Niche
If you have ever looked for a product online or in your home town unsuccessfully, you have identified a niche that you may be able to serve via the internet. In fact, the benefit for you as an entrepreneur is that you will be providing a service you care about.
It is also easier to identify keywords and phrases and to target these through Web copy when your product offering is focused on an underserved niche. Trying to sell Web Hosting online is next to impossible via a search engine, but selling a niche product is more achievable because there are fewer competitors.
Next time you are frustrated trying to find a product in the supermarket, perhaps you will see a business opportunity instead of a roadblock. But hurry because good niches are disappearing daily!
Entry Filed under: Internet Marketing
Bookmark This:
