Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of online transacting in South Africa gained considerable traction. In fact, according to Statista there are now 38.13 million active internet users in the country.  Each of these users are using online to work, research products and prices, check social platforms, or buy items for home delivery.

Whatever your SME is selling, start rethinking what you are doing online ASAP. If you are not prioritising these online trends just yet now is the time to do so. It is never too late to re-strategise your business’s plan of action.

Online Trend 1: Search Engine Optimisation

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is not only still very relevant, it’s constantly improving. There is no such thing as once-off SEO on your website. SEO is a long-term project and improves as long as you keep your content updated, regularly add new and informative images, videos, blogs, FAQs, etc. to your website.

What is Google looking for when it comes to your content?
Google follows the E-A-T principle of Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness.

Online Trend 2: Online Reputation Management

Yes, it is a thing! Every company has an online reputation to uphold.

How? Through online reviews; according to studies 3 out of 4 customers’ buying behaviour is influenced by what they read about your business, product or service from others. Invest in the time and energy by asking your customers to review you on Google and Facebook.

Remember, if you want a five-star-rating you need to offer a five-star product and service.

Online Trend 3: Social eCommerce

Social eCommerce is becoming very popular because it is closing the gap between “seeing” and “buying”. In order to purchase a product or service that they are looking at, consumers shouldn’t have to leave your Instagram platform to visit your website, then locate the product in question, view its price and ultimately, buy it.

Social eCommerce allows them to complete this cycle within two clicks!

Online Trend 4: Influencer Marketing

What is an influencer? An influencer is a person with a considerable following on social media.
These individuals have a good relationship with their subscriber following and have built and maintained it because their content resonates with them.

Using an influencer to help you market your product does two things:
1. It reaches a very highly targeted audience.
2. It builds trust for your brand because the influencer’s opinion matters to their subscribers.

However, don’t just pick any influencer; try and connect with an influencer, who may have a slightly smaller following, but who’s core values are similar to that of your brand.

Online Trend 5: Think Mobile First

Over the course of the past seven years online shopping via mobile devices has grown by 222% globally!

So, when it comes to the user-experience of your website: Think Mobile First!

Continue testing your website pages and making any adjustments until you are able to get the mobile vs. desktop user-experience almost seamless. It may be a good idea to ask several people outside your organisation for honest and critical feedback regarding the useability of your website.

Domains.co.za is a domain name registration and website hosting company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. We also offer a collection of value-added solutions aimed at getting small to medium-sized businesses online, safely and cost-effectively, whilst still maintaining a professional image.

Chantel Venter

Chantél Venter is a creative writer, strategic thinker, and a serious gesticulator. She’s passionate about storytelling, small businesses and bringing color to the world ­– be it through her words or wardrobe.

She holds a four-year degree in Business and Mass Media Communication and Journalism. She’s been a copywriter and editor for the technology, insurance and architecture industries since 2007 and believes anybody can run a small business successfully. She therefore enjoys finding and sharing the best and most practical tips for this purpose.