The Uptok Blog

E-commerce Sales Strategy: The Power of Product Demonstrations and Virtual Sales

July 31, 2023

Every ecommerce business owner recognizes the challenges that product demonstrations pose in inside sales. Conveying the real value and usability of a product to a customer who cannot physically interact with it demands innovative ecommerce sales strategies.

In 2022, 2.14 billion people worldwide purchased goods or services online, up from 1.66 billion global digital buyers in 2016. Ecommerce sales reached nearly $4.9 trillion globally, and experts predict that online sales will hit $6.4 trillion by 2024. However, the growing market also comes with increased competition and elevated customer expectations, making the role of product demonstrations even more significant.

An effective product demonstration is a powerful sales tool that can significantly influence buying decisions. Recent studies show that 74% of customers feel convinced to buy a product after watching it in action. But how do we harness this potential in a virtual environment, where physical touch and feel are impossible?

Video demonstrations have been gaining prominence in ecommerce sales strategies. High-quality videos that depict the product's usage and benefits offer a realistic understanding, allowing customers to visualize their experience. With 84% of people saying they've been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand's video, it's clear that investing in video demonstrations is a worthwhile endeavor.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are emerging as game-changers in the ecommerce landscape. AR/VR technology can create interactive product demos, allowing customers to virtually 'try' products before making a purchase. According to a study by BRP Consulting, 48% of consumers are more likely to buy from a retailer that provides AR experiences.

Clear communication is another vital component of an effective product demonstration. It's important to provide detailed descriptions, addressing potential questions about the product's features, benefits, and usage. A report by Shotfarm states that detailed product descriptions can increase the likelihood of purchase by 78%.

For businesses focusing on remote sales, there's more to the sales process than just demonstrating the product. A successful virtual sales pitch requires mastering the art of online selling. Statistics indicate that personalization can dramatically increase the effectiveness of your sales pitch. According to a study by SalesForce, 84% of customers say being treated like a person, not a number, is very important to winning their business.

Good product demo software should be an integral part of your virtual sales toolkit. A quality software allows seamless presentations, interactive engagement with the customer, and tracking the customer's engagement, which can lead to valuable insights. In a recent survey, 95% of sales reps said they're more successful when they have access to advanced sales technology.

As the world continues to shift toward digital transactions, ecommerce businesses need to keep up with the evolving landscape. An effective ecommerce sales strategy should include video demonstrations, AR/VR technologies, clear communication, and personalization. While these strategies require investment, the potential payoff is substantial—improved customer engagement, increased sales, and overall business success. Remember, the goal is to create a virtual environment that mimics the physical shopping experience as closely as possible. As the world of online shopping continues to evolve, businesses that can adapt to these changes and deliver effective product demonstrations will be best poised for success.