After two years of booming sales for online retailers, there’s a dip in online purchases (noted by Financial Times reports). Do you use online platforms for your business or passion? Do you intend on making any adaptions moving into 2023?
Krystal Sharp | Krys the Maximizer Strategic Money Coach
My business is primarily online. Honestly I plan on doubling down and selling more. I help women with their money so with the rocky economy my services are very much needed. I don’t have any plans to do more sales in person outside of speaking engagement. I think most service based business do well with online sales vs product based businesses. My biggest adaption is to really focus the transformation of my programs and sharing them even more!
Manswell T Peterson | Author, Screenplay writer and Ghostwriter
As an author who sells books online and in some stores in 6 countries and over 25 states, I am not worried by a dip in sales. More people have drifted back into reading and they are using deals like Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited to read more.
Mark Swan | Author, Producer
If there’s one way Covid has affected the relationship between consumers and vendors, it’s that it made a lot of us savvy to the less-than-ideal world of online commerce. Yes, online shopping is convenient, offers a wider variety of products, and can help us find shop specifically to our interests. It also keeps us holed up in our homes, away from our communities, and it has the potential to spiral us into unhealthy, over-consumeristic head spaces. The first thing I did when Covid restrictions loosened was go to my favorite local book store. I did not realize how badly I missed the environment and its ethereal, emotional effect it had on me. This place is more than a shop, it’s a vendor for local artists, a community hub where clubs meet and where local bands play. It fulfils the role of that mythical “third place,” between work and home, and I am very much of the opinion that no virtual or online space can replace that role. A vast majority of my book sales are online, but I always feel the best when I drop off a new shipment to my local book stores. There is an excitement and sense of community that can’t be replicated by online engagement. Online commerce is probably the way of the future, but I will always prefer to sell as local as possible.
Lena May | Co-Founder
Inspire Me Latin America (IMLA) is doing incredible work for artisan entrepreneurs both internationally and here at home. This online marketplace, similar to Amazon or Etsy, launched in Austin last year. “IMLA is different from other online marketplaces, our mission is centered on creating economic access and positively changing the lives of women and indigenous people in Latin American Countries.”, says Lena May, Co-Founder. Utilizing the newest technology IMLA brings handmade and fair-trade goods from Central America to the U.S. market.
Inspire Me Latin America just launched our first affiliate influencer program to continue moving forward with expanding their customer reach. To apply to the program, go to www.inspiremelatinamerica.com/affiliate-program and earn up to 20% commission on sales.
Kathryn McHenry | Creative Entrepreneur
@BizOrlandoFL Consultancy is all about offering a variety of solutions & options to meet the differing needs of customers. In the past year of development, my goal has been to build an array of retail alternatives to #ShopLocalOnYourSchedule. My high-level landing page at BizOrlandoFL.com features a monthly update link with these options, as well as other quick links to various outlets featuring local handcrafted cards & unique gifts. Whether it’s a gift shop featuring Orlando Local Makers to local vendor shows or online gift shops with drop shipping, @BizOrlandoFL has solutions to fit all kinds of unique needs. My intention for the coming year is to continue promoting these retail outlets to continue growing the brand & exposure in order to service both locally & globally.
Rona Bachour | Baker and Owner
I’ve been using online platforms for my business since day one. It has been positive business wise, as I don’t have to be concerned waiting on physical payments, etc… Customers place their orders online and they just arrive the day of pickup for their treats.
Jamesia Monroe | Kemetic Yoga Teacher & Motivational Holistic Health Coach
Yes, I use online platforms for my business. Yes, I plan on making adaptions in 2023.
Markeshia Hines | Wife | Mom | Acting Professor | Acting Coach
Yes, I use online platforms for my business. I have a very specific niche for new or returning actors looking to kickstart their careers and I solve a very specific problem of showing them not only what to do but how to do it no matter where they live, how much money they have and to fit their specific situation. With that and proven results, I maintain returning clientele even when there’s a dip because I’m very clear on who my target is and what I offer. In 2023, I plan to incorporate more partnerships to reach untapped clientele and continue making my new acquisitions/onboarding process second to none – retention.
Kisha Simpson | Serial entrepreneur
Yes, I currently use Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. My team and I are working on a Kisha K. Collection app, and we are utilizing email and text marketing. We are also planning on hitting major retail stores in the near future..
Rachel Sheffield | Graphic Designer & Model
After researching on becoming an online retailer, I begin using online platforms to sell my artwork in December 2020. It is used as a passive income for my graphic design business. We sell our design work on appropriately 90 Redbubble products. Yes, I am planning on taking some marketing courses to enhance my skills for online marketing, so I can be able to adapt with 2023 algorithms. Also, Rachel Designs intends to do pop up shops in the local area.