Unlike e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok, which come with built-in traffic, independent platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce require merchants to generate their own traffic. As commission rates on platform-based e-commerce sites continue to rise, the independent e-commerce model is regaining traction.

For businesses that have set up e-commerce stores on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, the next challenge is how to effectively promote these stores and attract substantial, targeted traffic. Get Started with BigSeller for Free! 👈

Below are some practical strategies to help achieve this goal.


 

1. Social Media Marketing

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are home to vast numbers of active users, making them valuable traffic pools. By integrating Shopify stores with these platforms and sharing engaging product videos and images, businesses can attract free traffic and potential customers.

These social media platforms also act as fan communities and public relations channels for Shopify or WooCommerce stores, effectively building a loyal customer base. Additionally, businesses can collaborate with influencers (KOLs) related to their brand to expand the brand's influence.


 

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is a crucial strategy for independent e-commerce sellers. By publishing relevant articles on the business's website, blogs, or third-party platforms like forums, businesses can help search engines like Google index their content. When users search for related information, the content has the potential to appear in search results, driving traffic to the store.

SEO requires attention to both technical and operational aspects. If using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, technical optimization is handled by these platforms. However, if building a website independently, businesses need to focus on technical optimizations like titles, descriptions, and keywords.

When uploading images, businesses should add descriptive alt text to improve image search rankings. Writing product-related blog posts can also help search engines index content, making it visible when users search for related topics.


 

3. Paid Advertising

Paid advertising is another effective way to attract traffic.

• Google Ads: Google offers various paid advertising options, such as search and display ads. By setting up these ads, businesses can attract customers searching for keywords related to their products, refining targeting based on keywords, location, and device.

• Social Media Ads: Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram allow businesses to set up targeted ads. These can be customized based on interests, behaviors, and geographic locations to ensure ads reach the right people.

4. Private Traffic Operations

Attracting traffic is just the first step—businesses also need to convert that traffic into a private pool. This private traffic encourages repeat purchases, and by offering small incentives such as cash rewards for referrals, cashback for positive reviews, or discounts for sharing links, businesses can turn visitors into loyal seed users who help grow the private traffic pool.

The larger the private traffic pool, the more stable the orders and expanding revenue will be. While this may seem challenging at first, over time, customer acquisition costs will decrease. Without platform fees like those on Shopee, product prices become more competitive.



Finally, businesses seeking help managing their Shopify or WooCommerce stores, including product, order, inventory, and data management, can explore BigSeller to streamline their e-commerce operations. Get Started with BigSeller for Free! 👈