B2B eCommerce Platform for Manufacturing

Some common buyer types in the manufacturing industry include:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): These buyers typically purchase products that will be used in the production of other goods. They're often looking for high-quality items at competitive prices.
• Resellers: These buyers purchase products from manufacturers and then resell them to end customers. They're looking for products in high demand that have a good resale margin.
• End customers: These buyers are the ultimate consumers of the products you're selling. They're typically looking for items that meet specific needs and requirements.

Some common marketing channels for B2B ecommerce portals include:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is used to attract buyers who are searching for certain products online. Optimizing your website and content for relevant keywords will improve your visibility on the search engine results pages (SERPs).
• Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising: PPC advertising is designed to reach buyers looking for items on the web through ad campaigns on Google, Bing, etc. that promote your portal.
• Social media: Social media offers a valuable introduction to buyers who are active on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can create social media profiles and post content that promotes your portal.

If you're thinking about introducing a B2B ecommerce portal for your manufacturing business, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Let’s explore some of the key considerations for launching a successful B2B ecommerce portal for manufacturing.

1. Know your audience.
One of the most important things to consider when launching a B2B ecommerce portal for manufacturing is understanding who your target audience is. There are probably a few different types of buyers — OEM, resellers, and end customers — you’re targeting, so it's important to understand their needs and how they make purchasing decisions.

2. Choose the right platform.
After you've identified your target audience, pick the appropriate B2B ecommerce platform. There are several possibilities, but it's critical to choose the one that’s most suitable for your company.
Behind the ASP.NET-based B2B ecommerce portal from Virto Commerce, there are some other common platforms for consideration. 

3. Consider your product digital catalog.
When you're launching a B2B ecommerce portal for manufacturing, it's important to consider what types of products you'll be selling online. You'll need to decide whether you want to sell finished goods, raw materials, or both. If you're planning on selling finished goods, think about how you’ll handle inventory and shipping. If you're selling raw materials, make sure your suppliers are able to meet your demand.

4. Set up your ecommerce logistics to align with offline sales.
One of the most important things to consider when launching a B2B ecommerce portal for manufacturing is your logistics for orders placed online. Decide how you'll handle orders, shipping, and returns.

5. Promote your portal.
Once you've launched your B2B ecommerce manufacturing portal, promote it to attract buyers. There are a number of different marketing channels you can use to reach your target audience.

6. Provide excellent customer service for online buyers.
Once you've attracted buyers to your B2B ecommerce portal, it's important to provide excellent customer service. Make sure orders are fulfilled promptly and customers are satisfied with their purchases.
You can provide superior customer service by offering a wide range of support options, such as live chat, phone support, and email support. You can also offer a self-service knowledge base or FAQ section on your website.

7. Measure your success.
It's important to measure the performance of your B2B ecommerce portal so you can make improvements over time. You can do this by tracking a number of different metrics, such as website traffic, the conversion rate, and order value, to name a few.
You can also use surveys and customer feedback to get insight into how well your portal is meeting its objectives. By integrating measurements at key touchpoints, then making improvements, you can ensure your B2B ecommerce portal is successful in the long term.
These are just a few steps to consider when launching a B2B ecommerce portal for manufacturing. If you follow this roadmap, you'll be on your way to achieving your goals.