The Impact of COVID-19 on Digital Strategies in the Builders Merchant Sector

Adapting to a new digital landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many industries to rethink their digital strategies, and the builders merchant sector is no exception. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, traditional in-person interactions became challenging, pushing businesses to adopt digital solutions rapidly.

Here at iWeb, we’ve seen a significant shift towards e-commerce platforms. Builders merchants, who once relied heavily on face-to-face transactions, have had to pivot to online sales channels. This shift has not only helped them stay afloat during the pandemic but has also opened up new opportunities for growth. Our expert solution architects have been instrumental in guiding these businesses through this transition, leveraging iWeb’s 30 years of e-commerce experience.

Enhancing customer experience through digital tools

Customer experience (CX) has become a focal point for builders merchants during the pandemic. With more customers shopping online, providing a seamless and engaging digital experience is crucial. The team at iWeb has been at the forefront of implementing advanced digital tools to enhance CX.

For instance, integrating Adobe Experience Manager and Adobe Analytics has allowed businesses to personalise their customer interactions and gain valuable insights into customer behaviour. This data-driven approach helps in tailoring marketing strategies and improving overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, our talented team has been working on Progressive Web Apps (PWA) to ensure that customers have a smooth and responsive experience, regardless of the device they use.

Leveraging e-commerce platforms for growth

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of e-commerce platforms in the builders merchant sector. Many businesses have turned to platforms like Magento Commerce to set up their online stores quickly and efficiently. As a leading Magento Agency, iWeb has been pivotal in helping these businesses navigate the complexities of e-commerce.

Our Magento Developers have been working tirelessly to create robust and scalable e-commerce solutions that cater to the unique needs of builders merchants. From integrating ERP systems to ensuring seamless payment gateways, our team ensures that every aspect of the online store is optimised for performance and user experience. This has enabled businesses to not only survive but thrive in the digital marketplace.

Integrating ERP systems for seamless operations

Efficient operations are critical for the success of any business, and builders merchants are no different. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of integrating ERP systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency. iWeb’s expertise in ERP integration has been a game-changer for many businesses in this sector.

Our end-to-end BisTrack integration and Epicor BisTrack ERP integration services have helped builders merchants manage their inventory, orders, and customer data more effectively. This integration ensures that all business processes are aligned, reducing errors and improving overall productivity. By leveraging our agnostic ERP integrator capabilities, businesses can choose the best ERP system that fits their needs and integrate it seamlessly with their e-commerce platform.

Embracing product information management (PIM)

Accurate and consistent product information is crucial for any e-commerce business. During the pandemic, the need for effective product information management (PIM) has become even more apparent. iWeb are expert Akeneo PIM Integrators, and we have been helping builders merchants implement robust PIM systems to manage their product data efficiently.

Akeneo PIM allows businesses to centralise their product information, ensuring that all data is accurate and up-to-date. This not only improves the customer experience but also streamlines internal processes. Our talented UK team has been working closely with businesses to implement and integrate Akeneo PIM, helping them unlock the full potential of their product data.

Utilising digital marketing strategies

With the shift to online sales, digital marketing has become a vital component of the builders merchant sector’s strategy. The team at iWeb has been helping businesses develop and execute effective digital marketing campaigns to reach their target audience and drive sales.

From search engine optimisation (SEO) to pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, our digital marketing experts have been leveraging various tools and techniques to boost online visibility and attract customers. Additionally, integrating Adobe Campaign and Adobe Marketo Engage has enabled businesses to automate their marketing efforts and deliver personalised messages to their customers, enhancing engagement and conversion rates.

Adopting marketplace integration

Marketplaces have become a popular sales channel for many businesses during the pandemic. Builders merchants have also started exploring this avenue to expand their reach and increase sales. iWeb’s expertise in marketplace integration has been instrumental in helping businesses tap into this potential.

Our team has been working on integrating platforms like Mirakl Marketplace with existing e-commerce systems, allowing builders merchants to list their products on multiple marketplaces seamlessly. This integration not only increases visibility but also simplifies inventory and order management, making it easier for businesses to scale their operations.

Future-proofing digital strategies

As the builders merchant sector continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, future-proofing digital strategies is essential. The lessons learned during the pandemic have highlighted the importance of agility and adaptability in business operations. iWeb’s track record in e-commerce and our expertise in digital transformation have positioned us as a trusted partner for businesses looking to future-proof their strategies.

By leveraging advanced technologies like Adobe Real-time CDP and Adobe Digital Experience Cloud, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Our talented in-house team is committed to helping builders merchants embrace innovation and drive long-term growth.

For businesses looking to enhance their digital strategies and stay competitive in the evolving market, reach out to iWeb today. Our expert solution architects and talented team are here to help you navigate the digital landscape and achieve your business goals. Contact iWeb to learn more about how we can support your digital transformation journey.