Brooklyn E-Com: 5 Tactics to Pinpoint Ideal Customers(In 2023)

Hello there!

Ah, the world of e-commerce, where everything’s made up, and the customers don’t matter. 

Wait, that’s not right. Scratch that, reverse it. 

In the e-commerce jungle, customers are the king, queen, and every court jester in between.

But pinning down the right ones? It’s a lot like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall. 

Especially in Brooklyn, where everyone and their poodle runs a trendy online shop. 

I once tried targeting Millennial minimalist vegan hipsters for my artisanal beard oil e-store, only to discover they all moved to Portland last summer. 

Go figure.

But fear us not, Brooklyn e-commerce hopefuls, for we have a plan. 

Like an awkward nerd salivating at a math problem, we shall use the magic of advanced analytics. 

Get your calculators ready (and maybe some aspirin) as we delve into customer demographics, behaviors, acquisition channels, and more. 

And no, contrary to the wildly off-the-mark suggestion made by my intern, looking at the pie chart and saying, “Mmmm, pie” does not count as interpreting analytics data.

Next, we put on our Cupid’s bow and get busy with customer profiles. 

Because profiling your customers is like creating an online dating profile – but instead of a candle-lit dinner, you want them to check out your shopping cart. 

And just like online dating, you sometimes meet some… interesting characters. 

Remember, only some people who say they love long beach walks will buy your artisanal sand shovels. 

More on this coming up next. 

Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride through the e-commerce dating game.

Let’s do this…

Tactic 1: Utilize Advanced Analytics Like a Nerd at a Math Convention 

Picture this: a math convention. 

A bunch of excited folks with glasses thicker than a Brooklyn hipster’s beard buzzing about algebraic structures and differential equations like it’s the Super Bowl. 

Now imagine bringing that same enthusiasm to your e-commerce analytics. 

That’s right, we’re about to get our geek on, Brooklyn style.

Here’s the deal: e-commerce analytics is a goldmine of insights if you know where to dig. 

They can tell you everything from how many customers visited your website last Tuesday to what color socks they prefer (okay, maybe not the socks part, but you get the idea). 

According to a report by Statista, 50% of businesses rely on data analytics to drive their decision-making process.

But here’s where it gets funny: I once knew a guy who thought bounce rate was about how many customers practiced their basketball skills while browsing his site. 

Needless to say, his analytics game needed some work. 

Bounce rate refers to the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. 

Lower is better – unless you’re playing basketball, of course.

Then there was this gal who was super excited about her high cart abandonment rate. 

Thought it meant customers were abandoning their physical shopping carts to shop online. 

Bless her heart. 

Remember, the cart abandonment rate is the percentage of customers who add items to their online shopping cart but then exit without completing the purchase. 

And contrary to my friend’s belief, it’s not a cause for celebration.

Question: “What is a good conversion rate for my e-commerce store?” 

Answer: Well, this can vary widely depending on your industry, but as a general rule, something around 2-3% can be considered decent. 

For more detailed data, check out this resource.

Another question: “How can I reduce my bounce rate?” 

Answer: There are many ways to reduce bounce rate, like improving your site’s navigation and loading speed, creating engaging content, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly. 

Here’s a helpful guide that covers these points and more.

So let’s dive into this analytics pool, folks. 

Sure, the water might be filled with numbers, charts, and enough data to make your head spin. 

But once you learn how to swim, it’s a pretty cool place to be. Just remember your floaties.

Tactic 2: Customer Profiles – It’s Like Online Dating but for Business 

If you’ve ever tried online dating, you know the drill. 

You swipe right, swipe left, and maybe even do some stalking (all in good faith). 

But did you know similar principles can be applied to your e-commerce business? 

Yep, welcome to the world of customer profiling – the business world’s version of online dating.

Like dating profiles, customer profiles are about understanding what makes someone tick. 

But instead of trying to find your soulmate, you’re trying to find your ideal customer. 

According to a recent report by Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands who recognize, remember, and provide relevant offers and recommendations. 

And how do you achieve that? You guessed it – customer profiling.

Here’s a funny little anecdote. 

Imagine a customer profile saying, “I enjoy long walks on the beach, candle-lit dinners, and purchasing artisanal, hand-crafted kitchenware from Brooklyn-based online stores.” 

Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, in the e-commerce world, it is the perfect match!

On a more serious note, consider this: if you’ve got a Brooklyn-based store selling artisanal kitchenware, wouldn’t you want to connect with customers who appreciate the unique and locally made? 

That’s where customer profiling steps in. 

It’s about matching your product with the right audience, just like how you match with potential partners on a dating app.

Question: “How do I create a customer profile?” 

Answer: Start by gathering as much data as you can from your existing customers – demographics, interests, purchasing behavior, and more. 

You can use surveys, interviews, and your website analytics to do this. 

Another question: “What should I do with my customer profiles?” 

Answer: Use them to guide your marketing efforts! 

Tailor your advertisements, promotional offers, and even product development to match the needs and interests of your profiles. 

Remember, in the world of e-commerce, having a deep understanding of your customers is key. 

Think of your customer profiles as your potential suitors. 

Get to know them, understand them, and most importantly, appreciate them for who they are. 

Tactic 3: Social Media Stalking – Not Creepy, Just Business 

Ever found yourself deep in the rabbit hole of someone’s Instagram feed at 2 am? Just me? 

Okay, let’s call it ‘competitor analysis’ instead of stalking, shall we? 

Here’s the truth, though, while social media “stalking” can feel like a guilty pleasure, it’s an essential strategy for any Brooklyn e-commerce store trying to identify its ideal customer.

Before you start, remember that social media stalking in a business context isn’t about creepily ogling at your competitor’s vacation pictures. 

It’s about understanding their audience, seeing who engages with their content, and figuring out why. 

According to a report from GlobalWebIndex, 54% of social browsers use social media to research products. 

That’s right, over half of social media users are there, silently judging, like a cat waiting to pounce on a mouse.

Now, let’s take a humorous detour down memory lane, shall we? 

Remember when McDonald’s tried to start a trending hashtag, #McDStories, hoping for heartwarming tales about Happy Meals? 

Let’s say the internet had other ideas, and they ended up with horror stories about food mishaps. 

So, what’s the lesson? Know your audience, and anticipate their reactions.

Speaking of fails, let’s talk about the time an airline got a little too sassy on Twitter. 

A customer tweeted a complaint, and the airline responded with a dismissive joke. Bad move. 

The tweet went viral, the customer base revolted, and the airline had to issue a groveling apology. 

The moral? Social media isn’t just for broadcasting—it’s for listening, too.

You’re probably wondering, “How do I avoid such disasters?” Well, let’s answer that with a question. 

Question: “How do I navigate the tricky waters of social media?” 

Answer: Listen more than you talk, engage sincerely, and remember that behind every profile is a real person. 

Another common question: “How can I use social media to understand my customers better?” 

Answer: Monitor the conversations around your brand or industry, pay attention to what your customers say, and use that to inform your business decisions. 

Here’s a useful tool for that.

Remember, folks, social media is like the Wild West of the digital world – it’s untamed, unpredictable, and full of opportunities if you know how to navigate it. 

Tactic 4: Surveys and Feedback – It’s Like Asking for Directions 

Alright, folks, we all know someone who would rather get hopelessly lost than stop and ask for directions, right? 

You know who you are! Well, in the world of Brooklyn e-commerce, that stubborn approach ain’t gonna fly. 

You need to ask your customers for directions. 

Yes, I’m talking about surveys and feedback. 

I can already hear you groan, “Surveys? Really?” Oh, absolutely!

Now, surveys are like that one friend who’s brutally honest. 

They can be harsh, but they help you see things in perspective. 

Plus, your customers appreciate it when you ask them for their opinion. 

According to a survey conducted by Forbes, 77% of customers view brands more favorably when they seek and incorporate customer feedback. 

That’s right, 77%! So, my dear friends, swallow your pride and ask for directions. 

You want to avoid ending up lost like the friend who insists Google Maps is always wrong.

Speaking of getting lost, remember when a popular software company surveyed their users to discover what new features they wanted? 

The users were like, “We need more security features and bug fixes!” But the company somehow heard, “We want more shiny bells and whistles!” 

You can guess what happened. 

They delivered shiny new features no one asked for while neglecting security updates. 

Users were less than pleased. Misinterpreting feedback can lead you astray faster than a faulty GPS.

Then there was the time a restaurant took customer feedback on their new menu items. 

One customer commented, “This dish is great but could use more salt.” 

The chef took it to heart and increased the salt in the recipe. 

He then received a barrage of feedback about the dish being too salty. 

Talk about a salty situation! The original feedback was from a customer who had an odd penchant for over-salted food. 

The lesson here? Always consider the source of your feedback, and look for patterns before making changes.

You’re probably wondering, “Okay, but how do I get useful feedback?” 

Well, it’s as simple as asking the right questions. “Was our service satisfactory?” isn’t going to cut it. 

Try something more specific, like, “What is one thing we could have done better?” Or “What is one thing you loved about our product?” 

Trust me, specificity is key. Here’s a resource that offers a deep dive into crafting effective survey questions.

Another common question is, “How do I handle negative feedback?” 

Well, remember this rule: Respond, don’t react. 

Understand the issue, apologize if needed, and provide a solution. 

Here’s a tool to manage and respond to feedback effectively.

Remember, folks, when navigating the Brooklyn e-commerce landscape, don’t be too proud to ask for directions. 

Your customers will appreciate it, and your business will benefit from it. 

Tactic 5: Competitor Analysis – Copying Homework, but Make it Legal 

Alright, now this is where the rubber meets the road, people! 

Competitor analysis – the process that feels like peeking at your classmate’s homework, only this time, it’s not going to land you in detention. 

We’ve all done it. 

In the E-commerce world of Brooklyn, it’s not just acceptable; it’s smart!

You see, your competitors aren’t just the pesky buggers out there stealing your clients. 

They can be your greatest teachers (unless they’re flunking, then maybe find better teachers). 

Let’s imagine you own a clothing store, and there’s another one across the street with a line out the door every day. 

You could sit there, nursing your latte, seething in envy, or you could go across the street, shop a little, and see what they’re doing right! 

In fact, a study by Crayon found that businesses that conducted competitor analysis were 33% more likely to recognize competitors’ strategies.

Like that time when you noticed your competitor was offering free shipping on all orders. 

Suddenly, they’re everyone’s best friend, and your sales are dropping faster than a hot potato. 

So, you decide to offer free shipping too, and voila! Your sales skyrocket, proving yet again that everyone loves free stuff.

But then there are times when watching your competitor can help you dodge a bullet. 

Remember when your competitor decided to sell fidget spinners just when the craze was dying out? 

They bought stock in bulk, but the fad ended faster than a New York minute. 

You, on the other hand, decided to play it safe and watched as they sat on a mountain of unsellable stock. 

A classic case of follow the leader gone wrong!

Now, onto your burning questions. “How do I conduct competitor analysis?” 

Well, it’s not all cloak-and-dagger stuff. 

It can be as simple as following your competitors on social media, signing up for their newsletters, or using online tools to analyze their strategy. 

Here’s a resource that offers a thorough guide on how to conduct a competitor analysis Link.

Another question you might have is, “What should I look for when analyzing my competitors?” 

Look for their strengths and weaknesses. 

Understand their products, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer experiences. 

Learn from their successes and failures. 

The idea is to glean insights that can help you make strategic business decisions.

Case studies

I’m gonna spin you five yarns about businesses that used the above tactics and either nailed it or crashed and burned. 

Ready? 

Let’s dive in!

First up, we have “Nerd’s Paradise,” a store selling all things geek. 

They went full mad scientist with advanced analytics. 

I mean, these guys analyzed everything – from the most searched Star Wars collectible to the average time spent by a customer on a page. 

Their most epic fail? They thought Mondays had lower sales because everyone was feeling the ‘Monday Blues.’ 

Turns out, their website was just slow to load every Monday because of server maintenance. 

Classic case of “correlation does not imply causation,” folks. 

Check them out here.

Next, we’ve got a hipster clothing store, “Trendy Threads.” 

They took creating customer profiles to heart. 

Their profiles were so detailed they knew their ideal customer’s favorite artisanal coffee brew. I kid you not. 

One time, they sent a discount coupon to a customer on her breakup anniversary because their profile noted she’d previously indulged in retail therapy post-breakup. 

Talk about getting up close and personal! Their website is here. 

Then there’s “Canine Couture”, a high-end pet boutique. 

These guys turned social media stalking into an art form. 

Their Instagram game was so on point even cats wished they were dogs to wear their collection. 

But once, they misinterpreted a meme trend and posted a picture of a poodle in a tutu with a caption that was, let’s say, less than ideal. 

Yikes! Took them weeks to fetch their reputation back. 

Here’s their website.

Remember “Palate Pleaser,” the gourmet grocery store? 

They loved surveys like a lost tourist loves a map. 

The only problem, they asked the wrong questions. 

They once rolled out a line of kale-flavored ice creams because a survey showed customers loved kale. 

Spoiler alert: nobody wanted to cool off with kale ice cream. 

Sometimes, even the customer doesn’t know what they want! See their range of products here.

Finally, we have “Budget Bounty,” an affordable furniture store. 

They copied their competitor’s move and launched a line of DIY furniture.

Except they forgot one crucial detail – their competitor had helpful assembly videos, while they just shipped furniture with an instruction manual that might as well have been hieroglyphics. 

Not everyone’s an IKEA veteran, guys! 

Their website is here.

There you have it, folks. Five tales from the trenches of Brooklyn E-commerce. 

Additional resources

SEMrush – Well, well, well, if it isn’t SEMrush – the Sherlock Holmes of the SEO world. 

It’s like having a spy who knows all the keywords your Brooklyn customers are using. 

From keyword research to competitive analysis, it’ll give you all the gossip you need to make your e-commerce store the talk of the town.

Moz Local – Hold onto your flat caps because Moz Local is about to take you for a ride. 

Perfect for any Brooklyn e-commerce store looking to target local customers, this platform ensures your business is listed accurately everywhere your customers are searching. 

It’s like having a billboard in every corner of Brooklyn – minus the exorbitant ad costs!

Facebook Audience Insights – Ever feel like you need a crystal ball to understand your customers? 

Well, with Facebook Audience Insights, you’ll feel like a social media psychic. 

It gives you in-depth insights about your audience, and it’s like hosting a massive Brooklyn party and getting to know everyone in the room.

Google Trends – Want to know what’s hot and what’s not in Brooklyn? 

Google Trends has you covered. It lets you peek into the minds of your potential customers by showing what they’re searching for. 

It’s the digital equivalent of the iconic Brooklyn flea market – you never know what you’ll discover, but you’re guaranteed it will be interesting.

For more SEO tips, click here.

That’s it for this one! Please don’t forget to leave a comment and c Ya next time!