#ecommercestrategy

Eitan Koter

The Power of Video Commerce with Eitan Koter

In a recent Talk Commerce episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Eitan Koter, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Vimmi, to explore the revolutionary impact of video commerce on the e-commerce landscape. With video consuming over 82% of global internet traffic, understanding its role in driving sales has never been more crucial.

The Evolution of Video Commerce

Eitan shared fascinating insights about how video commerce is reshaping the retail landscape. Traditional e-commerce conversion rates have historically hovered around 2%, but with video commerce, particularly live and shoppable video content, businesses are seeing up to 10x improvement in these numbers.

As someone who’s spent years in the enterprise e-commerce space, I’ve witnessed firsthand how video has transformed from a nice-to-have feature to an essential tool for engagement and conversion.

Breaking Down the Barriers

One of the most compelling points Eitan made was about the accessibility of video commerce. While many businesses perceive video production as expensive and time-consuming, he emphasized that success doesn’t require professional production values:

  • Start with short-form videos
  • Use your smartphone
  • Focus on authenticity over perfection
  • Create consistent content
  • Address customer pain points

The Multi-Channel Approach

What particularly resonated with me was Vimmi’s approach to omnichannel video commerce. Their platform enables:

  • Simultaneous posting across social media platforms
  • Integration with e-commerce platforms
  • Live shopping capabilities
  • QR code integration for offline-to-online experiences

The Future of Social Commerce

Looking ahead to 2025, Eitan predicts continued growth in live shopping and shoppable video across various niches. With social commerce projected to reach $8 trillion by 2030, businesses need to start implementing video commerce strategies now.

Getting Started with Video Commerce

For those looking to dive into video commerce, Eitan recommends a strategic approach:

  1. Start with educational content
  2. Build trust through transparency
  3. Progress to product-focused content
  4. Leverage live events and shows
  5. Maintain consistent posting schedules

Key Takeaways for Businesses

As your podcast host and someone deeply involved in e-commerce, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to embrace video commerce now. The platforms are ready, the consumers are engaged, and the technology is accessible.

For businesses interested in exploring video commerce, Vimmi offers a free-for-life package at vimmi.net, where you can experiment with live streaming and shoppable video features.

Connect with Eitan Koter on LinkedIn to learn more about video marketing and commerce strategies, or tune in to the full podcast episode for more detailed insights into the future of video commerce.

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Live from Shoptoberfest: Shopware vs. Shopify with Mitch Baker and Vance Ryan

Choosing the right ecommerce platform is key for any business. In this blog post, based on my recent Talk Commerce  Shoptoberfest podcast with Vance Ryan and Mitch Baker from Shopware, we’ll delve into the key considerations when selecting a platform, examining the differences between giants like Shopify and the robust capabilities of Shopware.

The “Solutions” Approach: Beyond Simple E-commerce

Vance’s role as a “Solution Specialist” at Shopware immediately highlighted a critical point often overlooked. It’s not just about picking a platform; it’s about finding a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems (ERP, CRM, etc.). This isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Many businesses have unique needs that require a more customized approach than what a typical SaaS platform like Shopify offers.  My own experience has shown me how often businesses underestimate the complexities of integrating different systems.

Shopify vs. Shopware: When One Size Doesn’t Fit All

While Shopify excels at providing a user-friendly, out-of-the-box experience, Vance rightly pointed out its limitations for businesses with complex requirements. He emphasized that Shopware’s open-source nature allows for far greater customization and scalability, something I’ve always advocated for. This is particularly true for B2B businesses with intricate workflows and unique needs.

The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

During the podcast, we discussed the common mistake businesses make: assuming they know what they need before exploring available options. Vance’s perspective was refreshing. He encouraged businesses to focus on understanding their unique complexities.  I wholeheartedly agree. The right questions aren’t just about features; they’re about understanding your business’s long-term vision and technological capabilities. If you’re overly complex and Shopify fits your needs perfectly, maybe you’re not as complex as you think.

The Myth of the “Safe” Choice: Re-platforming Risks

Vance challenged the assumption that choosing a well-known platform like Shopify eliminates risk. He highlighted the significant challenges and potential disruptions involved in re-platforming, especially for B2B businesses.  I’ve witnessed firsthand the headaches of re-platforming. The long-term consequences of a poorly chosen platform can outweigh any short-term benefits.

Beyond the Platform: The Value of the Right Partner

A critical takeaway from my conversation with Vance is the importance of the implementation partner. A strong system integrator (SI) can bridge the gap between your vision and the technical capabilities of your chosen platform. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring a successful integration and maximizing the platform’s potential.  I’ve seen the difference a skilled SI can make.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Choosing an ecommerce platform isn’t about picking the most popular option. It’s about identifying the solution that aligns with your specific needs, capabilities, and growth trajectory. Vance’s insights on Shopware’s flexibility and open-source nature challenged the conventional wisdom, demonstrating that a more bespoke approach can offer significant advantages for businesses ready to tailor their solutions. Listen to the full podcast episode to dive deeper into these important discussions

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