If you think that to make a profit, all you need is a great product then think again, because the whole process is a lot more complicated than that! It's not just the item that you are selling that is important but also other factors also play a role like it's packaging, how you market it, and how customers can get access to buy it. Read on to find out more.

Product

While selling the required number of units isn't just about the product,

the product itself does

, of course, matter. It can help to think of it as the foundation that you build everything else on top of. That means the item that you are selling need to be of high quality, as well as fulfilling the function that you intend for it. This function is crucial, in fact, because it is this that will appeal to the customer in the first place. As a general rule, a good product should provide them with a solution to a problem by making thing easier, quicker, or cheaper. Although some products’ successes are based on what they say about those that own them. These include things like luxury items and designer goods like handbags or cars.

Image source Pixabay

Also always remember to put time and effort into

developing and marketing testing

a product before you launch it too. As this can save you money in the long run, as well as showing you what your customer base is most interested in. It is in these ways you can create a good product and have a stable base on which to found the other parts of your sales strategy.

Packaging

One of the other parts of your sales strategy is the packing that you encase your product in. While mostly, such things are disposed of when the item is finished, or the product unwrapped, packaging it is still vital to selling units. It can include bottles, jars, boxes, cases, tubes and spray cans. It can also include bags, cards, and any other method of displaying your goods. Getting the packing side of things right is vital because it can help to sell your product, as good packaging will help your item stand out amongst a crowd on a shelf or display. It can also contribute in showing potential customers what to expect from the product and your brand. Some packaging even has

achieved a cult status

like Apple clear plastic boxes and Mac makeup. Something that demonstrates just how important it is to the finished product.

Image source Pixabay

Packing also has a practical application in that it's the thing that is used to hold and protect the product ensuring it reaches your customer in a usable condition. Something you can find out more about at CL Smith here. Afterall, you wouldn't walk into a store and ask for a hand full of shampoo, would you? So always think about the practical side of things as well as the aesthetics as well.

Image source Pixabay

Marketing

Of course, to sell units you also need to let the public know about your product, and this is the role that marketing plays in your sales strategy. Basically, marketing works by first identifying who may be likely to buy your product and then creating the content for that target market. Marketing content can be fairly diverse, and include anything from TV advertisements, magazine spreads, and inserts, to in app advertisements and blog articles. From a business point of view, the most important things are that all your content reflect the style, brand, and values of the product you are trying to sell. As well as it being designed to appeal to the correct audience. For many businesses, the first stage is usually marketing content that can be distributed over the internet. This is because it's a lot cheaper than running TV or print campaigns. It is also because current technology is allowing businesses to get their message in front just the right people

though ad bidding and

data tracking. Also investing in market research before you start can help a lot with this, as it can give you an idea of current opinions in your target group, and how you can utilize these to your best advantage. Now such things can be done online too, it's a lot cheaper and easier to get done than it used to be. Meaning it doesn't eat into profits as much either.

Point of sales  

Lastly, all the marketing, beautiful packaging and great products in the world aren't going to help you if you point of sale is wrong. Think about it, would you buy from a shop that had terribly slow service, was dirty, dangerous, or where the staff were rude? Probably not. This same principle applies to the point of sale for your product, and as this usually includes a website for most business, this is really something that you can't afford to get wrong. That

means retail websites must

be three things. Clear, easy to navigate, and safe. They need to be clear visually because there is no one there to assist like there is a real store. That means if your site is confusing your customers it's losing you sales, as they will navigate away. You can help improve this with a real time chat box though, which fulfils much the same role as a store assistant would. Your site needs to be easy to navigate because people don't want to feel like they have had to work to buy your product. They want it to be as easy as possible so give them quick check outs, Apple Pay or PayPal options to make things quick.

Image source pixabay

Your site also needs to be safe because people just won't buy if they think their money or credit card details are going to be put in danger. After all, why would the task that risk just to line your pockets? So ensure that you are running excellent site security, especially in relation to any personal information or payment information and tell your customers about

it with security badges

on your page. As this will allow you to build up a relationship of trust with your customers, and encourage them to buy.