eCommerce Virtual Assistants vs. Specialized Remote Professionals: What's Best for Your Business?
Did you know that 67% of companies hire virtual assistants (VAs) to save time, delegate tasks, and increase productivity? Surprisingly, only 10% see VAs as a way to boost business quality.
As a remote staffing firm with extensive experience in value-based hiring, we understand finding the right candidate is crucial, especially in competitive industries like eCommerce.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand whether to hire an eCommerce virtual assistant or a dedicated eCommerce professional to boost your business performance.
Let’s start with…
The Difference Between an eCommerce Virtual Assistant and a Specialized Professional
Before we dive into the difference between an eCommerce virtual assistant and a specialized eCommerce professional, let's define what each one does.
An eCommerce Virtual Assistant is a remote worker who helps with all sorts of administrative, operational, and support services for eCommerce businesses. They manage inventories, process orders, handle customer inquiries, and assist with tasks to keep your business running smoothly.
Simply put, eCommerce virtual assistants wear numerous hats and handle various responsibilities that support eCommerce businesses.
Now, what sets a specialized professional apart? One word: expertise.
A Specialized eCommerce Professional has in-depth knowledge and experience in a specific area of eCommerce. This could be anything from digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) to web development and more.
These professionals bring specialized skills that can significantly impact your business’s performance. While they may cost more than your average all-around VA, their targeted expertise can lead to substantial improvements and are often worth the investment.
5 Key Indicators That Your Business Needs Specialized eCommerce Talent
Here are five signs indicating you need specialized experts for your eCommerce business growth and efficiency:
Need for advanced handling of eCommerce platforms and tools
With eCommerce sales expected to exceed $6 trillion this 2024, it’s crucial to navigate the complexities of eCommerce platforms and tools effectively.
Whether you're using Shopify, Google Analytics, or any other tools, now might be the time to consider bringing in specialized talent. Experts who know these systems inside out can streamline your operations, making everything run smoother and more efficiently.
Facing challenges in scaling operations
There are over 13 million eCommerce sites in the US alone; how can you establish your competitive edge and sustain operational efficiency?
As your eCommerce business expands, scaling up your operations becomes tougher. That's where specialized eCommerce talent comes in—they know the best ways to grow your business without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction, handling your growth effectively.
Inconsistent results from generalist approaches
Are you noticing inconsistent results with your eCommerce virtual assistant? Let's face it: Hiring VAs can have downsides beyond the cost. Without specialized skills, their expertise can become outdated and less effective over time.
This is where specialized eCommerce professionals shine. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that generalists often lack. With them, you can expect more reliable and consistent outcomes, keeping your business moving forward smoothly.
Demand for high-level technical or marketing expertise
Marketing trends evolve constantly, and platforms and tools are frequently updated. This means that simply having basic knowledge may not be enough. Sometimes, you need more to propel your business forward.
Whether mastering advanced SEO techniques, delving into detailed data analysis, or implementing cutting-edge marketing strategies, specialized eCommerce talent offers the expertise to excel in these crucial areas.
Strategic integration of new technologies or methodologies
Adding new systems to your business can feel overwhelming, but specialized eCommerce experts can help integrate them smoothly into how you work. From artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to payment and collection options, they optimize your business operations and deliver impactful results.
Believe us when we say that these professionals go beyond traditional eCommerce virtual assistant services.
10 Benefits of Hiring Specialized Talent Over eCommerce Virtual Assistants
What does your business gain from adding an eCommerce remote expert to your team? Here are ten key benefits:
Cost-savings
Hiring a specialized remote eCommerce professional can significantly reduce your overhead without sacrificing high-quality work.
For example, teaming up with MultiplyMii could save you up to 80% on labor costs while adding a high-impact member to your team! They handle tasks faster and more precisely than general VAs, boosting your efficiency and savings.
Increased sales
Fewer people are shopping in brick-and-mortar stores these days, making it crucial to up your eCommerce game. It’s expected that 20.1% of retail purchases will take place online this year.
With an eCommerce expert's advanced skills and deep knowledge of eCommerce strategies, you can boost your sales. They'll help optimize your sales funnel and launch effective marketing campaigns that convert more customers.
Improved efficiency
Wearing different hats may yield quick results, but it rarely produces long-term benefits. Virtual assistants often juggle multiple roles, which can lead to inefficiencies.
On the other hand, eCommerce professionals specialize in their craft and know their way around the industry. They don’t spread themselves too thin with numerous responsibilities, which eliminates bottlenecks and enhances overall efficiency.
Enhanced customer service
In eCommerce, customer service can truly make or break a business, especially given the broad impact of cancel culture. Even the tiniest negative online feedback can significantly impact your business. That's why timely and helpful responses are crucial to maintaining customer satisfaction and reputation.
Optimized product listings
Accurate and eye-catching product listings are vital for eCommerce success. When you collaborate with a dedicated Product Listing Specialist, you can showcase your product's best features, enhancing visibility and driving sales.
Streamlined operations
Multitasking can lead to unnecessary distractions, which can seriously impact productivity.
With dedicated specialized talent, you can streamline all aspects of your operations, from inventory management to order processing. This approach reduces errors, accelerates delivery times, and ensures greater customer satisfaction.
Data-driven insights
eCommerce remote experts know exactly what data to gather, where to find it, and how to interpret it. With their experience navigating platforms and tools used in your business, they effortlessly provide valuable insights.
These insights help you understand customer behavior, track market trends, and evaluate your business's performance. An informed approach ensures effective decision-making for your business's success.
Adaptability and scalability
It's been said time and again: remote workers bring flexibility and scalability to businesses that hire them.
As your business expands, scaling operations becomes crucial. Specialized talent is adaptable and adept at managing increased workloads, ensuring smooth business growth without disruptions.
Strong social media presence
Social media is getting more competitive by the day, so you need someone who really knows their stuff to stand out.
Building a strong social media presence is key to eCommerce success. With a remote professional who understands the eCommerce world, you'll get effective strategies to boost your brand's visibility and engagement on social media.
Positive feedback from stakeholders
Did you know that 93% of people read online reviews before purchasing? That's why feedback from customers, partners, or investors is crucial, especially when it's positive.
With specialized talent, you can ensure everyone involved in your business has an outstanding experience, strengthening relationships and driving overall success.
Specialized Roles to Drive Your eCommerce Growth and Success
Now that we’ve piqued your interest in hiring remote talent over eCommerce virtual assistants, here are some roles you should consider hiring today:
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant handles responsibilities that keep your business organized and efficient. Their tasks include:
- Scheduling meetings and appointments.
- Managing emails and communication.
- Organizing and maintaining files.
- Data entry and database management.
- Processing orders and invoices.
Customer Service Representative
A dedicated customer service representative focuses on customer satisfaction to help build trust and loyalty among your customer base. They are in charge of:
- Handling customer inquiries and resolving issues.
- Providing information about products or services.
- Processing orders and returns.
- Addressing complaints and escalating when necessary.
- Maintaining customer records and interactions.
Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist is key to boosting your online presence. Their job includes:
- Planning and running marketing campaigns.
- Crafting content for social media, websites, and ads.
- Researching markets and trends.
- Improving SEO and SEM strategies.
- Tracking and reporting campaign results.
Technical Expert
Having a technical expert on your team ensures your eCommerce platforms run smoothly. They’ll be:
- Managing and maintaining eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento.
- Implementing and optimizing SEO strategies.
- Troubleshooting technical issues and providing solutions.
- Integrating and customizing third-party tools and plugins.
- Ensuring website security and performance optimization.
Inventory Manager
An inventory manager’s role is vital for preventing stockouts and overstock situations by:
- Monitoring and managing inventory levels.
- Coordinating with suppliers for timely replenishment.
- Conducting regular inventory audits and reconciliations.
- Forecasting demand and planning stock levels.
- Optimizing inventory turnover and minimizing stockouts.
Data Analyst
A data analyst helps you make informed decisions, drives growth, and improves customer satisfaction by:
- Collecting and interpreting data from various sources.
- Analyzing trends and patterns to uncover insights.
- Preparing and presenting reports and dashboards.
- Conducting statistical analysis and modeling.
- Providing recommendations based on data findings.
Financial Manager
A financial manager handles all financial aspects of your business. They are responsible for:
- Managing financial transactions and accounting tasks.
- Budgeting and forecasting financial performance.
- Monitoring cash flow and financial health.
- Preparing financial statements and reports.
- Conducting financial analysis and advising on financial decisions.
Technical Troubleshooter
A technical troubleshooter resolves any technical issues that arise. You can also trust them to provide help in:
- Resolving technical issues and providing support.
- Performing software and hardware troubleshooting.
- Installing and configuring computer systems and applications.
- Conducting system upgrades and maintenance.
- Ensuring IT infrastructure security and stability.
Supercharge Your eCommerce Business with Specialized Remote Professionals
Want to work with a team of experts to help you navigate the complexities of eCommerce?
Partner with MultiplyMii today and propel your success in today’s competitive digital landscape!
We’ve spent over a decade helping businesses in various industries thrive with our remote staffing solutions. With our specialized and seamless recruitment process, we’ll help you match with top-notch Filipino remote talent.
