Becoming An Online Merchandiser: Facts To Know And How To Get Hired

The demand for online merchandisers is on the rise, as more and more retailers shift their focus to online sales. This means that there are many job opportunities available in this field, with competitive salaries which could greatly augment your income stream. Pay close attention to the discussion up ahead if you’re considering this as a career.

What you’ll learn here:

• Why Online Merchandisers Are Needed These Days
• Your Tasks As an Online Merchandiser
• Your Expected Salary as An Online Merchandiser
• Tools You Must Use as An Online Merchandiser
• Qualifications For Becoming An Online Merchandiser
• Where Should You Apply As an Online Merchandiser?

Why Online Merchandisers Are Needed These Days

There is a need for online merchandisers because the online retail industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving. With millions of products available on countless e-commerce sites, it can be difficult for customers to find what they’re looking for and make informed purchasing decisions.

Online merchandisers help address these challenges by optimizing the visual presentation and promotion of products on e-commerce sites. By carefully curating product displays, optimizing search results, and developing targeted marketing campaigns, they can help customers find the products they need and make informed purchasing decisions.

Furthermore, online merchandisers play a crucial role in maximizing sales and revenue for e-commerce businesses. By analyzing consumer behavior and data, they can identify trends and opportunities, develop effective promotional strategies, and ensure that products are priced competitively and marketed effectively.

Your Tasks As an Online Merchandiser

Should you become an online merchandiser, the tasks you’ll do can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the e-commerce business you work for. However, some common tasks include:

Product categorization and organization: organizing products into categories and subcategories to make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for. You may also develop product taxonomy and attribute structures to improve search results.

Product presentation: creating visually appealing and engaging product displays that showcase products in their best light. This includes selecting product images and descriptions, writing compelling product copy, and creating product videos or other media.

Inventory management: tracking inventory levels and working with the operations team to ensure that products are in stock and available for purchase.

Pricing and promotions: collaborating with the marketing and sales teams to develop pricing strategies and promotional campaigns that drive sales and revenue. You may also monitor competitor pricing and adjust prices accordingly.

Analytics and reporting: using data analytics tools to track key performance indicators such as product views, conversion rates, and revenue. You will use this data to identify opportunities for improvement and develop data-driven strategies to optimize sales.

User experience optimization: focusing on improving the user experience by ensuring that the e-commerce site is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and provides a seamless shopping experience.

Your Expected Salary As An Online Merchandiser

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for an online merchandiser is around $62,000 per year, with a range of $43,000 to $92,000 per year.

However, salaries can vary greatly depending on location and the specific industry. For example, an online merchandiser working in a major metropolitan area such as New York City or San Francisco may command a higher salary due to the higher cost of living in those areas.

In addition to base salary, many online merchandisers may also be eligible for bonuses, commissions, and other incentives based on performance and sales targets. As with many professions, salaries for online merchandisers can also increase with experience and advancement into management roles.

Tools You Must Use As an Online Merchandiser

As an online merchandiser, you’ll need to use a variety of tools to effectively manage and optimize the presentation and promotion of products on an e-commerce site.

Here are some of the key tools you should consider learning to improve your chances of getting hired:

E-commerce platform: The e-commerce platform you work with will be the foundation of your merchandising efforts. Popular platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.

Analytics tools: Tools such as Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics can help you track and analyze user behavior, sales data, and other key metrics to inform your merchandising strategies.

Product information management (PIM) software: PIM software can help you manage product data and assets, ensuring that product information is accurate and up-to-date across all channels.

Search engine optimization (SEO) tools: Tools such as SEMrush and Ahrefs can help you optimize product titles, descriptions, and other metadata to improve search rankings and drive traffic.

A/B testing tools: Tools such as Optimizely and VWO can help you test different merchandising strategies and optimize your e-commerce site for maximum conversions.

Content management system (CMS): A CMS such as WordPress or Drupal can help you manage and optimize content such as blog posts and landing pages to drive traffic and improve the user experience.

Email marketing software: Software tools such as Mailchimp or Klaviyo can help you develop targeted email campaigns to drive sales and build customer loyalty.

The software tools you use as an online merchandiser will depend on your specific needs and the e-commerce platform you work with. However, the tools listed above are some of the most commonly used tools in the industry and can help you optimize your merchandising efforts and drive sales.

Qualifications For Becoming An Online Merchandiser

The qualifications for an online merchandiser can vary depending on the specific requirements of the employer and the level of the position. However, here are some general qualifications that may be required for this role:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often preferred. However, some employers may accept equivalent work experience or a relevant certification in lieu of a degree.

Work experience: Employers may prefer candidates with 2-3 years of experience in e-commerce or online merchandising. Experience in retail, marketing, or related fields can also be beneficial.

Technical skills: Online merchandisers must be comfortable working with e-commerce platforms and related software tools. Proficiency in web analytics tools, content management systems, and search engine optimization (SEO) tools is also preferred.

Analytical skills: Online merchandisers must be able to analyze data and metrics to inform merchandising strategies and make data-driven decisions.

Creative skills: Online merchandisers must be able to think creatively and develop compelling product displays, marketing campaigns, and other promotional materials.

Communication skills: Online merchandisers must be able to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and operations.

Remember to focus on developing your technical skills, building a portfolio, and networking with industry professionals to make yourself stand out to potential employers. The ability to think strategically and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams is also essential for success in this role.

Where Should You Apply As an Online Merchandiser?

There are many different types of companies that employ online merchandisers, ranging from large e-commerce retailers to smaller boutique stores. Here are some places you can look for online merchandiser job opportunities:

E-commerce companies: Look for job postings on the websites of large e-commerce retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as smaller online retailers.

Brick-and-mortar retailers: Many brick-and-mortar retailers have an online presence and may be looking for online merchandisers to manage their e-commerce operations. Check the job postings on the websites of retailers such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Best Buy.

Marketing agencies: Marketing agencies may work with e-commerce clients and may be looking for online merchandisers to manage their clients’ online stores. Look for job postings on the websites of marketing agencies such as WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis Groupe.

Staffing agencies: Consider working with a staffing agency that specializes in placing candidates in e-commerce or retail roles. These agencies may have access to job opportunities that aren’t posted publicly.

Freelancing platforms: You may also consider freelancing as an online merchandiser on platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer. This can be a good option if you’re just starting out or looking for more flexibility in your work.

There are many different types of companies that hire online merchandisers and the competition will be tough. Be certain to do your research and apply to positions that match your skills and experience. Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job posting to increase your chances of getting hired.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the fast-paced world of e-commerce, becoming an online merchandiser may be the perfect fit for you. With the right skills and experience, you can make a real difference in the success of online retailers, and help to shape the way that consumers shop online.

By the way, if you’re interested in building your online store, you might want to read this.