Analysis of cross-border e-commerce communication methods and instant messaging marketing strategies

In the context of cross-border e-commerce, communication channels and instant messaging marketing strategies are important components to ensure smooth transactions. This article will explore the main communication methods in cross-border e-commerce and the application of instant messaging marketing.

Communication channels for cross-border e-commerce

In cross-border e-commerce, transaction negotiations usually use two main methods: oral and written. Verbal consultations are carried out through the Internet, and common tools include Skype, cross-border phone calls, and WeChat voice. Written consultations are mainly conducted through email, fax, telex, etc., and these two methods are sometimes used in combination.

1. Email

E-mail is a commonly used means of business contact in current international trade. Its advantage is that it is easy to operate, is not restricted by time and location, has extremely low communication costs, and can transmit information in multiple formats, such as photos, links, and PDF files. As a result, email became the primary tool for written communication.

2. Instant messaging software

Skype, as an instant voice communication tool on the Internet, provides a variety of functions, such as video chat, multi-person voice conferencing, file transfer, etc. Skype allows users to make free video calls and is the preferred communication method for verbal communication among traders in cross-border e-commerce.

3. Fax and Internet Fax

Fax has developed rapidly over the past two decades as a method of converting paper records into telecommunication signals and transmitting them. Although traditional fax is still used, Internet fax is gradually becoming mainstream. Internet fax sends documents over the Internet to a fax server and then converts them into a format that can be received by a fax machine.

Despite the endless emergence of modern communication tools, face-to-face communication forms such as attending trade fairs and visiting customers still occupy an important position in international trade. In different situations, you can flexibly choose different communication methods or combine multiple methods to communicate.

Definition and methods of instant messaging marketing

Instant Messaging refers to a service that can quickly send and receive Internet messages. With the development of technology, its functions have been continuously enriched and have covered many fields such as email, social interaction and e-commerce. In China, WeChat and QQ have become the most important instant messaging tools with a huge user base.

1. Definition of instant messaging marketing

Instant messaging marketing (IM marketing) refers to the method by which companies promote products and services through instant messaging tools. Its main forms can be divided into the following two categories:

• Online communication: The online stores or official websites of small and medium-sized enterprises usually have customer service staff online immediately, so that customers can proactively contact the merchants for consultation and communication.

• Advertising Communication: Small and medium-sized enterprises can use instant messaging tools to publish product information, promotional activities, and use graphics and emoticons to attract customers’ attention while enhancing the brand’s publicity effect.

2. Market share and user scale

According to big data monitoring, WeChat and QQ occupy the highest market share among instant messaging tools. By the end of 2020, WeChat’s monthly active users had reached 1.04 billion, while QQ’s monthly active users were 724 million, showing WeChat’s dominance in the social market.

To sum up, the development of cross-border e-commerce cannot be separated from efficient communication tools and strategies. By rationally using multiple communication methods such as email, instant messaging software, and fax, and combining them with real-time marketing strategies, companies can better expand their markets and improve customer experience.