Thato Garekoe, Founder and CEO of Rekisa eCommerce Solution
E-commerce solutions for small businesses

In episode 9 of the SAICA Biz Impact Podcast, Thato Garekoe, the Founder and CEO of Rekisa eCommerce Solutions, takes us on an insightful journey into the world of e-commerce and digital marketing for small businesses. Through his rich entrepreneurial experience and innovative approaches, he shared key strategies and tips for leveraging digital platforms to build sustainable and profitable online businesses.

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

1. E-Commerce and digital marketing demystified -Thato emphasised the difference between e-commerce and digital marketing:

• E-commerce involves selling products or services online, often through websites, marketplaces, or even social media.

• Digital marketing is the toolset used to drive awareness and sales through strategies like social media marketing, email campaigns, and search engine optimisation (SEO).

He underscored that successful e-commerce businesses use digital marketing to drive traffic and conversions, making the two disciplines interconnected and essential.

2. The importance of a strategy

• For SMEs looking to enter the e-commerce space, Garekoe stressed the need for a clear strategy:

• Understand your target audience and how to reach them.

• Decide between selling through a personal online store or a third-party marketplace, each with its own pros and cons.

• Invest in secure, user-friendly platforms for hosting your store and ensure payment and shipping integrations are seamless.

3. Leveraging digital tools for success

He shared practical advice on affordable tools for building an online presence, including:

• Canva for designing marketing materials.

• WhatsApp Business for creating customer catalogs and engaging with clients.

• Free platforms like WordPress for building websites, and email marketing tools for nurturing leads.

These platforms enable businesses with limited resources to create impactful online presences.

4. E-Commerce trends in South Africa

The local e-commerce industry is growing rapidly, with more businesses realising the value of selling online. Post-COVID, customer behavior has shifted towards greater trust in online transactions, including purchases through platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok. However, SMEs must remain vigilant against cybersecurity threats.

5. Educating customers as a strategy

One of the standout strategies Thato shared was the power of educating customers. By providing valuable insights and guidance about your product or industry, you build trust and position yourself as an expert, creating loyal customers who are likely to return and refer others.

6. Addressing common mistakes

Many businesses fail because they:

• Lack a clear plan to attract and engage customers.

• Overlook the importance of understanding their target market.

• Assume that simply having a website or online store will automatically generate traffic and sales.

Garekoe also urged business owners to be proactive and invest in learning basic digital marketing tactics to drive success.

Rekisa eCommerce Solutions offers SMEs affordable, locally adapted tools for creating and managing online stores. Unlike international competitors, Rekisa charges in local currency and provides hands-on customer support, including training and digital marketing services tailored to the South African market.

Thato’s entrepreneurial journey and practical advice inspire small business owners to embrace digital tools and e-commerce. His final tip– Approach this space with a mindset of learning and adaptability. The digital economy is fast-paced and ever-evolving, and businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind.