11 Best Marketing Channels for eCommerce (Drive More Sales in 2025)

 

1.How Social Media Drives eCommerce Sales

Social media marketing is a powerful marketing channel that can drive consumers to ecommerce stores. By creating engaging content and ads, and by building relationships with customers and potential customers, social media marketers can increase traffic to their ecommerce store and generate sales.

Social media accounts should be professional, catchy and engaging. Create an engaging content strategy and advertising campaign. This will drive consumers to your ecommerce store by sharing your company’s story, providing value and making people want to follow you. This will engage your consumers and potential customers. Engage with potential customers. Try to answer common questions, get feedback and build relationships with people that are interested in your brand. This will increase traffic to your ecommerce store, generate sales and create a loyal following.

Social media isn’t just for brand awareness anymore—it’s a direct sales driver. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest make it easier than ever to turn followers into customers. Short-form videos, influencer collaborations, and social commerce features allow brands to engage audiences and convert traffic into sales.

To make the most of social media, focus on platforms where your audience actively shops. TikTok and Instagram Reels are ideal for product demonstrations, while Pinterest works well for long-term discovery. Brands that encourage user-generated content (UGC), such as customer reviews and unboxing videos, often see higher trust and conversions. Additionally, shoppable posts and live shopping events let users purchase products without leaving the app, reducing friction in the buying process.

2. Search Engine Optimization: Get Free Traffic That Converts

Digital marketing channels are the platforms that businesses use to market their products or services online. These platforms can be used to reach a wide audience and can be very effective in driving traffic to eCommerce stores. One digital marketing channel that is particularly effective in driving traffic to eCommerce stores is search engine optimization (SEO).

SEO is the process of optimizing a website for Google search with the goal of getting higher rankings in the search results. This can be done by optimizing the website content, structure, and keywords. SEO is a very important part of any digital marketing strategy and can be a great way to drive traffic to an eCommerce store.

SEO is one of the most powerful ways to attract high-intent buyers—people actively searching for products like yours. Unlike paid ads, SEO traffic is organic, meaning once you rank, you continue getting visitors without ongoing ad spend.

To rank higher on Google, focus on eCommerce-specific SEO tactics like optimizing product pages with the right keywords, writing compelling meta descriptions, and improving page load speed. Blog content also plays a big role. Many successful brands publish guides, comparisons, and “best of” lists to target shoppers in the research phase. Structured data (such as product schema) helps search engines display prices, ratings, and stock availability directly in results, increasing click-through rates.

3. Search Ads: Target High-Intent Shoppers Instantly

As we all know, ecommerce marketing is vital for online businesses. It’s the process of driving traffic to your store and converting that traffic into sales. There are many different marketing channels that you can use to achieve this, and one of the most effective is search ads.

Search ads are a form of paid advertising, where you pay to have your ad displayed in the search results of a particular keyword or phrase. This is an incredibly effective way to reach potential customers who are already interested in what you’re selling. And because you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, it’s a very cost-effective way to market your business.

If you’re not using search ads as part of your ecommerce marketing strategy, then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to drive traffic and sales.

Paid search ads (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads) put your products in front of people actively searching for them. Unlike social media ads, which rely on audience targeting, search ads appear when users type in relevant keywords—making them one of the highest-intent marketing channels for eCommerce.

The key to success with search ads is choosing the right keywords. Focus on commercial-intent phrases like “buy running shoes online” or “best protein powder for weight loss” instead of generic terms. Shopping ads (Google Shopping) work particularly well for eCommerce, as they show product images, prices, and reviews directly in search results. Well-optimized campaigns can deliver consistent, high-quality traffic with strong conversion rates.

4.Display Ads: Capture Attention Across the Web

Display ads are a digital marketing channel that can drive consumers to ecommerce stores. By creating visually appealing ads and targeting them to the right audience, businesses can attract potential customers to their store. Once on the website, customers can browse products and make purchase decisions.

Display ads can be an effective way to reach out to new customers and promote product awareness. They are inexpensive for businesses to produce and distribute, which makes them an attractive option for companies with limited marketing budgets. Advertising on search engines can drive traffic to stores and increase sales through brand awareness. Search engines provide a large pool of potential consumers who are looking to make purchasing decisions. Ads on popular search engines like Google, Yahoo!, Bing, etc. typically have a high click-through rate and low cost for businesses.

Google AdWords is an advertising service offered by Google that enables its advertisers to place ads on the search engine’s own websites and via partner websites. The system works by giving users the option of bidding to have their ad displayed at a specific position on the search results page, or as an ad unit on one of the search partner’s websites.

The Google AdWords program allows advertisers to run online advertising campaigns using keywords and an advertising budget. The Google AdWords platform is designed to deliver ads quickly to users so that they are likely to click on them. The system also provides information about which ads are more effective at bringing in clicks by gauging user reactions while they are viewing the ads.

Display ads use visual banners to capture attention across websites, apps, and YouTube. Unlike search ads that rely on intent-based searches, display ads work best for brand awareness and retargeting.

For eCommerce brands, retargeting is a game-changer. When a visitor browses your website but doesn’t buy, display ads can remind them of the products they viewed, nudging them back to complete their purchase. Platforms like Google Display Network and Meta Audience Network allow you to target users based on their interests, behaviours, and previous interactions with your brand. Eye-catching visuals and compelling copy are key to making display ads effective.

5. Banner Ads: Boost Brand Awareness and Clicks

Banner ads are a popular marketing channel for driving consumers to eCommerce stores. When used effectively, banner ads can be an excellent way to increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your store. Here are a few tips for using banner ads effectively:

1. Use eye-catching visuals: Make sure your banner ad stands out from the rest by using attractive visuals.
2. Use targeted keywords: Use relevant keywords in your banner ad so that it appears in search results for those terms.
3. Use a call to action: Include a call to action in your banner ad so that viewers know what they should do next (visit your store, etc.).

4. Banner ads are a subset of display advertising but specifically refer to static or animated images placed on websites. They appear on blogs, news sites, and industry-specific platforms, helping brands reach new audiences.

   For eCommerce, strategic banner ad placements can drive traffic and build awareness. Placing ads on niche blogs or comparison sites that attract shoppers in your industry increases the chances of conversions. The success of banner ads depends on compelling visuals, a clear value proposition, and a strong CTA (call-to-action) that encourages clicks. Since banner blindness is real, A/B testing different creatives and placements is crucial for optimizing performance.

6.Social Ads: Turn Scrolls into Sales

Social ads are a powerful marketing channel that can drive consumers to eCommerce stores. By creating compelling ads and targeting them to the right audience, businesses can increase traffic and conversions. When used effectively, social ads can be an excellent way to reach new customers and grow a business. But social ads require strategic planning and a smart approach. They must be crafted to successfully resonate with their intended audience, and they need to be monitored closely so that they don’t lose effectiveness over time.

Social ads are advertisements that are created to appeal to and interact with consumers, who share them on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more. Social media is a powerful marketing channel for businesses because it allows for visibility into how many people are viewing your brand or product.

Paid social media ads (Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, TikTok Ads) allow eCommerce brands to target specific audiences based on interests, demographics, and behaviors. Unlike organic social media posts, paid ads ensure your products get seen by the right people—fast.

The best-performing social ads often feature short, engaging videos or high-quality lifestyle images. TikTok and Instagram Reels ads work well for showcasing product benefits, while Facebook carousel ads are great for displaying multiple products in a single swipeable format. Dynamic retargeting ads, which automatically show users the exact products they previously viewed, help recover lost sales and improve return on ad spend (ROAS).

7. Email Marketing: Convery Subscribers Into Loyal Customers

Email marketing is a powerful marketing channel that can drive consumers to eCommerce stores. By creating targeted email campaigns, businesses can reach their target audiences and encourage them to take action. In order to be successful, businesses need to create a well-designed email campaign that includes a strong call-to-action. Additionally, businesses should consider using an ecommerce marketing funnel to drive consumers through the purchase process.

Email remains one of the highest-ROI marketing channels for eCommerce. It’s a direct line to your customers, allowing you to nurture leads, recover abandoned carts, and drive repeat purchases. Unlike social media, where algorithms control visibility, email marketing ensures your message lands directly in your audience’s inbox.

Successful email marketing goes beyond generic promotions. Brands that segment their audience and send personalized recommendations, exclusive discounts, and post-purchase follow-ups see significantly higher engagement. Automated workflows, such as abandoned cart sequences and loyalty emails, can bring in consistent revenue with minimal effort.

8.Affiliate Marketing: Get Others to Sell for You

Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought by the affiliate’s own marketing efforts.

Affiliate marketing is an ecommerce marketing channel that can drive consumers to eCommerce stores. In order to be successful, businesses need to have a plan in place that outlines their goals and objectives. Additionally, businesses need to identify their target audience and figure out what type of content will appeal to them. Once these things are figured out, businesses can then create a strategy and start reaching out to potential affiliates.

Affiliate marketing allows brands to partner with influencers, bloggers, and publishers who promote their products in exchange for a commission on sales. It’s a win-win: affiliates earn money, and eCommerce brands gain exposure and traffic without upfront ad spend.

Successful affiliate programs recruit relevant, high-quality partners—not just anyone looking for a commission. Working with industry-specific influencers and content creators who genuinely use your products results in authentic recommendations that drive conversions. Platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Impact make it easy to set up and manage affiliate programs.

9. Dropshipping: A Low-Risk Way to Expand Your Store

Dropshipping as a marketing channel is a great way to drive consumers to your eCommerce store. By setting up a dropshipping account, you can list products on your store that you don’t actually stock. When a customer orders one of these products, the supplier ships it directly to the customer’s door. Dropshipping is a great way to get started in eCommerce because it doesn’t require a large up-front investment. You can also use dropshipping to supplement your existing product offerings.

Dropshipping isn’t just a business model—it’s also a marketing channel. Many dropshippers rely heavily on paid ads, but organic marketing strategies like SEO, social media, and influencer collaborations can drive sustainable traffic.

Brands that succeed with dropshipping often focus on niche markets with passionate buyers. Instead of selling generic products, they build highly targeted branding and content strategies to create demand. TikTok trends, viral product reviews, and community-driven marketing all help boost visibility and sales.

10. Newsletters: Keep Customers Engaged and Coming Back

Newsletters are a great marketing channel because they help drive consumers to eCommerce stores. By providing useful information and valuable offers, newsletters can encourage customers to visit an online store and make a purchase. In addition, newsletters can keep customers informed about new products and special promotions, which can further motivate them to shop online.

In order to encourage consumers to sign up for your newsletter, you should provide valuable content. Also, consider including offers and exclusive discounts that you know your customers would like. Be sure to send a confirmation email after users sign up so they don’t accidentally miss out on the offer.

Newsletters keep your brand top-of-mind and build long-term customer relationships. Unlike promotional emails, which focus on selling, newsletters provide value through content, tips, and exclusive updates.

The best newsletters feel personal and engaging, not like mass marketing blasts. Whether it’s a weekly round-up of trending products, behind-the-scenes updates, or VIP-only discounts, consistent newsletters help keep your audience engaged and encourage repeat purchases.

11. Retargeting: Bring Back Lost Shoppers and Increase Conversions

Retargeting as a marketing channel essentially involves showing ads to people who have already visited your website or app. This is done by placing a cookie on their browser, which then allows you to serve them relevant ads when they visit other websites.

There are a number of benefits to using retargeting as a marketing channel. Firstly, it can be extremely effective in driving conversions, as you are targeting people who are already interested in what you have to offer. Secondly, marketing channels can be quite cost-effective, as you only pay for the ads that are served to people who have already shown an interest in your product or service.

If you are looking to drive more sales and conversions from your eCommerce store, then retargeting is definitely worth considering as a marketing channels.

Not every visitor to your eCommerce store buys on their first visit. Some browse, add products to their cart, and leave without completing the purchase. That’s where retargeting comes in. It helps you re-engage these potential customers by showing them personalized ads based on their browsing history.

Retargeting works through cookies and tracking pixels that monitor user behavior. When a visitor leaves your site without making a purchase, they’ll start seeing reminder ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. This keeps your brand in their mind and nudges them back toward checkout. Dynamic retargeting even tailors the ads to show the exact products they viewed, increasing the chances of conversion.

For retargeting to work, timing is everything. Running ads too soon may annoy users, while waiting too long may cause them to forget about your product. The key is to segment your audience—some may need a small discount to return, while others might convert with just a well-placed reminder. Pair retargeting with strong email marketing for the best results. 

Conclusion

There are many marketing channels that can drive consumers to eCommerce stores. These include online advertising, social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and more. By using a mix of these channels, eCommerce businesses can reach a wide audience and generate traffic to their store. We will help you in achieving that, contact now!

Mastering eCommerce marketing isn’t about using every channel—it’s about using the right ones effectively. Whether you’re building organic traffic, running ads, or nurturing leads through email, each channel plays a role in driving sales. Here’s a quick recap of the best marketing channels to focus on in 2025:

• SEO: Get long-term traffic with optimized content.
• Social media: Build brand awareness and engage customers.
• Search & display ads: Drive targeted traffic with paid campaigns.
• Email & retargeting: Convert and retain customers with personalized messages.
• Affiliate & influencer marketing: Use partnerships to reach new audiences.

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Managing multiple marketing channels can be overwhelming, but Sqroot makes it easy. With tools for automation, performance tracking, and audience insights, you can streamline campaigns and maximize your ROI. Whether you’re scaling ads, optimizing SEO, or refining email marketing, Sqroot helps you grow faster and smarter. Try it today and take your eCommerce success to the next level.“Marketing channels: Are they truly generating sales, or are they simply draining your budget?”