How are D2C brands reinventing the marketing landscape in India?

D2C industry has leaped a quantum jump in the last few years owing to– first, the development of a robust digital infrastructure and fundamentals to support the boom in e-retail in India and secondly, when the traditional relationship between brand and retailer experienced a cold for 2 years with covid-19 lockdowns. D2C brands thanks to this seismic shift disrupted the marketing landscape for India. Today, there are more than 800 D2C startups operating in the country.

D2C sales, including established brands and digital natives, are estimated to reach $182.6 billion in 2023 and are estimated to reach $350 billion dollars by 2030.

The D2C marketing has also led to a growth of services like performance marketing, growth marketing, retention marketing, affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, native ads, ad networks, marketplaces marketing, and more services related to build, establish, and market brands directly to the consumers, digitally.

D2C Brands are replacing the traditional commerce experience for customers with an omnichannel presence assisted by- either expansion into offline presence or developing a strong alternate revenue channel with ecommerce marketplaces.

D2C brands have successfully eliminated intermediaries from the traditional retail formula in India, which typically involved manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. This disruption has allowed D2C companies to capture and combine customer data, creating a holistic customer experience that is often not replicated by B2C or B2B brands.

D2C companies capture and combine customer data to create a holistic customer experience, otherwise not replicated by B2C or B2B brands. Expansion of internet shopping to tier 2 & tier 3 cities has also opened ways for meeting the underserved markets.

Here’s how D2C brands are reinventing the marketing landscape:

Tapping into the Growing Internet Shopper Base:

D2C brands are capitalizing on the increasing number of internet users in India and tapping into the growing online shopper base. D2C brands are leveraging digital marketing channels to reach their target audience and promote their products directly to consumers.

Shifting Away from Traditional Distribution Networks:

D2C brands are breaking away from the traditional retail distribution networks and popular eCommerce platforms. Brands are establishing a sound and user centric online presence and selling directly to consumers, eliminating the need for intermediaries.

Shopify is home to 50% of all DTC brands. Much of its popularity is thanks to its powerful eCommerce functionalities like payments and native subscriptions.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media and Influencer Marketing:

D2C brands are leveraging social networks for advertising and influencer marketing to create brand awareness and engage with their target audience. They are using these channels to receive immediate validation, tap into a larger customer base, and build strong customer relationships.

Emphasizing Customer Experience:

D2C brands are increasingly prioritizing customer experience by offering seamless shopping experiences, personalized recommendations, and responsive customer support. They focus on building direct relationships with customers and understanding their preferences to deliver a tailored experience.

In 2022 the leading global brands’ repurchase rate from the first to second order was 45%. After the third order, the chances that the customer will make a follow-up order increases to over 60%

Utilizing Data and Analytics:

D2C brands have access to a gold mine worth of customer data available due to ad networks, allowing them to identify market gaps, consumer trends, and demands. They leverage data and analytics to make informed marketing and advertising decisions, innovate their products, and stay ahead of the competition. D2C brands, especially partnered with data backed advertising agencies in India, interact with the end consumer daily, paying special attention to their unique customer journeys and tapping into relevant data points to deploy a systematic stagewise marketing plan for the brand.

Utilizing Data and Analytics:

Emphasizing Customer Experience:

D2C brands are known for their unique and innovative product offerings. They identify specific trends or demands in the market and use them to fulfill the custom needs of the consumers. By curating products that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, they differentiate themselves from traditional retailers.

Lowering Barriers to Entry:

The D2C model has lowered barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. It has provided them with an opportunity to establish their brands and reach a wider audience without the need for extensive physical infrastructure.

82% of consumers look at brand values before buying

While the future for the D2C brands look promising, the changing marketing landscape requires a strengthened connection between brands and consumers/potential consumers, especially if you’re running a subscription-based business. With performance marketing, social networks, ad networks like Google and Meta, and more in the marketing funnel of the D2C brands, a seamless shopping experience building direct connections with the consumers is only an experienced ecommerce marketing agency away!

Just like with any other industry, it’s key that you stay up to speed with developments and trends. In fact, as you’ll be selling directly to the person who will use your product, it’s even more important that you make time to find out what the data is saying and utilize it to implement ecommerce marketing strategies with the right expertise! Leveraging Audience Pro by ViralMint helps you make this paradigm shift possible with customer intelligence and marketing, download your marketing intelligence gateway now!

D2C brands are reshaping the marketing landscape in India by leveraging digital platforms, shifting away from traditional distribution networks, harnessing the power of social media and influencer marketing, emphasizing customer experience, utilizing data and analytics, innovating with product offerings, and lowering barriers to entry. Their direct-to-consumer approach offers convenience, personalization, and unique experiences to consumers, challenging traditional retail models and fostering innovation in the Indian market.