7 Best eCommerce Sales Channels for Scaling Your Business

Relying on a single sales channel is risky. What if an algorithm change tanks your traffic? What if one marketplace suddenly increases fees? To scale sustainably, using multiple sales channels is key. But with so many ecommerce sales channels out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time?

This article breaks it down:

• The best ecommerce sales channels for multichannel selling
• Different types of sales channels and how they work
• The benefits of diversifying your ecommerce sales channels to maximize profitability

TL;DR – Best eCommerce Sales Channels for Multichannel Selling in 2025

Sales Channel	Best Use Case	Potential ROI	Challenges	Platforms
SMS Marketing	Abandoned cart recovery, retargeting, customer retention	$21 to $40 for every dollar spent (Open rates for branded text messages are as high as 98 percent)	Compliance with SMS regulations, avoiding spam filters	TxtCart
Social Media Platforms	Social commerce, influencer marketing, brand awareness	$3 for every dollar spend	Algorithm changes, ad costs, maintaining engagement	Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Marketplaces	Access to high-intent buyers, leveraging built-in customer bases	Varies according to the types of items, prices and fees you pay	High competition, platform fees, fulfillment challenges	Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy
Email Marketing	Customer retention, promotions, personalized engagement	$42 for every $1 spent	Avoiding spam filters, list management, content fatigue	Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Sendinblue
SEO & PPC	Driving organic and paid traffic to an online store	SEO $2.75 and PPC $2 for every dollar spent	SEO requires time to see results; PPC can be costly without proper management	Google Ads, Bing Ads
Partnerships & Influencers	Expanding reach through trusted voices; targeting specific demographics	$5.78 for every dollar spent	Finding the right partners, ensuring ROI from collaborations	inBeat.co, MakeUGC AI
Mobile App	Enhancing customer loyalty, improving retention, increasing mobile sales	Varies	Development and maintenance costs; driving app downloads	Shopify Mobile App Builder, BigCommerce Mobile

Read Next: Messenger Vs SMS Vs Email – Choosing the Right Marketing Channel for Your Store

Types of eCommerce Sales Channels

Sales Channel Type	Overview	Best for	Cons
Single-Channel Selling	Selling products through only one platform (e.g., only a website or only Amazon	Simple to manage, lower operational complexity, cost-effective for small businesses	Limited audience reach, higher risk if platform fails, restricted revenue potential
Multi-Channel Selling	Selling products across multiple platforms, such as an online store, marketplaces, and social media to expand reach and increase sales	Businesses looking to scale, increase sales, and diversify revenue streams	More complex operations, requires inventory management, fulfillment coordination, and customer service across sales channels
Omni-Channel Selling	A seamless, integrated approach where customer experience is consistent across all sales channels (e.g., online store, social media, brick-and-mortar)	Brands focused on quality customer service across sales channels and delivering a unified shopping experience	Requires advanced technology and data synchronization, higher investment in marketing and infrastructure

Benefits of Diversifying Your eCommerce Sales Channels

Relying on just one sales channel is risky—what if it fails overnight? Expanding to multiple sales channels protects your business while unlocking new opportunities for growth.

Here’s why it matters:

• Higher customer acquisition & retention: Selling across various platforms increases your brand’s visibility, attracting new customers and keeping existing ones engaged. Notably, retailers utilizing three or more channels generate 143% more revenue than those relying on fewer channels.
• Improved brand visibility & market presence: Customers are more likely to buy from brands they see repeatedly. Selling across online marketplaces, social media, and retail stores keeps your brand top-of-mind and builds credibility.
• Reduced customer acquisition costs (Retarget & convert more!): With multi-channel selling, you can retarget potential buyers through social media, email, and SMS marketing—reducing acquisition costs while boosting conversions. B2B campaigns using multichannel marketing see a 24% increase in conversion rates, demonstrating its efficacy.
• More revenue streams = Increased stability: A single sales channel failure (such as an algorithm change, ad account suspension, or platform shutdown) won’t cripple your business, ensuring consistent revenue and long-term scalability. Companies employing multiple marketing channels experience a 9.5% year-over-year revenue increase.

For example, pairing multi-channel selling with TxtCart’s AI-powered SMS marketing ensures stability by re-engaging abandoned cart shoppers and driving upsells and cross-sells through personalized messages., keeping revenue steady even amid disruptions.

7 Best eCommerce Sales Channels

Choosing the right sales channels can make or break your eCommerce success. To scale your business, you need a mix of platforms that expand your reach, drive sales, and strengthen customer relationships.

Here are the top seven sales channels to help you grow faster and sell smarter.

1. SMS is King for eCommerce

SMS marketing is one of the most effective yet often overlooked sales channels. With an open rate of over 98%, text messages outperform emails and social media in both visibility and engagement. More importantly, 90% of consumers respond to a text within 30 minutes of receiving it, making it one of the fastest ways to connect with customers.

Brands are seeing profits soar with SMS marketing 🚀

SMS marketing has become a key tool for eCommerce brands, helping them engage customers more effectively and drive sales growth.

• Higher Response Rates – SMS messages get a 45% response rate, compared to just 8% for emails.
• Recover lost sales – SMS recovery messages achieve click-through rates of 20-35%, making them a powerful tool for recovering abandoned carts and driving conversions.
• Higher Customer Retention – Personalized promotions and exclusive discounts via SMS keep customers engaged. 75% of consumers say text messages regularly drive them to purchase from brands.
• Exceptional ROI – eCommerce brands leveraging SMS marketing often see an average return of $71 for every dollar spent.

To make SMS marketing a powerful sales tool, businesses need to create meaningful, real-time connections with customers. Platforms like TxtCart are designed to turn simple text messages into high-converting, two-way conversations. Unlike traditional SMS marketing, which relies on generic mass messaging, TxtCart enables businesses to create personalized, interactive customer experiences that drive real results.

How to sell effectively with TxtCart

• Turn abandoned carts into sales with conversational SMS: Instead of generic reminders, use TxtCart’s AI-powered two-way messaging to engage customers in real-time, answer questions, and offer personalized incentives that drive conversions.

• Optimize campaign timing & compliance: With TxtCart’s TCPA-compliant scheduling, ensure messages reach customers at the right time—no midnight texts! Smart timing increases open rates and prevents opt-outs.
• Leverage performance tracking for smarter strategies: Track revenue, subscriber behavior, and SMS engagement with TxtCart’s analytics. Identify top-performing products and optimize your messaging for higher conversions.
• Segment & personalize for maximum impact: Use TxtCart’s AI-assisted templates to craft hyper-personalized messages based on customer behavior. Whether it’s a product recommendation or an exclusive discount, tailored SMS boosts engagement.

💡 Pro tip: Combine SMS with email and social media retargeting for a seamless omnichannel experience. TxtCart’s AI-driven SMS can re-engage cart abandoners while email nurtures long-term loyalty.

Read next:

• 9 Conversational SMS Examples That Generated $6M+
• Conversational SMS Guide: 15+ Best Examples, Uses, & Tips

2. Social media platforms

Social media channels are more than just marketing tools—they’re high-converting sales channels where customers discover, research, and purchase products instantly. With 5.24 billion users worldwide, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok provide a built-in audience ready to buy. The key is knowing how to turn engagement into sales.

How to sell effectively on social media

• Set up social commerce features: Enable Instagram Shopping, Facebook Shops, and TikTok Shop so customers can browse and buy without leaving the platform. Social commerce is projected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2026—make sure you’re part of this trend.
• Leverage influencer & community marketing: Partner with social media influencers to build trust and showcase your products. Encourage customers to share user-generated content (UGC) for organic promotion.

• Run targeted ads & retargeting campaigns: Use customer data to create highly targeted ads and retarget shoppers who engaged with your content but didn’t buy.

Platform	Best For	Best Features for Selling
TikTok	Viral product discovery & Gen Z shoppers	TikTok Shop, Live Shopping, Creator Marketplace
Instagram	Visual-driven brands & influencer collaborations	Instagram Shopping, Reels Ads, Shoppable Posts
Facebook	Retargeting & broad audience reach	Facebook Shops, Ads Manager, Messenger Selling
Pinterest	High-intent shoppers & lifestyle products	Pinterest Shopping, Buyable Pins, Visual Search

💡 Pro tip: Don’t just sell—sync your social media shop with your website and marketplaces to ensure real-time inventory updates and prevent overselling across multiple channels.

3. Marketplaces

Online marketplaces provide instant access to millions of ready-to-buy customers, making them one of the most powerful eCommerce sales channels. Instead of driving traffic from scratch, you can leverage trusted modern marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Etsy to boost sales.

However, competition is fierce—so optimizing your sales strategy is crucial.

How to sell effectively on marketplaces

• Optimize product listings: Use SEO-friendly titles, detailed descriptions, and high-quality images to rank higher in marketplace searches. Amazon’s A9 algorithm prioritizes keyword relevance and conversion rates, so crafting compelling listings is key.
• Win the buy box & leverage marketplace ads: For platforms like Amazon and Walmart, the Buy Box is where the majority of sales happen. Keep pricing competitive, maintain strong seller metrics, and optimize fulfillment speed to increase your chances of winning. Sponsored product ads can also help your listings get more visibility.

• Use a multi-marketplace strategy: Don’t limit yourself to just one marketplace—list on multiple platforms to maximize sales. Brands selling on multiple channels see a 190% increase in revenue compared to single-marketplace sellers.

Marketplace	Target Audience	Best Features for Selling
Amazon	High-intent buyers, global reach	Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Prime eligibility, Sponsored Ads
eBay	Bargain hunters, auction buyers	Global Shipping Program, Promoted Listings, eBay Authenticate
Walmart Marketplace	Price-conscious U.S. shoppers	Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), Buy Box, Sponsored Ads
Etsy	Handmade, vintage & craft lovers	Etsy Ads, Customizable Shops, Seller Analytics

4. Email marketing

Email marketing remains one of the most reliable eCommerce sales channels for driving revenue, nurturing customer relationships, and encouraging repeat purchases. Unlike social media algorithms or third-party platforms, email gives you direct access to your audience.

In fact, businesses earn an average of $36 for every dollar spent on email marketing, underscoring its cost-effectiveness

How to sell effectively with email marketing

• Build a high-quality email list: Use popups, lead magnets, and checkout opt-ins to grow a built-in customer base that’s genuinely interested in your products or services.
• Segment your audience for targeted campaigns: Categorize subscribers based on purchase history, behavior, and engagement to send highly relevant messages that convert.

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• Automate & personalize your emails: Set up automation for welcome sequences, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups. Personalized subject lines and dynamic content (like name, order details, or product recommendations) can boost open rates and revenue.
• A/B test and optimize: Experiment with different subject lines, CTAs, and email designs to find what resonates most with your audience.

💡 Pro tip: Integrate email with your SMS and marketplace strategies. Use TxtCart to recover abandoned carts with SMS reminders, follow up with personalized emails to reinforce the purchase, and leverage customer data for tailored messaging across all sales channels.

5. SEO and PPC

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising are two powerful eCommerce sales channels that work together to drive high-intent traffic to your online store. While SEO builds long-term visibility and organic growth, PPC provides immediate results by placing your products in front of ready-to-buy customers.

According to research, SEO drives 1,000%+ more traffic than organic social media, whereas PPC visitors are 50% more likely to make a purchase—making both essential for a strong sales strategy.

How to sell effectively with SEO & PPC

• Optimize for search intent: Use keyword research tools to identify high-converting search terms related to your products or services. Optimize product pages, blog content, and metadata to rank higher in search engines and attract more potential buyers.
• Leverage Google shopping ads & retargeting: Google Shopping allows your products to appear at the top of search results. Combine this with retargeting ads to bring back visitors who didn’t purchase.

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• Balance organic & paid strategies: SEO builds authority over time, while PPC provides instant traffic. A well-rounded multichannel sales strategy ensures your ecommerce website reaches customers at different stages of their buying journey, driving both immediate sales and long-term brand growth.

6. Partnerships and influencers

Strategic sales channel partnerships and social media influencers can significantly boost online sales by expanding your eCommerce business beyond a single sales channel. By collaborating with influencers, brands, or affiliates, you tap into built-in customer bases, enhance brand identity, and drive targeted traffic to your online store.

In fact, 63% of shoppers are more likely to purchase a product recommended by a trusted social media influencer, making influencer partnerships a powerful sales strategy.

How to sell effectively with partnerships & influencers

• Leverage influencer marketing: Partner with social media influencers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to promote your products or services. Their endorsements act as social proof, helping to build trust and convert followers into buyers.

• Develop brand collaborations: Team up with complementary retail channels or direct sales channels to cross-promote products. This expands reach and taps into new sales channels while reinforcing brand identity.
• Use affiliate & referral programs: Set up an affiliate network where partners earn a commission for driving traffic and sales. This multichannel sales strategy helps brands scale quickly while prioritizing channels based on profitability.
• Expand into white label & distribution channels: Explore white label partnerships or third-party platforms to sell under different brand names. This approach helps in building a resilient business and reaching new customers across different sales channels.

💡 Pro tip: Micro-influencers (under 100K followers) often generate better engagement than macro influencers. Use tools like inBeat.co or Heepsy to find influencers that align with your brand at a fraction of the cost.

7. Mobile app

With mobile commerce growing rapidly, having a dedicated mobile app is one of the most important sales channels for eCommerce businesses looking to scale. Mobile apps provide a seamless, personalized shopping experience, allowing brands to engage customers beyond their online store and build a loyal customer base.

Notably, mobile apps drive 4x more customers through the purchase funnel than mobile sites.

How to sell effectively with a mobile app

• Enhance the shopping experience: A well-designed app ensures smooth navigation, fast load times, and an intuitive checkout process. Features like push notifications, AI-driven recommendations, and one-click checkout help increase sales.
• Leverage in-app promotions & loyalty programs: Encourage repeat purchases with exclusive discounts, rewards programs, and app-only sales. This strategy strengthens brand identity and keeps customers engaged.
• Use data-driven personalization – Mobile apps allow brands to collect valuable customer data, enabling hyper-personalized marketing messaging and product recommendations tailored to each user’s behavior.

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💡Pro tip: Combine push notifications with TxtCart’s AI-powered SMS marketing to drive more conversions. While push notifications re-engage app users, TxtCart’s conversational SMS recovers abandoned carts, drives upselling and cross-selling, and nurtures customers with personalized follow-ups.

TxtCart – The #1 SMS Marketing Solution for Maximizing eCommerce Sales

A successful eCommerce sales strategy relies on using multiple sales channels to maximize reach, engagement, and conversions.

While SEO drives organic traffic, social media builds brand awareness, and marketplaces expand customer access, SMS marketing ensures direct, high-converting communication. TxtCart stands out as the #1 SMS marketing platform, helping you recover abandoned carts, boost engagement, and drive sales effortlessly with AI-powered conversational SMS marketing.

Read Next:

• How PopSocks Added $140,362 in revenue with TxtCart
• Here’s how Lush Beauty Generated $515,844.57 within 28 days using TxtCart