Marketing strategies for successful online sales in Turkey
The Turkish e-commerce market is growing fast, but to be successful, you need a smart Marketing strategy. Turkish customers have different preferences than German customers, so you need to adapt your marketing customize.
1) Marketplaces & online stores: Where should you sell?
Turkish marketplaces (perfect for the start!)
- Trendyol - Market leader, ideal for fashion, cosmetics & electronics.
- Hepsiburada - Strong in electronics, household goods & cosmetics.
- n11.com - Similar to eBay, good for cheap products.
- Çiçeksepeti - Ideal for gifts, flowers & food.
Tip: Marketplaces are more popular in Turkey than own online stores. Start with Trendyol or Hepsiburada to win customers quickly!
Own online store (more control, but more difficult at the beginning)
- WooCommerce or Shopify are good options.
- Turkish payment providers such as iyzico & PayTR (because there is no PayPal!).
- Use Turkish language & currency (TL)to build trust.
Tip: Start with marketplaces and build your own own store onto be more independent in the long term!
Own online store (more control, but more difficult at the beginning)
- WooCommerce or Shopify are good options.
- Turkish payment providers such as iyzico & PayTR (because there is no PayPal!).
- Use Turkish language & currency (TL)to build trust.
Tip: Start with marketplaces and build your own own store onto be more independent in the long term!
2) Social media marketing: Turkey loves social media!
Which platforms are the most important?
- Instagram (#1 for online shopping!)
- Facebook & Facebook Ads
- TikTok & TikTok Ads (especially for young buyers!)
- YouTube (influencer marketing works very well here!)
Tip: Turkish customers rely heavily on social media influencers. Collaborations with influencers can boost your sales explode!
Which strategies work best?
- Place Instagram & TikTok ads → Especially for fashion, cosmetics & lifestyle products!
- Using influencer marketing → Many Turkish influencers do paid product presentations.
- Story & live sales on Instagram & TikTok → Sell directly while showing your product.
- Use Facebook groups & forums → Many Turks come here to find out about products.
Tip: Turkish customers prefer to buy via social media than Google! So you need a strong presence on Instagram & TikTok.
3) Local advertisements: How do you reach Turkish customers?
Facebook & Instagram Ads (Best advertising platforms!)
- Bet on Visual ads with emotional storytelling.
- Use Turkish terms like "indirim" (discount) or "ücretsiz kargo" (free shipping).
- Target group: 18-40 years old, online-savvy, interested in fashion & lifestyle.
Google Ads for Turkish search queries
- Turkish customers google a lot before buying.
- Use Google Shopping Adsto be directly visible in the search.
- Example: Instead of "detox tea" → use "Detoks Çayı" as a search term.
Tip: Turkish customers love Discounts & Deals! Werbeanzeigen mit „%50 indirim“ (50 % Rabatt) funktionieren besonders gut.
4) Customer acquisition & building trust
- Offer free shipping - Turks love it when no shipping is charged!
- Enable payment in installments - Without installment payment (Taksit), many customers do not buy.
- Collect good ratings - Customer reviews are extremely important in Turkey!
- Offer customer support in Turkish - Turkish WhatsApp support is very helpful.
Tip: Those who offer good customer service receive many Word-of-mouth recommendations - This is particularly important in Turkey!
5) Special promotions & discounts: How to attract customers!
Which shopping events are important?
- 11.11 (Singles' Day) - Huge online shopping day in Turkey!
- Black Friday (Kasım İndirimleri) - Very popular!
- Ramadan & Bayram promotions - customers buy gifts & special products.
- Summer & winter sales (Sezon İndirimleri).
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