[Day 16] From Skeptic to Strategist: 3 Lessons Learned from a Vietnamese Shoe Manufacturer

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The world of shoe manufacturing can seem opaque, shrouded in factory floors and unfamiliar processes. Today, I had the opportunity to peek behind the curtain during a 30-minute consultation with a Vietnamese shoe manufacturer.

Walking into this conversation, I freely admit, I knew very little about the Vietnamese shoemaking scene. However, what I learned in those brief 30 minutes surprised me in several ways, and ultimately, equipped me with valuable lessons that extend far beyond the world of footwear.

3 Surprises From A Marketing Artist's Point Of View

Surprise #1: A Price War Battlefield

My first surprise was the intense competition within the Vietnamese shoe manufacturing market. Here, price reigns supreme, with manufacturers locked in a constant battle to offer the lowest possible cost. This relentless focus on price can be both a blessing and a curse.

While it can make Vietnamese manufacturers incredibly attractive to budget-conscious brands, it can also squeeze profit margins and limit investment in other crucial areas.

Surprise #2: Weathering the Economic Storm

The second surprise came in the form of a sobering reality – the current economic crisis has significantly dampened demand for shoes. This wasn't a surprise unique to Vietnam, of course, but it highlighted the vulnerability of manufacturing businesses to external factors.

Surprise #3: The Digital Disconnect

Perhaps the most surprising revelation was the lack of robust online marketing strategies employed by most Vietnamese shoe manufacturers. While many have a Facebook or TikTok presence, their online sales funnels are, at best, rudimentary. This disconnect between the digital world and the potential for customer acquisition represents a significant missed opportunity.

Turning Surprises into Strategies: 3 Key Takeaways

These surprises, however, weren't dead ends. They became springboards for strategic insights, applicable not just to the Vietnamese shoe manufacturer I met, but to any business looking to navigate a competitive landscape. Here are the three most important lessons I learned:

Lesson 1: Content is King (and Queen)

In today's digital age, a well-designed website is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity.

A website serves as a comprehensive information hub, allowing potential customers to navigate product information, company history, and brand values with ease.

It eliminates the frustration of piecing together information from scattered social media pages. Investing in a user-friendly website becomes an investment in customer experience and ultimately, brand trust.

Lesson 2: Let's Get Visual - The Power of YouTube

While a website provides the foundation for a strong online presence, it's just the beginning.

Platforms like YouTube offer a powerful tool to showcase the shoemaking process in a visually engaging way. Imagine potential customers being able to virtually tour the factory floor, witnessing the craftsmanship and care that goes into each pair of shoes.

Beyond production visuals, YouTube can also be used to create FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) videos, addressing common customer concerns and building trust before a purchase is even made.

Lesson 3: Customer Loyalty: A Goldmine Worth Cherishing

The final and perhaps most valuable lesson is the importance of nurturing existing customer relationships. My client, with over 10 years of experience in the shoe market, boasts a loyal base of established clients.

Focusing on retaining these customers and exceeding their expectations is often far more effective (and cost-efficient) than the constant pursuit of new customers. Building strong customer relationships fosters trust, loyalty, and repeat business.

Beyond the Consultation: A World of Opportunity

My 30-minute foray into the world of Vietnamese shoe manufacturing opened my eyes to the challenges and opportunities this industry faces. The takeaways, however, extend far beyond shoes.

The lessons on the power of a strong online presence, engaging video content, and customer relationship building are universal principles that can benefit any business, regardless of location or industry.

In a world driven by competition and change, embracing these lessons can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

If you are looking for a good shoe manufacturer in Vietnam, here is the info:

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/sanxuatgiaydepcongso

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@linhanhgiaydep

I really hope they will update with their official website soon.