If it wasn’t obvious enough face-to-face business has dramatically declined. Business owners are realising just how important constructing their business for online is. Before you rush in head first however there are a few steps you need to consider.
Communication
Online businesses thrive from great customer service. Clear and concise information and an easy way to reach someone is something clients highly value. If a company is quick to solve your problems or immediately communicate what is being done to help, it can go a long way to reassure the competence of your business. A lack of information about how to get in contact with a business and calls going straight to answerphone are all indicators that business just doesn’t care.
If a company is, and they definitely should use social media you also need to engage with the audience you create. Answer their questions, keep them updated and interact as much as possible.
Delivery
How you deliver your products or services is going to differ due to the nature of your business. But, you should be prepared for the challenges that come with an online business. You need to be able to send an invoice, delivery information or indicate clearly that an order has been acknowledged. Face to face shop sales obviously don’t need this as the products are there in front of the customer.
Every time a client or customer purchases something online they are taking a risk with that business. It’s easy for anyone to list their business online and sell a product. The validity and performance of that service or product come after. With the ability for anyone in the world to create a storefront you need to establish your business as reliable and trustworthy.
Marketing
How you present yourself online can be a major factor in developing brand awareness and trust. Your marketing isn’t just paid advertising. It’s social media presence, content marketing and domain authority. In 2019, 91% of global marketeers stated they were using content marketing as part of their promotional efforts. In order to market your business online, you need to be the spokesperson for your product or service.
If your brand is the leading authority on all things X, then people will flock to you for the latest products because they know they are getting the best.
Growth
Most companies turn to online business as an avenue for business growth. This is a tried and true method for improving your sales and output. But, the potential doesn’t stop there. You can develop new products and sales strategies that can capitalise on current online trends. Using the data you can generate from online sales you can understand which products and services to develop and which to drop.
You need to develop your online sales and offering just as much, if not more, than your traditional offerings. Don’t rush into anything without planning your approach first. It’s tempting to quickly create something to help you get by, but in the long run, this won’t give you the best results you are looking for.
By the year 2040, it’s estimated 95% of purchases will be through eCommerce.
Constructing an online business isn’t just slapping on a store on your current website or opening a store on Facebook. It takes some time to establish, market and sell. Just don’t give up when the results are immediately flooding in. Develop a strategy, stick to it and then enjoy the growth. You can achieve amazing results within the first couple of months if the strategy is right.
