This post was most recently updated on September 18th, 2023
If you are successfully running a local or brick-and-mortar shop, you are part of the 213 million small business owners who are the pillars of the global economy.
While you might love your shop, the relationship you have with your customers, and the care and love you can put into each product you sell, there are also some downsides that come with keeping your business operations tied to small premises.
For example, you might have to cope with the restrictions that come with your geographical location, reduced customer footfall, and your shop’s capacity. Bringing your business online can be beneficial to expand your business operations, and can even make your brand more resilient to situations of crisis such as the pandemic. Here is all you need to know to get started.
Be Clear on What Functionalities Your Site Should Have
Before creating your business’s website, you should be clear on what functionalities you wish to offer. For example, you might be looking to add a consultation option or a quote calculator. In most cases, you might need to incorporate plugin tools such as Nestify, to create an optimized, SEO-friendly, and tailored eCommerce shop.
Make sure to be clear on the kind of payments you’ll be accepting and introduce solutions to keep in touch with your customers. After all, they should be the first ones to know when you are running a promotion!
Invest in the Right Tools
Once you know what your website is going to look like, it is time to invest in the right tools. Firstly, you will need a professional image and video editing software, as well as payment processing tools.
Additionally, don’t forget that moving your business online might come with a change of lifestyle. So, investing in organizational tools to maximize your working from home can help you make your business more profitable and streamline your team management.
Let Your Customers Know
If you have a brick-and-mortar business, you know that the most important aspect of a successful company is the relationship between the business itself and its customers. When running an online business, things aren’t different! Communicating and engaging with your customers online is crucial to building loyalty and long-lasting relationships. From creating an email marketing campaign to using a live chat feature, there are plenty of ways to communicate with your audience – use them!
Keep Your Branding in Mind
Of course, your branding strategy is important for your physical store. However, since you or your hand-picked team will be there, there might be more than one reason for your customers to be coming back.
However, when you are working online, it is crucial to put a face to your brand and communicate your mission and vision to your customers – old and new! Make sure to build your visual and vocal identity online in the same way that you have done for your physical store.
Use Digital Marketing
Once you have brought your business online, it is crucial to review your marketing strategy. Consider using SEO, social media, and digital marketing strategies to grow your business and attract more customers. Just make sure to allocate the right budget to it!
