Give customers the option to shop online

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green tornado

Many businesses around the globe are making the leap from bricks and mortar to cyberspace, providing customers with the additional benefits of 24/7 shopping. With current restrictions being placed on certain businesses, business owners have been finding other ways to get their products off the shelves and into people’s homes, and what better way than going online.

Any business owner will know that the internet provides other avenues in which to promote and expand their business. Selling products online means that even when the shop is closed, a business can still generate revenue. The internet also allows a business to place emphasis on their branding and marketing. A physical shop will bring customers to the door but when it’s available online, customers can reach a shop from the comfort of their own home, giving them time to browse and purchase at their leisure.

How to make the transition

There will be many decisions to make but a business owner initially needs to decide which platform to use to host the eCommerce website. If you’re a business looking to build a website yourself, you’ll need to take into consideration some of the following factors, to help select the right platform:

Budget – design features – security – device responsive – customer support – content & structure.

However, if you’re looking to have a professional digital creative company build the website for you, they will know exactly what platform you’ll need for your online business.

Don’t cut corners

Plan your website with longevity in mind. Building an online store for the short-term won’t do you any favours as your business grows. Having a clear vision set out from the start will enable your online shop to be created in the best way possible.

Imagine you are the customer

When you open up the home page it should feel like the shop front, inviting and visually stimulating. Once inside, customers should be able to see where they want to go, what they want to look at and navigate to the tills. This should all be reflected in your online store. A website that is user friendly will hold an online customer’s attention. Surveys have revealed that as soon as someone is finding a website difficult to use, they quickly go to another. An incredible amount of skill goes into designing and developing a website. That’s why so many businesses use companies such as Green Tornado to help them get their websites up and running efficiently and effectively.

Information at a click of a button

Easy navigation is just one part to having a successful online store but remember to provide customers with as much information as possible. Think about additional pages or pop-ups regarding delivery, refund policies, returns, FAQs and product information. We also suggest offers, free delivery or any other promotions stand out, to set you apart from your competitors.

Announce the new website

Use social media to promote your new online business. Place a board outside the shop. Tell customers, friends and family all about it. Send out emails, flyers and letters. Whatever you do, shout it from the rooftops that you’re available online too.

Stay ahead of the game

Like with anything, if you stand still too long, you’ll be left behind. Technology, website design and development are constantly changing. A website will need to move with the times and be reviewed and updated. A physical store would need a lick of paint and updating occasionally, and a website is no different, to keep your customers interested and engaged.

Promoting your brand and products is something we’re highly skilled in and suggest to anyone wishing to build their own website that they come to us first, for a no-obligation chat to see how we can help. Give us a call on 01277 849161. We would love to hear from you.

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