There are many benefits to establishing your business online (especially during COVID), such as:
Maintaining your business’ website can promote your sales and encourage your customers to refer or recommend you to their network.
Online storefronts allow your customers to purchase your product or solicit your services any hour of the day, not just during business hours.
Follow these tips for a successful online business launch or to improve your current digital practices:
Tell your company’s story
With a physical storefront, customers can engage and interact with your brand without having to say a word. It is important to make an impression and provide a clear, consistent and compelling message that establishes your brand and identity online.
Create a clear and manageable interface
Make your list of products and services easy to find, view, and understand.
If your company is product-based, include pictures and descriptions. Provide your digital customers with as much information as they would have interacting with your products in-person.
If your company is service-based, be clear about what services you offer. Think of ways to provide your services virtually, such as virtual lessons, programs, and events.
Establish an online payment system
You can use a third-party online payment system or create your own.
Any payment system will require a secure payment gateway between credit card companies and the payment processor, a payment processor that manages card transactions (i.e.: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Stripe,) and a merchant account that your business will use to accept payments.
Move your regular customers online
Create a referral network by welcoming your current customers with a discount on their first purchase on your online storefront. This will encourage them to refer their friends and family with your website handy.
You don't need to have a social media presence everywhere. Choose the platform that best suits your market. This is a more interactive aspect to your business - use it to show off aspects of your products or services that are harder to convey through a website.
Social media can build trust by establishing authenticity, improve website visits, boost sales, increase brand awareness, and improve customer support.
To get help, visit togetherforla.org or call (833) 473-2020.
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