organising packages
organising packages

Going digital: e-commerce and online services

 

As businesses – and consumers – move towards a ‘new normal’, harnessing the power of digital is more relevant than ever. By making some or all of your products or services available online, you’ll expand your revenue opportunities and reduce your dependence on bricks-and-mortar costs. Going digital doesn’t need to seem daunting, and the benefits are immediate – here are a few ways to build a more holistic business.

 

E-commerce platforms

deliveries

E-commerce platforms

No matter whether you’re a market trader or an established retailer, now is the time to consider expanding by adding a delivery component to your business. Make use of off-the-shelf, plug and play e-commerce platforms, like Shopify or Woocommerce, to instantly grow your reach. If you’re already familiar with online shopping or Google AdWords, consider expanding into Google Shopping. The advantage of Shopping ads is clear: instead of text, prospective customers see pictures of your product, pricing and reviews at the top of the page and conversion rates can be excellent. Once you have your marketplace sorted, there are plenty of solutions out there to then transport your goods to customers, such as Zipcar for Business.

Selling through social media

social media selling

Selling through social media

When you’ve already got a Facebook for Business page, adding a ‘shop’ to your profile couldn’t be easier. Setting this up makes it simpler for those who follow you to buy without leaving the app, and thanks to Facebook’s charity appeal function and games that offer in-app purchases, many people will have payment details linked already. Depending on your customer profile, you can look into other platforms, for example Snapchat or Instagram, to reach your target audience through a platform they enjoy. Harnessing social media will allow you to not only make the most of your following, but make buying from you simple – and keep you on your followers’ screens, even when they’re not actively shopping.

Online Consulations

online shopping

Online Consulations

Your product may not be physical, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it online. If you’re offering tutoring or consultation services, now’s the time to jump onto a platform such as Zoom. Or follow the lead of the many businesses who are offering online masterclasses, for example Bleach London, where customers can receive advice on home hair care from an expert stylist. Tradespeople can also address any problems a customer might be encountering by offering online diagnoses as a first step – if you’ve been called to check a broken item or give a quote, it may be possible to do so on a video call and save both your own time and your customers’.

Optimise existing e-commerce activity

delivering goods

Optimise existing e-commerce activity

You might already be doing some – or all – of the above things to keep your business running despite restrictions. If so, think about optimising what you’re already doing in order to offer your customers as much flexibility as possible. Alongside deliveries look at adding a click-and-collect option to provide customers with flexibility as to when and where they pick up their order. Or stand out from the crowd by reducing delivery costs to make your offering more competitive, as retailers around the country ride the wave of digital. And, if you’re confident of your product or offering, sign up to a review service like Feefo, where satisfied customers can leave reviews and help build the level of trust in your business.

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