Any retail owner should know the fastest way to increase sales in a tough market is to bring their business online to the entire world.
Marketing your retail business online is not only smart but cost-effective. With the internet so easily accessible to most, there are potential buyers looking for your business.
For example, if you focus on a niche market, imagine how large your business could grow by marketing it to a larger market rather than just locally. You could have a product in your store right now that is not available elsewhere and because you have taken your retail business online you are now shipping that product internationally or interstate, you might be thinking that this won’t happen but it does everyday on the internet.
Having a Website Is Easier Than You Think
Getting your storefront business on the internet is crucial to your business plan.
Most business owners who aren’t familiar with the online word are intimidated by setting up their own website but once they find out how easy it can be done, it can be a lucrative move.
If you are a retail business owner just starting out, this guide could help you develop your marketing plan online.
Knowing Your Products Helps To Create A Better Website
First off, you should know your inventory and have it organized on a computer as an inventory list. This way you can stay organized and know what you have in stock for the upcoming seasons and what needs to be priced down.
Knowing what are best sellers in your local area will help you decide what you may want to promote online whether that is locally or worldwide. If you don’t already have a computerized inventory list, it’s best to start now.
High Quality Images Can Say More Than Words
The best images of your products are important to any online business. You must have sharp, clear pictures of the merchandise you want to sell. Find out if you have permission to use stock photos provided from the manufacturers.
This way you are ensured that the photo you will be using is professional and exact. If you have to take your own photos, do invest in a good quality camera to begin with.
Don’t try to save money by purchasing a camera that is inexpensive and then to replace it in a few months. You want a good camera that will take clear pictures even in natural light. If you are selling clothing, make sure to use a mannequin for the clothes. Take picture shots from different angles so that potential buyers can see the back, front, side and anything else that you think needs to be noted.
If you are selling clothing, you need to be precise with measurements. If the clothing was made in another country, you should also mention that as sizes can vary from country to country. Make sure that you are using good selling descriptions for each product you are going to sell online. You need to entice visitors with great information and detailed descriptions and images.
Each product should have its own page with a good description and high quality image as well as other similar products that the visitor can view.
Setting up your retail business online so that you have an internet presence is easy because you can choose from the many e-commerce web hosting packages. If you want to attempt this yourself there are many sites where you don’t need to download anything and can add your items quickly plus item descriptions very easily for anyone that is an online novice.
Or you can choose from one of our web design packages if you want a more professional and effective online business, We use WordPress templates that are Mobile responsive, meaning all the site’s content can be viewed via mobile devices as well as PC and Laptop computers. This is an important point to consider as nearly 70% of all internet searches are now done via some type of mobile device.
Make sure to purchase a domain name that your local customers may be using when they try to find you online, this in most cases would be your Business name or if different from your shops name always use what your customers know you by.
Always make it as simple as possible for your past buyers and potential ones to find you.
