4 Tips to Move Your Business Online Fast
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, small businesses have been making gargantuan shifts in the midst of lock downs and quarantines.
We’ve seen schools go online, a spike in online food delivery services and the whole “working from home” thing becoming the new norm for many.
For small businesses, transitioning from brick & mortar to online can seem daunting, but it all comes down to making a plan and placing your focus on what really matters.
Here’s how to get started.
1. Revamp your social media
Creating an online business is not about selling. It’s about knowing how to use online tools creatively and correctly to reach your target audience, building brand awareness and THEN selling.
Start with social media. Before, businesses used social networks to post a bunch of products. But, it’s actually the perfect way to connect, interact and build a relationship with your followers.
From Facebook live broadcasts to YouTube videos, put an effort into the visual content and reap the benefits of an audience that feels they can relate to you.
Use Pinterest and Instagram to channel new followers to your site by posting professional, enticing photos of your products.
2. What is your intention?
You’ll need to think about how your customers will enjoy your online service better than in-person service.
Before you dive head first into designing new software platforms, think about how you can reach out and service your customers in a way that’s easy for both of you.
For example, if you have a local sandwich shop, why not post pictures of daily specials on Instagram, then offer curbside pick-up?
Vary your options and find a direction that sets you apart and meets the needs of your customers.
3. Developing new communication outlets
The old phone support isn’t going to cut it- you need to redirect your communication strategy for online appeal.
Keeping communication open with customers while building trust is essential, and once again, social media takes the spotlight for this.
As well, you can add mass emailing, newsletters and even texting to the mix to make communication fast and easy.
4. Building your website
Now that you have a solid foundation for your business, it’s finally time to build that website.
There are plenty of IT options that make it super easy to make a business website yourself, such as Shopify, Wix or Square.
But, do you have the time and at least a bit of experience?
Perhaps not.
That's where a web design company comes in handy. A professional can cover all the bases for you, from design to content and SEO.
While you focus on running your business, an expert that is caught up on the latest can get your website up and running quickly in no time.
