These days, it’s hard enough to succeed as a local business, yet many brick-and-mortar stores are succeeding in the world of e-commerce. They do so by expanding their reach far beyond just their physical location. Although this isn’t always easy, there are plenty of highly successful businesses that have taken advantage of modern e-commerce methods.
The progression of e-commerce has been slow, but steady. Now, local businesses can use online platforms to reach customers in other states and countries. While this is beneficial for expanding sales channels, it also presents new challenges for business owners, who must rethink their strategies for success.
Local businesses need to start thinking beyond the local level
With more and more people turning to the internet for their needs, it’s not enough for you to just have a website. A successful local business will have a website that ranks well on Google, an active presence in social media, and an email marketing program that keeps customers coming back.
The challenge is that there are so many options out there, you don’t know where to start. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
Do ensure your business shows up in relevant local searches.
Rank well on Google by optimizing your website with relevant keywords, setting up your Google Business listing, and making sure your NAP (name, address, and phone number) information is consistent everywhere online. Set up a blog and add new content often to help keep your site fresh in search engine results.
Get active on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (and Pinterest if you’re in the ecommerce space). Engage with your followers to build relationships and encourage them to spread the word about your business. Follow industry influencers, engage with their posts, and ask them for reviews or testimonials about what makes you unique.
The internet is a powerful tool that gives business owners worldwide access to consumers
The internet is a powerful tool that gives business owners worldwide access to consumers, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your local community in favor of a more international reach.
You have to be where your customers are, and when it comes to e-commerce, many of your customers are probably local.
Local online commerce is only going to grow as more people turn to the web for everyday needs. According to recent research, 55% of all online searches are conducted from mobile devices, and half of those searches are related to location. As more people continue preferring the convenience of their mobile devices for retail shopping, more retailers will focus on local e-commerce.
For local businesses, this means it’s time to start thinking about how you can meet your customers where they already spend their time — online.
If you want your business to thrive in this digital age, you need to know how to use modern e-commerce methods
The word “e-commerce” can be intimidating, especially if you’re a local business owner who doesn’t really understand the lingo. But don’t be fooled. E-commerce is not just for big companies anymore.
Recent studies have shown that consumers are researching and purchasing products from local businesses online in record numbers. If you want your business to thrive in this digital age, you need to know how to use modern e-commerce methods to get yourself out there and stay competitive with other local businesses.
E-commerce is a booming business, and if you want your business to thrive in this digital age, you must know how to use modern e-commerce methods.
It’s not enough just to sell online. You have to use all the tools at your disposal. This survival guide for local businesses will help you get started with some of the best ones.
E-commerce can be an excellent way to expand the reach of your business. If you’re struggling to compete with large companies selling the same products, don’t give up hope. Use your resources wisely, invest in technology, and use social media to build a network around your brand. You may not make as much profit on each sale, but you’ll still have a competitive advantage over many businesses that have failed to evolve with the times.
