BE FOUND ONLINE BY HAVING A WEBSITE

​Ever since the internet began, users have been determined to bring the real world into a virtual, digital form of life.
Giving your business an online presence also gives your business an advantage.
Discover the reasons why it is so important to be part of the digital movement and have a web presence. 

Increased Traffic​

​Retailers have noticed a decrease in foot traffic to their brick and mortar stores because the ability to browse, compare, purchase and receive products has become so much easier for the consumer to shop from the comfort of their own home.
Think of all the people who may not have visited your store because they haven’t had the means to get there. You may not be located in their town, or even their country. These people now don’t have that limitation placed on them and are free to shop where and whenever they want.
You may even find that people will stumble cross your business on the web. It widens the audience potential and there may even be people who didn’t know you exist. 

​Borrowed Land

​This term is usually used only for Social Media platforms but it can also apply to physical stores.
If something was to happen tomorrow to your store, would you be able to continue selling your products? The same can be said about Social Media pages like Facebook. You don’t own the platform, you just borrow it and at any point, the whole thing could just fall apart and you have no control over that. Having a website, means that if anything should happen, you have a back up in place. Measures can be taken to ensure that the security used is paramount, updates and maintenance is done in compliance with your needs. You have far more control over owning your own website. 

Impulse Shopping​

​We have all done it. We have seen something in store and bought it without much thought.
I bet you have also spotted something in store, contemplated it and after awhile, changed your mind and put it back.
Having a website increases the chances of Impulse shopping. If the consumer is given the opportunity to purchase from your company, they will do it without a lot of thinking and once that button is clicked, there is no going back!
We live in a world where we need instant gratification. We see something that we want and we want it right there and then.
Your business can be open 24/7 to meet the needs of your varying customers. Your store can also be accessible to the entire world if you wish, Time zones make no difference.

Advertising​

​By having a website, you can use Social Media and Google Adwords to advertise your products and services with a CTA (Call to Action) that leads them to your website with a click of a button.
Print media can easily be discarded and there is no way of measuring how many consumers have engaged with your advertising in some shape or form. Link your website up to services like Google Analytics and watch your website visitors browse your website, gain information about your customers and use it to your advantage.
You can also use your website to accumulate email subscribers, giving you yet another means of advertising. Have a lead page with an opt-in form to collect email addresses. 

Reputation​

​Word of mouth is a powerful source of advertising. Honest feedback from your customers can build or break your reputation and by providing an easy to use eCommerce website with excellent customer service, you can create a positive experience for your customers.
Sharing information that is relevant to your business in the form of blogs and articles will show that you are an expert in your field and your customers are likely to keep coming back. 

Building a website doesn’t have to be difficult, time consuming or expensive. There are many DIY sites for beginners and then more complicated platforms for the more advanced users.
For help building a website, check out these tips on planning a website and also, Alleviate Virtual Assistance has packages available to save you time and hassle.