Learn about the advantage of having an e-commerce store
There are many benefits to having an online shop, whether it is to sell products alongside a conventional shop or as a standalone e-commerce venture.
Here are the top 10:
- Reduce Overheads – an online shop is cheaper to set up and run than using a premises, you don’t have to worry about rent, bills and staffing costs in particular quiet periods.
- Lower Marketing Costs – it is much easier to target the right demographic online rather than using other more traditional forms of advertising. For example an eshot is considerably cheaper than printing out leaflets etc.
- Expand Geographical Reach – having an online presence allows you to sell nationwide or even internationally, something that having a shop premises will limit.
- Being Open for Business 24/7 – being online allows customers to shop or browse at a time that suits them, research shows that most people shop online between 12pm -2pm weekdays and on Sunday evenings. Automated payment systems means you are open for business 24 hours a day which is great for potential new customers.
- Greater Flexibility – having a website you control, makes life easier for you and your business. You can add products instantly or create flash sales without incurring extra costs for expensive display printed marketing material.
- Broader Potential Customer Base – an e-commerce business is an additional buying tool, it is capable of attracting customers who have not bought from you before, hence broadening your customer base.
- Improved Customer Profiling – you can now target specific demographics regarding particular products and services. Data suddenly becomes easier to get hold of and you can begin to build a customer database to future market too.
- Increased Visibility for your Business – if you invest in your online business, you can really grow your brand by using clever SEO, resulting in you becoming easier to find when customers are looking for particular products.
- The Ability to tell People about your Business – this is particularly valuable when an online presence operates alongside a high street shop. You can tell people who you are, what you do, when you are open and how to contact you.
- Another Marketing Tool – having testimonials or reviews about your business visible for all to see is a great marketing tool, it helps to build trust instantly and makes people want to give you a try.
Contact us to learn more about how having an effective online shop can increase your sales and customer engagement.
