Why Every Small Business Needs an Online Store in the Digital Age

Local small businesses have always been the heart of communities. They offer personalized services, unique products, and a level of customer care that large corporations often struggle to match. These businesses do well by serving their local community, building relationships, and making money through in-person interactions.

But in today's digital world, counting on local foot traffic alone just isn't enough. The bottom line is that to keep growing and stay afloat, every small business needs to think beyond its local market and set up an online store.

Why Should a Small Business Have an Online Store?

An online store lets you reach customers far beyond your local area. Just picture your lovely boutique, which your local customers love, suddenly being accessible to people across the country - or even around the globe. The products that were once only available to a limited audience can now be shown to millions of potential customers who are excited to find out what you have to offer.

This is especially good for businesses with a specialized portfolio. For example, a store selling handcrafted jewelry or artisanal foods can easily appeal to a niche market that exists far beyond their local community. When you set up an online store, you're not just selling products. You're also selling your brand, your story, and your expertise to a much wider audience.

Online presence is also a huge benefit for consultants. Instead of just offering in-person services, they can create digital products like online courses, e-books, and training programs. These products can be sold to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It's a great way to make money from your knowledge and expertise, without being limited by geography or time.

Even service-based businesses, like repair shops or detailing companies, can use the power of an online store to their advantage. While these businesses usually rely on in-person service, they can make more money by selling tools, care products, or even branded merchandise online. This not only brings in more money, but it also helps them stand out as an expert in their field.

One of the main reasons small business owners don't sell online is because they're worried about the logistics. Selling online can be a lot to take on, especially when you're already busy running the day-to-day of your business. Shipping products, handling returns, and managing customer service for online orders can seem overwhelming.

That's where modern solutions come in. Services like Amazon's fulfillment options make it easy to sell online. By teaming up with Amazon, you can send your products to their warehouses in bulk, and they'll take care of the rest - packaging, shipping, and even returns. This lets you concentrate on what you do best: making quality products or offering top-notch services.

The great thing about an online store is that it's open 24/7. Your physical store has set hours, but your online store is open 24/7. This means your customers can shop whenever it's convenient for them, whether that's during the day or at night. This level of accessibility is a game-changer, especially as more and more consumers turn to online shopping for its convenience and flexibility.

A Practical Way to Run a Successful Online Store

Setting up an online store might seem like a big task, but with the right tools and strategies, it can be easy and fit well with your existing business operations. The first thing you need to do is choose the right eCommerce platform.

SmallBizTurbo has an integrated online store solution that's perfect for small businesses. This platform is designed to be easy to use, with everything you need to get started quickly and efficiently.

Once you've picked your platform, the next thing to do is design your online store. Your website should be a reflection of your brand, showing the same personality, values, and style that your customers experience in your physical store. The design should be simple, look great, and be easy to use. Remember, your website is often the first thing customers see when they look for your business, so it's important to make a good impression.

Once you've got your store up and running, you'll need to add a payment gateway so you can process transactions safely. SmallBizTurbo's platform supports different payment options, so you can let your customers pay however they like. The checkout process should be simple and easy to use, so customers don't get put off and leave their carts behind.

The next thing you need to do is get people to your online store. Digital marketing is a great way to attract potential customers. You can reach your customers through search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and email campaigns. SEO is all about making sure your website's content is optimized so it ranks higher in search engine results and is easier for customers to find.

Social media marketing lets you connect with your audience, show off your products, and get more people to visit your website. Email campaigns are a great way to keep your customers in the loop about new products, promotions, and special offers.

Another key part of running a successful online store is keeping on top of your inventory. It's important to keep an eye on your stock levels to make sure you don't oversell or run out of products.

SmallBizTurbo's integrated online store has all the inventory management tools you need to keep your stock in order, whether you're selling online, in-store, or both.

Good customer service is just as important online as it is in person. Responding to customers quickly, making it easy for them to return items, and communicating with them in a personal way can help your online store stand out from the competition.

Live chat is a great way to help customers out in real time while they're on your website. It makes their shopping experience better and increases the chances of them making a purchase.

But promises like "we answer quickly" are out of date and don't meet today's customer expectations. The AI-powered automated chat from SmallBizTurbo means customers get answers to their questions right away, 24/7.

One of the great things about selling online is that you can analyze customer data. The SmallBizTurbo platform includes data analytics tools that let you track sales, monitor customer behavior, and make smart decisions about your business. If you know what products are selling well and who your customers are, you can make sure you're offering what they want and need.

Finally, think about offering incentives to get people to buy online.

You could offer discounts, free shipping, or even some exclusive online-only products. Give your online customers something unique, and they'll be more likely to shop with you.

What It's Like to Run a Local Business Including an Online Revenue Stream

Entrepreneurs who successfully combine an online store with their physical business often find that it not only increases their revenue but also makes their overall business more resilient. Selling products or services online gives you a way to make money that isn't affected by things like seasonal changes or economic downturns.

Let's say, for instance, that a local health and wellness studio decides to offer online classes and sell health products through their website. At first, the owner might be worried about juggling both online and in-person operations. But with a solid eCommerce platform like SmallBizTurbo, these concerns can be taken care of.

The studio can reach clients who like the idea of online classes, which means it can expand its client base beyond those who can physically visit the studio. Plus, the online store can sell supplements, workout gear, and wellness products that clients can buy to go with their online or in-studio experience.

Setting up an online store can lead to some unexpected opportunities for many entrepreneurs. A local business that gets a good reputation for its products or services online might get noticed by customers or partners in other regions or even internationally. This can lead to new markets, partnerships, or even franchise opportunities.

If you're running an online store along with a physical business, you've got to think strategically. As an entrepreneur, you've got to be open to learning and adopting new technologies, from digital marketing tools to data analytics. It's about seeing what the online marketplace can do for you and using it to make your existing operations better.

Over time, having both an online and a physical presence can make your business more adaptable and resilient. Diversifying your revenue streams is a great way to boost your income and build a business that can thrive in any environment.

My Action Plan for You

1. Get your online store up and running with SmallBizTurbo. It's an eCommerce platform that's got what you need, including a user-friendly website and a secure payment gateway.

2. Make your website search engine-friendly: Add some SEO tactics to your toolbox to boost your website's visibility in search engine results and attract more traffic. SmallBizTurbo has got you covered with all the SEO tools you need.

3. Set up social media and email marketing. Get your audience engaged on social media and drive traffic to your online store. And don't forget to send targeted emails to keep your customers in the loop and encourage them to buy again.

4. Make sure you provide excellent customer service. Respond quickly, let customers return items easily, and communicate with them directly to build loyalty and stand out from the competition.

5. Next, take a look at what you've got and make any necessary changes. Use data analytics tools to keep an eye on what your customers are up to, track your sales, and make smart choices to make your business run better.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

I suggest starting with a test so you know where you stand. Our Business Health Check is ready for you. Just click!

CLICK HERE to Start the Engine of your FREE BUSINESS HEALTH CHECK

#DecentWebsite
#PremiumStrategy
#OnlineScheduling
#StayingCompetitive
#CustomerRentention
#ManagingFinances
#Communications
#NewCustomers
#PathToGrowth