The internet is often seen as the enemy of
independent retailers. But, businesses can easily enable digital tools to their
advantage. This week, we want to talk about the right digital methods
especially for the retail sector. You can apply the following topics for your
own business.
You can begin to work with understand previous and subsequent action plans .Before you do anything; it's extremely valuable to spend time understanding your current situation, identifying your priorities and planning your next actions. By taking time to find out what is really important to your business in both the short and long term, you can choose to tackle areas with the most potential, and reap the largest dividends with the limited time and resources. Planning will help you choose which one of the following tips.
- Register All Your Social Properties and Add Them on Your Phone; You've already set up a Facebook page, Twitter account and Google+ page for your business. If not, this is the time to do so. You should also install apps from each of these services on your smartphone. Consumers are increasingly using social media as a customer service channel, and by having the apps on your phone you can respond to complaints or praise.
- Use online reviews in your store; Studies have shown that customer reviews are one of the most trusted forms of information to customers when they are making a purchase. These are easily accessible online, but not in store.
- Put Wi-Fi in Your Store; While this may seem counterintuitive, in-store Wi-Fi can improve customer satisfaction and provide access to the information your customers need to make a purchase. It helps to prevent them leaving the store to purchase online at home. If you are reluctant to give Wi-Fi out totally free; just say that customers need to ask for the password. This creates an opportunity to open up conversation as they approach you.
- Provide online calls-to-action in your store; If you have great information on your website or social media pages, or you want people to connect with you, you need to do this. So, you can continue sales to customers even after they've left your store. This is an effective marketing method.
- Start selling online; Almost a quarter of all world retail spend is now online, so e-commerce presents a massive opportunity. The good news is that it's easier now than ever. Because, huge e-commerce site of providers can provide tools for you to sell online at a small cost each month.
- Create your own clients; You can prepare for your customers incentives. (For example, a Facebook page full of tips or promotional information). Your customers can become advocates to product and can do your marketing for you. It's tricky, but absolutely worth it.
- Refresh Your Online Presence; Although this may not be as quick a win as the steps above, many businesses set up and forget about their website and social channels once they are established. Make sure all relevant information is up to date. Check your address is listed, product range, opening hours, contact details and directions to get to your store. (Google Maps can help here).
- List your business on Google Maps; This tendency will only increase as the use of internet-enabled smartphones grows. Google Place is important to help people to find your business when they search online.