You might be wondering why you should invest in a website. Is it worth it to build up a website and upload all the products there? You might wonder about the balance of efforts and the values a website provides to your business.
During COVID, when businesses all over the world were struggling with staff shortages, social distancing in physical stores, a dramatically reduced number of customers visiting stores, a drop in sales, etc., people started realising the importance of an online store.
Hereby are the benefits of an online store showcased on a website:
Approach More Customers
With an online store, potential customers from other regions, interstate or even other countries can access your products or services. Instead of limiting yourself to a physical store selling to regular customers in your area, now you can step out of your comfort zone to approach more customers from far, far away land.
Increase Sales
An online store assists your business in approaching more customers and increasing sales. For instance, if your physical store is based in Melbourne, North East, your regular customers normally live in the surrounding areas due to their convenience. It is quite far for customers from Melbourne West to travel to shop in your store. With an online store, these customers from the West and other further regions can easily make an online order and receive the items delivered right to their houses.
Create Trust
Customers only purchase from a brand that they trust. Imagine you came to a new country, and you were exhausted and hungry. There was only one street vendor selling food and KFC near your hotel. There would be a high proportion that you would trust KFC more than the street vendor you had never experienced before. Similar to a business with an online store showcasing its products or services and all the detailed information, customers will have more trust towards that brand. Gradually, trust can convert into their decision to purchase.
In conclusion, it is always your choice to have a backup plan with an online store. We have no idea whether something similar to COVID will appear again, so it’d be better to prepare well for the rainy days and put your eggs (products/ services) in another basket, such as an online channel.