If you still thinking whether you should move your business online or not, then I’m guessing you overwhelmed, you don’t know where to start or you are afraid. Moving your business online is an intimidating task if you not completely comfortable with building websites and marketing yourself through social media and other traditional online channels.

Fortunately, if you in business or planning to start one, you would know, it wasn’t and can’t be built in a day. And your online business doesn’t have to be either. We hope this piece gives you some insight, sets you at ease and helps you to “take the plunge”. 

Here are some benefits of having an e-commerce website for you to consider:

1. Everything is moving online including your customers

More than ever before we are submerged in an era where virtually anything can be done from the comfort of our homes. And the increase in e-commerce has added to customers taking advantage of shopping from the comfort of their homes. It’s all about convenience and long after the current Covid19 pandemic, I would guess this mode of shopping is here to stay.  

So, even if you not planning to fully transform your service offering to be fully online, at least consider the potential to increase your client base to include those who will not be getting off their couch to visit a physical store.

Stop thinking of the online market as an online market…it is just another market for traditional opportunities.

2. It’s a cheaper option for start-up and new ventures

This is one of the biggest factors for people to set-up shop online, opposed to a physical store.  Starting an e-commerce website removes the operational costs that come along with opening an actual physical store. From high rentals, staffing costs and security requirements to safeguard your business, are just some of the items on a lengthy list to think about.

Just the thought of these costs, often put potential entrepreneurs on the back foot and often result in their dreams of opening a business’s being “put to rest”…so to speak.

Although there are start-up costs to consider with setting up an e-commerce website, these are significantly lower than the start-up costs of a physical store.

3. Potential to acquire more customers

With more employers considering the route of working from home, the work day is no longer set and neither are customer shopping hours.

Customers can now shop online 24/7 with the convenience of online stores from anywhere around the world.

This not only has the potential to increase brand loyalty for existing clients but also allows you to capitalize on new clients.

Even if you are sleeping, your website is working 24×7 to serve your customers, whenever they come and from wherever they come. So you never lose even that one customer who chooses to go shopping at the very odd time.

This is a solution to consider, especially if your competitors are already on track with taking their businesses online.

 4. Social media at your disposal

With the rise of e-commerce, has come the rise of social media marketing. Having an e-commerce website means being able to leverage off of traffic on your social media platforms in order to convert this to sales.

In other words, likes can turn into revenue. Social media can become an extension of your brand identity, and can present you with an opportunity to engage with consumers directly.

Right now you could be reading this article on your computer or phone in your physical store and your sales reach may be limited to your surrounding areas only.

With an e-commerce store you could become an international player. A customer may not be willing to travel many miles to get their hands on your product, but I bet they would be willing to try to purchase it online if your website offered it.

5. It’s easier than ever before

I will admit, at some point in the past it was not that easy to set up your own e-commerce system. But now with so many simple online tools and available facilities, setting up your e-commerce website is now easier than ever before.

There are many tools available to assist you with creating your e-commerce website. From selecting a template to suit your business needs, to tools that allow you to drag and drop in the right place or just add products and sell.

The options are varied and you will be sure to find something that will suit your specific business needs, making the process quick and easy. And of course there is always the option of outsourcing the function if this is what would suit you best.

6. People are enjoying buying online

To let you on a little secret, I have gotten so used to online shopping; I am finding it very hard to go out to even buy a loaf of bread!

Not sure if this is a good thing or not, but having home delivery and a wide range of products at my fingertips and the convenient pick up exchange policies are just some of the reasons why I am keen on shopping online.

Granted, you need to be careful and make sure you shop on reputable and secure sites, but overall I have had pleasant online experience with no real issues.

I also find the fast and efficient delivery services a real plus.  Speaking from my perspective, someone who has no real online presence and who just very recently joined Instagram, I can only imagine what the more tech savvy and social media lovers have been doing online with all the e-commerce websites out there.

The world of business as we know it is changing rapidly; many businesses are facing various challenges.  Businesses have been struggling to keep afloat with uncertainty waiting at every turn. Expanding online is one way to mitigate the effects of the global pandemic and give yourself an additional avenue to keep your business alive.

Some final thoughts, wise words from an old Chinese proverb: Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid only of standing still.

Look out for our next piece that will guide you through the practical aspects, the what, how and why of settting up your e-commerce website. 

If you in a hurry and can’t wait, no worries speak to us now and we will hold your hand and take you through the process one step at a time. If you want a partner that will give you sound advice, set up your online store and help you walk the journey in growing your business…look no further.

“By the way, what are you working on at the moment? If we can help in any way, let us know. We would be happy to do another project with you, or just give you some free advice if we can”.

Give us a call on 087 109 1000 or drop us an email at info@syfinity.com