In recent times, more and more people have been going to the internet when trying to find a product or service they are interested in. This trend has further been accelerated by the movement restrictions that came with the 2020 global pandemic. As you can imagine, this has not been good for small and medium-sized businesses that heavily rely on their physical locations to generate revenue. To stay afloat, many small businesses are having to take their businesses online. Here are 5 reasons why you should do the same for your small business.
- The internet never sleeps
Unlike traditional stores where you have opening and closing hours, an online store is accessible to your potential customers 24/7 from any location in the world. Whether you’re selling products or services, potential customers can buy from you at any time of day from the click of a button.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that many small business owners have reported a growth in revenue after taking their business online. E-commerce is undoubtedly becoming the new commerce.
- Your business looks more professional
Let's face it, many small and medium-sized businesses in Africa don’t have a solid online presence. While having a social media page counts, you need a space where you’re fully in control of your SME’s image and narrative. This may be a well-designed website or an online store. A solid web presence sets you apart from the competition and makes your business appear more professional and bigger than it is. Which then creates a layer of trust with potential customers who often end up becoming paying customers.
- Create a relationship with your customers
An online presence enables you to keep your customers engaged with your business. By regularly communicating through your online channels, you give your business that human touch. Your customers get a sense that you care about them. Therefore, you’re also able to get honest feedback that enables you to improve your product or service.
Building a relationship with your customers enables you to create a loyal customer base that generates repeat business. Which we can both agree, is the best kind of business.
- A space to showcase your brand
For many first-time customers, your website will be their first impression of your business. And first impressions do matter. A lot. Having a well-designed website that communicates what your business is about can help you transform your business into a brand. This will give your business a distinct identity that sets you apart from the competition. Your customers will also be more likely to recommend you to their friends.
- It's a great marketing tool
A good website is by far the best marketing tool for your business. You can showcase your products and services to a large pool of potential customers. All that at a significantly lower cost compared to other more conventional marketing tools such as posters and brochures. All you need is a domain and hosting from a trusted provider (which can cost as low as $ 15 a year); and a free WordPress installation. From there, you may choose to DIY or hire a developer to do it for you.