Why being on the web is not enough to sell online
Finding success with online selling
Selling online doesn’t happen by magic! Here are some insights to figure out what’s missing from your store, to make sales, and to succeed online with a strategy.
Online stores and physical sales: same battle!
Many online merchants think that without paying rent, finding a location, hiring a team, and all these hassles, online selling will happen easily. This way of thinking leads an online merchant straight into a big wall. And even though it’s on the web, this wall is very real.
What’s missing? The answer is simple: a strategy. In practice, it’s of course a bit less “simple”. You need to establish this strategy and put it into action. Like a “normal” store on the street, marketing initiatives can be taken. Especially to advertise online, announce new promotions with flyers, let customers taste products at food fairs or grocery stores.
Selling online is not very different! Online marketing is another ecosystem, where you can reach your customers differently. Social networks, newsletters, Google Ads campaigns… You could also find influencers who will test your products and talk about them on their blog, YouTube channel, or their own social networks. The possibilities are endless!
Seek your clientele beyond the web
Many merchants say it; the online store boosts physical store sales and vice versa! If you don’t have a physical store, you can still participate in seasonal markets. You could also create partnerships with sales points to gain visibility.
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Building trust
Many buyers are still hesitant to buy online from a website they know little about. Knowing that they are dealing with a local company is already a sign of trust. Seeing photos of you and your team on your website will help improve your credibility.
Being able to meet you in person, at Christmas markets or at a networking event are also excellent ways to build trust and create a human connection!
Social networks? Yes, but…
Is it enough to advertise on Facebook to get “likes” and make sales? Obviously not, otherwise the recipe would have already paid off for all the companies that tried it.
People generally sign up for Facebook to meet a social need, to connect with people they know. And although it’s not to follow companies, it would be hard to do without, since a Facebook page will help you gain the trust of potential customers and inform them about your news. But! Let’s not forget that social networks are… social networks.
A social strategy is therefore the key to success. You need to stand out a lot and engage others socially rather than commercially. For example, if you advertise to announce a discount, it might have some chance of working. If you offer gift ideas for your friends, a contest. Or if you encourage your subscribers to share a post to win a gift to share with their friends, you will approach your customers in a more social way and you will be much more successful.
Work on the strategy for the magic to happen!
Opening a store on the internet is not like having a shop on a busy street. Visitors won’t pass by chance and even if you have the best web platform, if you have no strategy to attract your clientele, you won’t magically appear at the top of Google search results.
Using social networks well will earn you a good reputation and the rest of your strategy will contribute to your online success.
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Micheal Villeneuve is the President and founder of Laradev. Laradev is certified in Laravel development, specializes in universal application, and offers training and support.