If you are reading this brief guide on taking your business online, it means you are keen to take your business to the next level. You understand that the key to competing in today’s marketplace is a strong presence on the web.

After all, that’s where your target customers are spending a lot of their time – watching, reading, buying, socialising and researching. Nearly 95% of the people in Ireland use the internet, and they are increasingly relying on the web compared to any other source to find local businesses and services.

If your business isn’t online, you do not exist to countless prospective customers.

Why You Should Have a Website

If you don’t have an online presence, you are missing a huge opportunity. Here are some of the biggest benefits of taking your business online:

Make Your Business Accessible

Think of your website as an online brochure that you can update anytime. It is so much quicker and easier to update information about your business and offerings on your website. Compare this to the cumbersome job of designing and printing entirely new brochures every time you introduce a new product or update your services.

A website is a highly effective way of introducing new services and products to your customers, announcing special offers and upcoming events. You can provide even more value to your customers by adding an FAQ section and a blog to your website.

Your printed literature may soon become outdated but your website can always be kept updated and current.

Allow Customers to Pay Invoices and Service Fees Via Your Website

A website enables your customers to pay invoices, buy products and even pay for services efficiently and quickly. Whether you are an accountant, electrician or an enterprise, your business can accept credit cards through your website. What’s more, your customers can pay from anywhere, anytime – even after business hours, when you are closed.

Allow Customers to Make Bookings

If your business relies on scheduling customers, you know the pain of managing appointments over the phone. You can automate the entire process with a booking system integrated into your website.

An automated booking system that allows customers to book, reschedule or cancel their appointments online makes life easier and hassle-free for customers and your business.

Showcase Your Work

No matter the type of industry you are in, a website is a fantastic place to demonstrate your skills or showcase your work. By including videos, an image gallery or a portfolio and testimonials about your work, you can establish your credibility and expertise whilst demonstrating how you can help your prospective customers.

Allow Potential Customers to See the Products/Services You Offer

When potential customers arrive on your website, they can gather all the information they need to make a sound decision. They get to know your business better, understand your product/service thoroughly, read customer testimonials, etc. before making a decision.

What’s more, they can do all of this from the comfort of their home (or anywhere they are) and at any time that’s convenient to them, providing your customers with the freedom and flexibility that a brick and mortar store doesn’t.

Cut Your Costs by Selling Online

Running an e-commerce store is less expensive compared to running a brick and mortar store. You won’t have to pay high street rent or pay shop assistants. You won’t even have to answer a ton of pre-sales queries.

Moreover, you can expect to reduce your costs of processing orders. Customer orders will automatically come to your orders database via the website.

How to Take Your Business Online?

Start by putting together an e-commerce plan. As you are exploring a new territory, you will need a well-designed plan to act as your guide every step of the way.

Begin by creating a list of possible names for your website.

Next, it’s time to decide what kind of website you want to build – do you want to sell online? Do you want to generate leads/enquiries? Or do you want to generate appointments to visit your store?

Now create a website outline. A thorough website outline will comprise five elements – structure, content, design, credibility and navigation.

Aim to work with a professional web design agency that has the skills, expertise and experience to bring your ideas to life. Look at their website to find information about their skills and experience. Look up their case studies to see what kind of websites they’ve built for their clients and the kind of results they’ve achieved for them.

Your web design agency will be able to take care of everything from website, hosting and domain registration to content creation, SEO and marketing.

Here are some things to keep track of as you build your website:

• Make sure your website loads quickly.
• Ensure the website is mobile friendly.
• Place contact information on your homepage.
• Keep graphics catchy and clean.
• Ensure your primary message is clear.
• Ensure the website aligns with the rest of your business.
• Check to ensure the website is free of bugs and glitches that could frustrate visitors.

Conclusion

An effective website can help achieve your business goals. Whether your goal is to grow sales, boost your brand identity or elevate your business to the next level, your online presence can do it for you. All you need is a solid plan, a reliable agency partner and a proactive approach.
Ready to discuss your website? Contact Insight Media today for a free consultation.

Credit: Bob Stokes