Taking Flight: How to transition your retail operations into the online world

In today’s day and age, taking your business online is one of the best ways to help it scale. In fact, if you are a business owner and would like to know how to market your brick and mortar store, going online is definitely one of the top ways to do so. In this blog post, we’ll cover the differences between in-store shopping and online shopping, as well as some of the benefits of transitioning your retail operations into the online world.

What Does The Term Brick and Mortar Mean?

The term “brick and mortar” refers to a physical operation of a business that a customer can walk into, allowing them to purchase an item or be provided a service from an employee. Brick and mortar stores are still important, as they allow shoppers to have a sensory shopping experience (ie. using their sight, physical touch, smell etc., and being completely immersed in everything the store has to offer). In-Store Shopping

In-store shopping still remains the number one way that people purchase items. This may be hard to believe, especially with the rise of online shopping (particularly with companies like Amazon that provide next day shipping, all whilst operating on a lower cost and having more flexibility). If you’re still wondering why brick and mortar stores are important, it’s because most people still prefer to walk into a physical store to try on clothes, test a product or ask questions before making a purchase. However, a lot of businesses that have physical stores also have an online presence. Most businesses that have a physical retail store will also most likely provide their products online to get more business.

Going eCommerce

Selling products online is also proven to be very beneficial for businesses. When people do their initial search online for a business, they may also want to take the initiative of purchasing a few things on their site as well. Even though most people still like to physically visit a store to make a purchase, sometimes customers also like to have the option of purchasing online -- that is, if the company has what they’re looking for. eCommerce is also a great way for companies that sell niche products to get a chance to be seen. One simple search of a very specific item online is a surefire way to get your business noticed and to make more sales!

Gaining Online Presence

For businesses, there are a lot of advantages to taking your presence online. One of the biggest reasons for this is that typically, the first place a person goes when searching for information about a company is online. Even if they don’t have the intention to purchase anything, a person should be able to find everything they need to know about a business on the Internet -- including who they are and what they sell. Because of this, it is important for any business to have a social media page or a website that includes their contact information and possibly a short outline of the products they have to offer.

More people tend to research a product online before going in store to purchase it. This way, when they walk into a store they already know exactly what they need. As an added bonus, some stores that have mobile apps also provide coupons and discounts for customers that they are able use in the store upon purchasing an item!

Benefits of Social Media Creating a website or social media page for your business is a great way to establish your brand with consumers. With the use of your logo, fonts, colour scheme, etc., showcased all over your website and social media pages, this allows your customers to get the look and feel of what your business’s brand is. Shoppers also tend to value companies that make an effort to build relationships with their customers. Social media pages are a great way to do this, as it makes it easier for business owners to reply to messages and comments from current or prospective customers. It’s a quick and easy way to address any concerns that may arise concerning your business or any of the products you sell.

Social media is also perfect for advertising events and promotions that are happening in your store. Putting out ads or posts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter is a great way to market your brick and mortar store to bring in more traffic. The amazing advantage of using social media ads and posts for promotions is that the costs are very low. This is especially beneficial to businesses that are just starting out.

We’re Here To Help!

Attila Business Solutions has the tools and systems to help build your brand in the online world. Contact us to see how we can help you at info@attilasolutions.com.