The Internet & Your Business Plan | Reasons to Incorporate the Two
The Internet has drastically changed the way PR is done; there are tools available online that make PR easier, more personal, and versatile. In addition to those changes, it has changed the way companies do business and the way consumers shop. If you’ve ignored the Internet up to this point and think it a useless addition to your company’s supply chain, it’s time to rethink that logic.
Below are a few reasons the Internet should be a more important part of your advertising, PR, and marketing plans:
- Growing popularity. More and more consumers are using the Internet to purchase goods. If you, as a brick-and-mortar business, feel that the Internet is something you can ignore, think again. Companies who refuse to use the Internet will soon feel the repercussions through lost sales from customers who shop elsewhere.
- Convenience. Often times the Internet provides ease, products that may not be available otherwise, and the convenience of orders being delivered to their front doors. These combined characteristics help to encourage customers to make more of their purchases online than before.
- Reduced hassle. With the stress of the holidays, purchasing online can be an attractive alternative to the mall. As such, your company ought to consider making it possible for customers to purchase online. Ensure that you also make it easy to exchange, return, and order a replacement in time for Christmas; if a product is not as expected, damaged, or the wrong size/color/etc., make it easy to exchange and return.
While there are many benefits to using the Internet to provide these services as a brick-and-mortar business, it also requires work and the possibility of needing to hire more help. Often times customers expect the same level of service online (if not more), so make it easy to get in touch with you with questions and concerns. Having your information hidden can hurt business. Customers may wonder, “if I can’t get help as a prospective customer, what kind of service can I expect as a purchasing customers?”
If you decide to offer your products online, consider making it possible for customers to pick up the merchandise at your physical location or offer free shipping on order over $n. Your goal should be to encourage customers to check-out after placing your products in their cart, rather than exiting your site. I often times will place items in a cart only to leave them there in the hopes of finding better shipping or overall prices elsewhere. To get customers to finalize their orders, make it worth their while. That can be done through combined shipping offers, the free shipping offer mentioned above, or offers/coupons for future orders. Offering excellent customer service and return policies can also attribute to customers deciding to purchase.
Use the Internet to provide support, to get connected with your customers, and to announce your online store with PR. Social media can greatly assist in getting in touch with your customers and to personify your company. Encourage feedback and give value to your customers before selling to them.
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great entry, i like to read it.. thanks for sharing keep up the good job