How To Get Your Business Online and Selling in 24 Hours.

People who have never shopped online will soon be a part of the growing community of consuming that so delicious online content. And we think they’re going to actually like it! So if you have something to sell, get e-commerce happening, like, yesterday. 

If you’re a local business and your products or services are something that you’d prefer not to keep a secret during social distancing, now is the perfect time to tell the world! Establishing a digital presence is the best way to stay connected through B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer), so your small business can survive and keep making money. For all business owners, this has to be the top priority.

We cannot stress enough that the best time to act is sooner rather than later, as we’ve all already seen the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and they’re getting more and more intense as the days go on. Connecting with your customers is vital during this uncertain time, and we recommend moving towards any long term, digital-first approach revolving around E-Commerce.

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Here are the steps you can take to get your business online in 24 hours:

1. Build or update your website.

Your business website should attract customers and be easy to use! With consideration and design, a website should be a clean, clear presence of your 24/7 online salesperson. If you need a hand with web hosting and registering your domain, you can reach out and our creative team (working safely from home at the moment) can put their superfood-fueled minds together and make your vision come to life and get those website visitors rolling in.

2. List your products/ services.

Once you have your website up, add an e-commerce plugin – we like WooCommerce for WordPress, which is free and open source. Shopify is another option, however, it can be a bit restrictive and the monthly payments can add there’s no pause button – if you want to take a little break, all is gone.

With your e-commerce set up, you will be prepared for the next 4-6 months of remote customer activity.

  • If you’re a restaurant or cafe, partner with UberEats or any other delivery platform
  • Set up digital gift vouchers/ promotions across your site
  • Provide online consultations through video calls

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NOW.. cue drumroll. Job NOT done. This is not your “Build it and they will come” moment. It’s like writing a book and having the manuscript sitting on the kitchen table. Ta-Da! I wrote a book! But hang on, Mr/Ms. Rowling, if the manuscript sits on your kitchen table, only the people who walk into your house to come to bring you a coffee, or a vodka (or both) will read it!  

Now you have to tell people to buy your stuff! And by people, we mean our good friend Google. And Google My Business. And Facebook. And Insta. If you have a huge social community, perfect! Send out to your followers and friends!

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If you’re not quite an influencer, ads are the way to go. Strategic sponsored content can reach really specific target audiences who are actually interested in your stuff! How’s that for social networking. Good for everyone.

3. Create Ads that sell.

There has never been a more important time to push your online presence, and ads/ search engine optimization are an essential part of that. Organic reach on social media is limited, regardless of platform or audience size, and businesses will be fighting for online exposure and traffic.

By having well set up ad campaigns with a solid strategy across multiple platforms (social media, Google search, display & google maps etc.) and accurate reporting and tracking, you can ensure your potential customers are aware of you, and you aren’t getting left behind by the competition. 

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4. Social media gets the word out.

In spite of recent trends, social media isn’t just for Coronavirus crisis memes, but you could call it COVID-19 marketing. Social channels can pave the way for marketing your business through e-commerce in ways you couldn’t even imagine!

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook can entice a sale by directing consumers to a merchant’s e-commerce site, or they can allow users to buy something directly on the platform with their shop and product tagging features. If you’re selling anything, you’d be cray cray not to put it on social media! Instagram is like a virtual shop window, and you just have to look at Zoom share prices to know that anything virtual is the way to go. 

5. Use Email Marketing to keep in touch.

Your database is its own sandpit of customers past, present and future in the form of email addresses. Humanised, specific email marketing is still a proven method to get great results and provide promotional/ informative content directly under your customers’ noses.

All industries thrive on email marketing. Businesses that feature repeat customers, have frequent updates, or regular offers to promote can do very well with email marketing. This not only allows for TOMA (top of mind awareness) but is a very essential part of E-Commerce. If you’re not doing it then let’s get started!!! 

HOT TIP: Our number one tip for email marketing is…. to add value! Remember your reader is always thinking WIIFM – what’s in it for me. Focus on what your audience(s) will find interesting, learn from, funny, unique. Some ideas: Stats, case studies, success stories, industry insights. 

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Luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place. Look no further than our brilliant Sydney creative agency for all things website design, online marketing, graphic design and branding.

We offer digital marketing packages for each of our services to suit your business size and marketing budget. If you need more of a mix between packages then we can provide tailored solutions to suit your needs.

Download our marketing packages here for pricing options. 

And if you’re ready for a quick chat, get in touch with our director Michael Taylor email michael@spicybroccoli.com or call the studio at  +61 2 8084 5554