If you are a bricks-and-mortar shop that does not sell online and has no intention of selling online, we get it. These days the online market for many products is dominated by Amazon and other very large players. However, the internet and digital marketing can significantly enhance your presence, attract more customers, and increase profitability. Here’s how:
1. Enhancing Visibility
This is how we can help make you more visible to potential customers:
Local SEO
SEO or search engine optimisation is about making your website appear in search results for the keywords and phrases your potential customers use. We optimise your website and Google My Business profile to appear specifically in local search results. This helps people nearby find your store when searching for products or services you offer. Additionally, we do keyword research to make sure you are seen for all the right searches and preferably higher up in the results than your competitors!
Online Directories
Ensure your business is listed in local directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or industry-specific directories. This is something you can easily do yourself, or let us do the ‘donkey work’ and work with you.
2. Building Credibility and Trust
Of course, we shouldn’t judge on first appearances, but we all do! Your website determines how your potential customers see you online.
Professional Website
A well-designed website showcases your products, services, and unique selling points. It’s a place for potential customers to learn about your business, even if they can’t purchase online. Several studies demonstrate that well-designed signage can significantly enhance a business’s performance. The same applies to your website.
Customer Reviews
Encourage customers to leave reviews not just on your website, but on platforms like Google or Facebook to build trust with new potential customers. We have strategies and tactics to make it easy for your customers to add reviews through QR codes and NFC tags (ask us how).
3. Increasing Footfall
Social Media Engagement
Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your store, promotions, or events. Highlight customer testimonials and share behind-the-scenes content to humanise your brand.
Geo-targeted Ads
Run location-based ads on Google or social media to attract nearby customers to your store.
4. Strengthening Customer Relationships
It’s easier to keep a customer than to gain a customer!
Email Marketing
Collect customer emails in-store and send newsletters about special offers, new arrivals, or events.
Loyalty Programs
Use online platforms to manage customer loyalty programs and keep them coming back.
5. Showcasing Unique Offerings
Your business is unique to you. Highlight your differences and unique selling points.
Virtual Store Tour
Ad a virtual tour or video of your store to give online visitors a taste of your physical space.
Product Showcases
Post high-quality images or videos of your products, demonstrating their features and benefits.
6. Providing Convenience
Click-and-Collect Services
Allow customers to browse your offerings online and pick them up in-store, even if you’re not fully e-commerce-enabled. Shopify retail websites start at just £19 a month and allow you to sell online, or do click and collect. It even does your till system and stock control if you want it to.
Contact Information and Hours
Ensure your location, hours, and contact details are easily accessible online. You can even add a live chat feature so potential customers can check with you directly.
7. Hosting Events
Do you do special in-store events?
Event Promotion
Use digital platforms to advertise in-store events, workshops, or promotions.
Live Streaming
Stream in-store events or demonstrations on platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live or Instagram Live to attract even more interest.
8. Staying Competitive
Competitor Analysis
Use digital tools to understand what your competitors are doing online and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Trend Awareness
Stay informed about industry trends and local customer preferences through online research and engagement.
9. Capturing Impulse Buyers
Mobile-Friendly Presence
Many customers search for businesses while on the go. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly to capture foot traffic from mobile users. Offer online appointment booking or customer support via chat or messaging apps.
Geo-Fencing Technology
Target ads to customers who are near your store.
10. Sell online
Yes, we left this one until last because a basic Shopify retail website starts at just £19 per month! Ten years ago you may have paid (and I did) twenty-five thousand pounds or more for a retail website without a fraction of the features modern software has.
By leveraging these strategies, any retail business can create a robust online presence that drives in-store visits, builds brand awareness, and fosters customer loyalty without needing to sell directly online.