Making Money Online Despite the C-Word
E-Commerce Your Future
Small business jumped on the digital bandwagon long before COVID-19. Creating an online presence was clearly a good move because after getting setup, 65% of the ones who took the leap began reporting increased sales, expanded geographical reach and lower costs in other areas of the business. Now that the C-word has changed life as we know it (temporarily) and sent everyone home, imagine how well those established online businesses are doing now that internet usage has jumped 30%, and ad spend is a third of the cost.
For the first time ever, your entire local community is working and shopping online - and you should be there to serve them now, during the pandemic, and after it's over.
Because life will return to normal.
You can still get in on that cash & traffic. In fact, a lot of you are working on it right now. But what you're attempting to do is HARD under normal circumstances and even harder under the extreme pressure of a pandemic.
Getting Started
Hats off to you if you’re working day and night to make your business online friendly.
But I feel like I needed to tell you if you plan to DIY your entire digital store front, stock up on coffee because you're not going to bed at a decent time for the next couple of weeks (if not longer) and before going gangbusters, figure these steps out:
Which products do you have in stock and is ready to sell
How are you going to give customers a positive first impression navigating your online store
How do you plan to keep customers happy & in your world (emails, standard e-commerce communication)
Whats the best plan to build momentum online and keep it
Getting creative
Choosing what to sell will be easier for some businesses than others, but regardless of what kind of business you have, don't be afraid to get creative!
Just as an instructor teaching a room of people how to dance can teach an online class using video sessions, a recreational sports business can sell parts they already have in stock online.
Right now, in these uncertain times, people are looking for ways to entertain themselves or their children. People are still signing up for extracurricular activities that offer video lessons. People are wrenching on their boats, motorcycles, or whatever else they can use as an excuse to get a moment of peace in the garage.
I can help you. I can make it a little easier to get your digital-marketing plan setup, write your words for you, and ease the burden of sales.
That being said, spending money on your business does seem a little scary right now. There are so many unknowns to consider, but one thing we can all agree on is moving your business online will benefit you in the long run.
I'm rooting for you!
Megan
P.S. Along with helping small businesses connect with customers within their community, I also help companies worldwide make meaningful connections with their customers around the world. If you're ready to give your customers a way to connect with you and support small businesses, comment below and let's start the conversation.