How to Take Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Online: 5 Easy Steps

Are you a business person seeking to grow your reach and increase revenue? Do you want to be unrestricted by the physical location of your brick-and-mortar store?

Establishing an online presence for your business to stay competitive in today's growing e-commerce market is essential. Luckily, it's simpler than you may think.

Brick-and-mortar businesses have been the backbone of commerce for centuries. However, many traditional businesses need help to keep up with the birth of technology and the shift toward online shopping. Bringing your brick-and-mortar business online can be a challenging task, but it's also a necessary one.

You can reach a vast audience by selling online, expanding nationwide, or internationally. This can help you increase without additional retail space or operational expenses associated with a brick-and-mortar business. An e-commerce platform like Shopify can quickly expand your online presence to include multiple stores and brands. However, it's critical to remember that when you sell online, you'll compete with other online shops in your space on the Internet, not just those in your local area. To ensure success when expanding your physical business online, it's essential to have a strategic plan in place.

In addition to increased reach, creating an online store can often be more cost-effective than opening another physical location. By building an online presence, you can save cash on rent and other expenses associated with a physical space. These cost savings can benefit small businesses or those with limited resources.

With an online business, customers can enjoy greater flexibility regarding when and where they shop. By having a 24/7 online store, you can accommodate the needs of customers who cannot visit a physical store during regular working hours. Additionally, you can provide around-the-clock customer service and support, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

In this blog post, we'll explore the 5 easy steps for transitioning to the online world. Whether you're a small business person or a large company, there are steps you can take to grow your reach and enhance your revenue through online channels.

Let's dive in and discover how to take your brick-and-mortar business online!

Brick and Mortar vs. Online Business

When starting a business, there are two main options: brick-and-mortar or online. Brick-and-mortar businesses have a physical location where customers can come to purchase goods or services, while online businesses operate solely on the Internet. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Brick-and-mortar businesses offer a more personalized experience for customers, as they can physically interact with products and receive face-to-face customer service. However, they often require a more robust initial investment for rent, utilities, and other expenses.

On the other hand, online firms have lower overhead costs and can get a larger audience through the Internet. They also provide the convenience of shopping from anywhere at any time. However, they may need a more personal touch that traditional businesses can offer and may face increased competition in the online market. Ultimately, starting a brick-and-mortar or online business depends on the individual's goals, resources, and target audience. It is compulsory to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.

Benefits of Taking Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Online

Taking your brick-and-mortar business online can offer several benefits to your business, including the following:

Increased Reach: With a store, you can sell your products to customers outside your local area, potentially increasing your customer base and generating more revenue. With an online presence, you can get potential consumers worldwide, making your business's growth easier.

Cost-Effective: Creating an online store can be more affordable than opening another physical location. You can save cash on rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with a physical space. By opting for an e-commerce store, you can reduce your staffing expenses since it requires fewer employees to manage than a traditional brick-and-mortar store.

Greater Flexibility: Online businesses offer customers greater flexibility regarding when and where they shop. Individuals can purchase your products at any time of day, regardless of business hours. Additionally, they can shop by sitting at their homes, eradicating the need to travel to a physical store.

Improved Customer Service: You can provide around-the-clock customer service and support with an online store. This can help you quickly answer customer inquiries and issues, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, you can utilize data analytics to gain insight into customer behavior and preferences, letting you tailor your services to meet their needs.

Increased Sales: An e-commerce element can grow sales and revenue by making it easier for consumers to buy your products. An online store offers customers a more suitable and secure way to shop and purchase your products, which can encourage repeat business and referrals. An online store can also assist you in expanding your product offerings and reaching a wider audience.

5 Easy Steps to Take Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Online

Step-1 Choose an E-Commerce Platform

E-commerce is booming, and it's the future of retail. But with so many e-commerce platforms available, how do you pick the correct one for your business? Selecting the proper e-commerce forum is crucial to the success of your online business. It can create or break your online presence, affect your sales, and impact your customer experience. So, choosing a platform that aligns with your business needs and goals is essential.

With various options available, deciding the best fit for you and your business needs can be overwhelming. But fear not because I'm here to help you through the process and convince you why selecting the right e-commerce platform is crucial for success.

When choosing an e-commerce platform, there are several aspects to keep in mind:

1. Determine Your Needs

Before you start searching for the ideal platform, it's essential to identify your business's specific needs. Consider the extent of your store, the number of products you'll be selling, and any unique features you require. For example, if you plan to sell many products, you'll need a platform with robust inventory management tools. If you're starting and need more technical know-how, you'll want a forum that's easy to set up and use.

Before choosing an e-commerce platform, it is also crucial to consider your business requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the size of your business?

• How many products do you like to sell?

• What is your budget?

• Do you need a customizable platform?

• Are you planning to sell internationally?

2. Consider Your Budget

E-commerce platforms come in various price points, so it's vital to consider your budget before deciding. Some e-commerce outlets charge a monthly fee, while others accept a percentage of your sales. Ensure to factor in additional costs, such as payment processing and transaction fees. While opting for the economical option may be attractive, investing in a high-quality platform can save time and money in the long run.

Evaluate the Features

Different e-commerce platforms offer various features, so evaluating which ones are most essential for your business is critical. Some features to consider include:

• Payment processing: Does the platform integrate with your preferred payment gateway?

• SEO optimization: Can you easily optimize your site for search engines?

• Does the platform offer built-in shipping and tax calculation tools for shipping and tax calculations?

• Design options: Can you easily customize the look and feel of your site?

• Mobile responsiveness: Is your site mobile-friendly?

• Customer support: What level of support does the platform offer?

  
  

3. Research User Reviews

One excellent way to evaluate an e-commerce platform is to read user reviews. Look for reviews from businesses like yours to understand how the platform performs in real-world situations. Pay attention to any recurring complaints, as these may be red flags.

4. Integrations

An e-commerce forum integrated with other tools can significantly streamline your business operations. Search for a platform that offers integrations with popular tools like accounting software, inventory management software, and email marketing tools. This will assist you automate your business processes and save time.

5. Pricing

Pricing is the primary factor to consider when choosing an e-commerce platform. Search for a platform that offers a pricing model that suits your budget. Some e-commerce forums charge a monthly fee, while others charge a transaction or commission fee. Ensure you understand the pricing structure and choose a platform that offers the best worth for your money.

6. Test the Platform

Once you've narrowed down your options, testing the platform before committing is a good idea. Most platforms offer free trials or demos, giving you a good sense of how the platform works. Try setting up a test store and adding a few products to understand the platform's features and ease of use.

Step-2 Create an Online Store

Establishing an e-commerce store online can seem daunting, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. By adhering to straightforward instructions, you can have your virtual store ready for business quickly.

The process of building an online store on an e-commerce platform involves the following steps:

Signup: Create an account on the e-commerce platform.

Choose a pricing plan: Select one according to your business needs and budget.

Choose a domain name: Decide on a domain name for your online store and register it with the e-commerce platform. Your domain name is the address individuals will utilize to find your online store, so choosing one that is memorable, easy to spell, and related to your brand is essential.

Set up your store: Pick a template or piece and customize it to fit your brand's aesthetic. Add pages for products, pricing information, and shipping options.

Add products: To add items to your store, follow these steps:

• Find the products section in the platform and click "Add product" or a similar option.

• Insert product details such as the product name, description, price, SKU, and weight.

• Upload high-quality images of the product.

• Customize product options like size, color, and quantity.

• Set up shipping options for the product.

• Set up payment options for the product.

• Add any additional information or variants, if applicable.

• Save the product and repeat the process for any other products you want to add.

It's essential to optimize each product page with engaging images, comprehensive descriptions, and all the relevant information that customers may need to purchase. After you have added your products to your online store, test your website creatively, make sure all product pages look good, the navigation is easy to use, and everything is functioning well.

Set up payment gateways and shipping options: Pick payment processing options your customers prefer and integrate them into your online store. Most e-commerce forums offer a variety of payment gateways, like PayPal and Stripe, which allow you to accept credit card payments. You must also set up shipping options, including shipping rates and delivery times. Configure shipping settings to calculate rates, set shipping classes, and add tracking information.

Add products: Add products to your store, including descriptions, pricing, and images. You can add products manually or utilize an import tool to upload a CSV file with all your products. Be sure to include high-quality photos, detailed product descriptions, and accurate pricing information.

Set up taxes: Configure your online store's tax settings according to state/country regulations.

Test your store: Preview your online store and test navigation and checkout flow.

Launch your store: Launch your online store and start selling products. You can communicate your store on social media, run ads, or use email marketing to promote or advertise your products and generate traffic to your site.

Create a FAQ page: Customers might have questions before purchasing or receiving their order. Create a FAQ page to address those questions and make it effortless for them to search for answers.

To add a FAQ page to your online store, follow these steps:

• Determine the most common questions that customers have.

• Create content that answers the questions clearly and concisely.

• Create a different page on your website to host the FAQ section.

• Categorize the content to make it easy for customers to find answers to their questions.

Use an inventory management system: Tracking inventory and sales can be challenging. Use an inventory management system to keep track of stock levels, get alerts when inventory is running low, and automatically update stock levels on your website.

To add an inventory management system to your online store, follow these steps:

• Choose an inventory management system that combines with your e-commerce platform.

• Set up the system and add your products along with stock levels.

• Configure the system to send alerts when inventory is running low.

• Regularly update inventory levels to prevent overselling.

Step-3 Optimize your Online Store

After creating your online store, you can optimize it for better performance and increased sales by following these steps:

Optimize product pages: Each page should have a clear and attractive product image and a detailed description, including all relevant information, such as size, color, material, features, pricing, and shipping options.

Utilize SEO techniques: Optimize your site for search engines to boost visibility and traffic. Use relevant keywords, add meta descriptions, and optimize images with alt tags.

Improve website speed and performance: Optimize your website for speed by optimizing images, minimizing code, and hosting the website on a reliable server.

Use social media: Encourage your store on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach a broader audience.

Offer Discounts & Promotions: Offer discounts, promo codes, free shipping, or other incentives or perks to encourage people to purchase products from your website.

Use customer reviews and feedback: Encourage customers to leave reviews and feedback on your website. Positive reviews can boost sales and construct trust with new customers.

Use abandoned cart emails: Send abandoned cart emails to customers who leave products in their carts without checking out. These reminders can often recover lost sales.

Analyze website traffic: Utilize website analytics tools to monitor website traffic and track clicks, page views, and bounce rates. Utilize this data to make informed decisions to optimize your store.

Implementing these optimization strategies can improve your online store's performance. Regularly analyze your website data and customer feedback to make knowledgeable decisions about improving your store and increasing sales.

Step-4 Market your Online Store

Marketing your e-commerce store is crucial for reaching potential customers and driving sales. 

Here are some meaningful ways to market your online store:

Social media marketing: Leverage popular social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to boost your brand's visibility and communicate with your target audience.

Email marketing: Construct an email list to maintain your subscribers informed with offers, promotions, new product launches, and other marketing campaigns.

Search engine optimization: Optimize your area for search engines by researching relevant and related keywords, improving website formatting, and building quality backlinks.

Influencer marketing: Collaborate with influencers with a significant social media presence and a large following to promote your products.

Content marketing: Create valuable and educational content related to your products or services, such as articles, blog posts, videos, or infographics, to attract your target audiences.

Partnership marketing: Partner with other businesses or brands within your industry to increase your reach and expand your customer base.

Paid advertising: Utilize paid advertising methods like Google AdWords, Facebook ads, or Instagram ads to reach a broader audience.

Referral marketing: Encourage current consumers to refer friends and family to your online store through incentives such as discounts and loyalty programs.

Determine which marketing techniques suit your business, brand, and budget. Regularly monitor your marketing performance to make informed decisions based on the results. Creating a comprehensive marketing plan can increase visibility, boost traffic to your online store, and boost sales and revenue.

Step-5 Provide Excellent Customer Service

It's imperative to provide excellent customer service to your online customers. This includes responding promptly to queries, providing accurate product information, and processing orders quickly and efficiently. By providing a positive online shopping experience, you can build customer loyalty and increase sales.

Below are a few helpful tips to guarantee exceptional customer service from your online store:

Quick response: Respond promptly to customer inquiries. Provide clear and accurate information and answer any questions they may have. Facilitate communication with your audience by providing multiple channels for contacts, such as email, phone, and live chat.

Be polite: Always be courteous when interacting with customers. Use a friendly tone of voice and adopt an empathetic approach when dealing with customer complaints.

Clear return policy and warranty: Communicate your return policy and warranty on the product page so customers know what to expect before purchasing.

Personalization: Address customers by name and personalize their shopping experience by offering relevant recommendations based on their shopping history.

Regular updates: Keep your consumers informed about the status of their orders, including tracking information and estimated delivery dates.

Prioritize accessibility: Ensure your website is accessible for users with disabilities and offer alternative formats like transcripts and video captions.

Follow up: Follow up with customers post-purchase to ensure customer satisfaction and ask for feedback so that you can continually improve your business.

By providing excellent consumer service, you can build a strong relationship with your customers, boost customer satisfaction, and drive sales through positive word-of-mouth recommendations and customer loyalty.

To ensure your online success, keeping a close eye on your performance and identifying areas that need improvement is critical. Utilize analytics tools to observe your website traffic, conversion rates, and customer behavior and make data-driven decisions to optimize your online strategy. With regular monitoring and optimization, you can remain ahead of the competition and gain your online objectives.

Bottom Line

Bringing your brick-and-mortar business online can be a game-changer for your business. You can reach a vast audience and boost sales with the right strategy and tools. Following the 5 straightforward steps mentioned in this content, you can successfully transition your business to the digital world. Remember to create an excellent online experience for your consumers, optimize your website for search engines, and leverage social media to advertise or promote your brand and products. The online world offers endless options for growth and success, and with these simple steps, you can take advantage of them and thrive in the digital landscape.