Why your business needs a
website
Every
business has a window – for some it is a physical window (e.g. a retail shop),
for others it’s a market stall and for many now it’s a website.
Did
you know that only 45% of Australian businesses have websites BUT 90%+ of
consumers go online to get information before deciding
where to buy?
Simply,
the number of people using Google to find products and services means you will
be missing out on sales opportunities if you are not online.
Here are
some of the reasons why a website could help your business.
Repeat customers
For
most businesses,success lies in having many happy repeat customers. In a
transient environment like the market, customers often cannot easily get back
even if they love your product.
This
is where the value of a website becomes clear. It enables you to continue the
relationship with your happy customers online and can also provide an
additional income stream to help your cashflow.
True,
online business is now as competitive as traditional retail, and driving new
traffic to your website can be a daunting job, however it takes little effort
to let your customers know they can always get your products online.
Of
course, we want to encourage customers to come back to the market as much as
possible and we have plenty of strategies to implement so you can make the most
of all opportunities that present themselves on any given day. (Tip:
speak to a Business Mentor to work out the best approach for your business.)
A second sales channel
Online
stores are best treated as having a second store because websites have the
potential to generate as much income as your main business (sometimes even
more).If you had another stall or shop, you would let customers know about it,
wouldn’t you? Same approach should apply with your online store.
New opportunities
True,
not all products at the market may appear to be suited to online retail,
however there are plenty of opportunities if you scratch below the surface. For
instance it may seem like a crazy idea to offer customers the opportunity to
buy fish online from a fishmonger, however people wanting fresh market fishmay
sign up for a weekly delivery scheme.
Similarly
if you create custom pieces or live art, going online might seem impractical.
However, customised products are in hot demand which could give your customers
the opportunity to order personalised products by submitting a photo of what
they want. Again,this is where a Business Mentor can really help identify
opportunities you may never have ever considered.
It’s cheaper and easier than
you think
Gone
are the days where websites have to be complex and costly undertakings. There
are now very simple solutions that enable you to set-up your own basic websites.
Of course there are tricks and tips that you might not be aware of, so it
always helps to have someone in-the-know guiding you in the right direction.
This is another area where the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) can
help. Mentors with online expertise are
available work with you on this aspect of your business freeof charge. To book call 1300 631 171 or email Katya Ellis – qvm@sbms.org.au
If you already have a website,is
it current?
If
your current website, is not generating sales, then maybe it’s time for an
upgrade. Old style websites or static pages simply don’t work anymore because
over 80% of web traffic is now via smart phones.This means you have to be sure
your site is mobile friendly, is up to date and gives people comfort that it’s safe
to spend money with you.
Sadly,
most websites that have been reviewed by SBMS don’t pass the currency test.
Even if online sales are trickling in, chances are they can be better.
If
you’re considering a new online store, below are some examples of website
template solutions now available with indicative costs. These are very simple to
use, and automatically adapt to mobile screens. Katya can show you how to get
started, using the computers and free wifi at the Trader Connect Lounge. Get in
touch to book in a time that suits you.
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Really
simple to use, beautifully designed,“on-trend templates”, product uploads
one-by-one, so better for business with a smaller range of products.
Basic
Plan - AU$34 per month billed annually or AU$40 on a month-to-month basis
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Simple,
offers a variety of additional features like online appointment bookings,
product uploads are one-by-one.
Costs
are US$16.50 per month – ecommerce plan orr you can have a free version that
has Wix advertising all over it.
See
the design options here - https://www.wix.com/website/templates
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Best
for online stores, quick product uploads, but requires more technical skills to
set-up.
A lot
of additional eCommerce features you can add to do things like follow up with
customers that do not complete their purchase.
Shopify
also has a solution for POS, so that is great if you want to get in control of
your inventory, and manage it using just one system - i.e. if you sell
something at the market and are out of stock, the website will show it as out
of stock.
Costs
are US$29 per month, plus templates are an additional one-off expense at US$150-$180(
free versions also available) https://www.shopify.com.au/pricing
See
templates here - https://themes.shopify.com/
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These
web platforms offer professional help with set-up, ranging from $750 to $1500+,
depending on the supplier and level of
customisation. Wix
usually has the cheapest professional set-up costs.
Alongside
setup and ongoing costs,you also need to think about additional costs, like ensuring
you cover the cost of postage of goods and merchant fees for credit card
payments. Examples of transaction costs are:
Square – 1.9% of transaction cost only – includes Visa, MasterCard
and Amex
Paypal–1.9% to 3.4% depending on card used
Other Payment
Gateways – usually between 1.9% and 2.2% plus a
transaction fee of 20-30 cents per transaction – check with providers
There
are also many other similar solutions available like Wordpress, GoDaddy,
Bigcommerce. It is always a good idea to research all options and decide the
one best for your business.
What about the question of fraud?
Fraud
is always a risk, like crossing the road and getting hit by a bus.
These
days there are many precautions online sellers can take. Lots of information on
cyber security and protecting your business is available at the Trader Connect
Lounge – 266 Victoria Street – just ask any one of the team.
Interested
in more information about taking your business online? Contact Katya Ellis
QVM’s Business Mentor in residence on 1300 631 171 or email qvm@sbms.org.au
