110 DAYS LATER – FROM ONSITE TO WEBSITE

Many smaller storefronts do not have a website. Those that do might have an unsecured or unreliable website. Worse, it might not take credit card, show updated hours and safety measures, or an accurate inventory of their products. Over 50% of customers want to know how businesses they frequent are responding to the COVID19 crisis, according to Google.

PRIORITIZE SITE PERFORMANCE

With more visitors (traffic) to your site, you have to have a site and server that can handle the volume.

If your website was used for directions, testimonials, and general information about your business, now is the time to expand. Sites with content, images and videos need to be optimized to accommodate desktop and mobile load times, too.

HOW DO YOU CREATE AN ECOMMERCE WEBSITE?

Businesses that are ready to create an ecommerce website—whether from scratch or enhancing a current site—need to choose a developer that is prepared to integrate the buying features you’d like. If it is easy to click and purchase, you will make the sale.

If it is more complicated with creating an account or signing up it’s just as likely that your potential customers will leave the page.

ECOMMERCE WEBSITE CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Although your business is in the cloud you shouldn’t neglect customer service. Consider the power of a chatbot or automation tool. Beyond your website, look at your Google My Business and Yelp pages for any customer feedback. Good or bad, you should always respond respectfully as you might if they were in front of you within your store.

ENCOURAGE THE PURCHASE

Create promos and banners that encourage your visitors to followthrough on an order or purchase. Make sure your website is aligned with your branding and overall marketing message. Align your promotions and products with the current environment.

You want to appear sensitive to the situation, empathetic to customers’ needs, and aware of the changing requirements.

SHIFT, CHANGE, OR PIVOT YOUR STRATEGY AND MATERIALS

Consider the time you’re moving from onsite to website as an opportunity to grow with your clients and change your messaging. Your content should drive traffic around your website rather than into your stores.

Ensure your scheduled posts are empathetic and not tone-deaf.

CONSISTENCY IN CONTENT IS KEY

The content you have on your website and social platforms should be aligned. From opening hours to available products, keeping your clients informed will keep them engaged with you, your brand, and your offerings.

If you cannot maintain any one element, consider hiring an agency to manage the day-to-day for you. 

Contact MDINC today for more information on bringing your business from onsite to website.