E-commerce may not replace physical stores any time soon, but there is no question that it is an increasingly popular trend for businesses to extend their offerings to stay visible and competitive. Online store improves the process of commercial transaction for both businesses and consumers in ways that cannot be matched by the physical shopping experience.
Below are just several of the key reasons why you should feel confident that investing in quality e-commerce web design is sure to pay off:
The most obvious benefit of e-commerce is geographic flexibility. E-commerce allows you to do business with customers from another country just as easily as with local customers. With a physical store, your clientele is limited to those within driving distance. And often, even when customers do live within driving distance, e-commerce will still be more attractive to those who would prefer not to spend the time or money required to make the trip.
Also, your potential clientele is much larger on the Internet. The only barrier is attracting customers to your website. Hiring a good e-commerce web builder who can help you enhance your search engine visibility is the first step to removing this barrier.
Cost is another significant benefit of e-commerce. Not only is e-commerce less expensive than a physical store, but it’s cheaper for your customers, too. Saving money that would otherwise be spent on rent, utilities, employees, and other costs associated with maintaining a physical store means that you can afford to sell your products at a greater discount online than you ever could in a store.
Your initial investment in designing an online store will soon be recovered by the money you will save and the increased sales you will earn from your larger clientele and 24/7 promotions. E-commerce is a win-win: Both more affordable and flexible for you and your customers.
E-commerce also improves the business/customer relationship by opening more direct channels of communication between business and consumers. E-commerce web design creates a platform for customers to give immediate, direct feedback on products and customer service, which allows businesses to respond more quickly and effectively to consumer concerns. Being able to share their opinions and benefit from the knowledge of others makes consumers happy. This is also another cost-saving benefit of e-commerce, giving businesses valuable direct access to customers’ feedback for free. Again: e-commerce is a win-win for customers and businesses alike.
The online platform of e-commerce also facilitates customer loyalty. Services such as email newsletter subscriptions allow businesses to keep customers up-to-date and to reward them with perks such as coupons for special discounts exclusive to subscribers. Customers will appreciate the perks that come with being “in the know,” and will feel more loyal to businesses that reach out to them in these ways.
Last but not least, benefit of e-commerce is the enhanced shopping experience. Because online retailers are “open” 24/7, consumers can shop when they want, not just when your store is open for business. Thanks to the search function, the shopping experience itself is more efficient. Customers can find products just by doing s simple search, saving them the time and frustration of wandering aisles looking for a specific product.
Online store also facilitates comparative shopping. It provides customers with not only more choices but also with more information about each option, and allows them to conveniently compare products without driving from location to location. Customers thus leave the transaction feeling more satisfied with their purchase, which makes them more likely to return in the future.
E-commerce benefits both businesses and consumers. Because it allows businesses to cut costs (and prices!) and improve customer service, while customers receiving a more satisfying shopping experience. These make customers more likely to develop a sense of loyalty to your business that will bring them back for future purchases. Expanding and improving your business with an e-commerce website is the best thing you can do for your business and your customers.
If you want to establish a professional online store for your business but don’t know where or how to begin, call our Minneapolis web design team today at (612) 590-8080.
