Some says traditional form of retail is still the best, while some says online is now the new best platform for businesses. But instead of comparing and debating what’s better between the two, why not just be good at both?
It is understandable that your medium will also depend on your services and your target audience, so you might not really need the other platform then it’s up to you. If you want to sell online or just have a brick and mortar shop then it’s your discretion. But for those who plan to engage in both directions, let me discuss its perks and tell you how you can do it.
First of all, a business with combined online and offline presence is a good combination. Physical transaction is essential and by far still the best and most preferred by customers. Having a store your customers can visit opens a door to establish a good and lasting relationship between your brand and the customers and also gives limitless opportunities for additional sales.
Meanwhile, your online domain is where you will reach wider audience faster and more effectively. You can engage with different communities and you also use various tools to advertise, and promote new products, services and even promos. Plus, here you can also transact and offer online selling and delivery services to your faraway customers. It is also important because it’s where people look for and talk about different trends either about fashion, jewelry, lifestyle and many more. That can be easily used to know what products and services would sell best and who you can sell them to.
See, each platform can stand on its own as each existed and was used on different times and different purposes. But imagine being able to integrate both and utilizing the different benefits that you can get from them? That would be great as it is being used not only by most businesses nowadays, but even those that are already established.
Now, here’s what you can do to master the online-offline combination of business.
Build partnerships with other related businesses. Business partnerships will help the growth of your business much faster. Knowing how to negotiate with other businesses can lead you to bigger ventures. But it requires thorough planning to impress them with your business plan and profiling.
Invest on your retail space if you must. Make sure you have a presentable shop and staff. Provide a comfortable place for your customers where they can go around and feel pleased for that will make their shopping experience enjoyable.
This can be combined with a good online plan starting with a system that will allow customers give their feedback and suggestions and assign someone that will deal with the concerns to assure your customers that you are concerned and willing to assist them with their problems. This is what will help you build a good reputation and may also develop loyalty from customers. You can also make use of the positive reviews and ratings for potential customers.
With all these in place, you can manage your business and expect sales and revenue on both ends. Just make sure you are open for innovation and develop better strategies in handling your multi-platform business to achieve ideal results.