You can use your business website to increase sales at your bricks and mortar locations. 72% of the US population uses the Internet and they will use it to research a purchase even if the purchase will be made at a physical retail location. An effective business website acts to answer questions and help the pre-sales process.

Even if your business does 100% of its business at a physical retail location, sales can be increased using a business website. According to Nielsen Online 80% of consumer electronic purchasers bought at a store whose website they visited first. 44% of pet food consumers researched info such as nutritional specs online.

1. Product listings: even if you don’t sell online, list product details so interested buyers can research and compare products. This way they arrive to your store ready to buy.
2. Contact info: post store hours, store location and an interactive map with driving directions.
3. FAQ area: include common questions that are asked by customers in person at your store location. This way your website can help answer the same questions 24/7.
4. Use Blogging and Social Media: By using blog marketing and other social media, you reach a whole new audience than your website alone will. Consider a Facebook page or encourage customers to review your business on social review sites like Yelp.com.
5. Traditional Media: When advertising in newspaper, radio, TV or direct mail, always include your website URL where interested consumers can learn more about what you offer.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 17th, 2008 at 5:30 am and is filed under Business Consulting, Internet Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.