In this time and age, two types of business do exist-online and physical stores. However, there’s one major player that has recently emerged: the click-and-mortar business. As the name suggests, a click-and-mortar store is a business model with both online and offline operations. This means that this business type typically has a physical store and also a website.
In recent years, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have taken the plunge into this business model. This model has become all the more apparent among many businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This makes sense, as it’s not enough for business owners to have a physical store. They must have a digital presence to reach out to wide and diverse customers.
If you run a click-and-mortar store, here’s how to boost your business amid the pandemic:
1. Have a responsive web design
Running a click-and-mortar store requires one to have a website. However, it’s not enough that you have a business website. Aside from being visually appealing and highly functional, your site must be responsive as well. Why? Most people use their mobile devices to surf online and visit different websites. As such, ensure that your site looks good and works fine on different types of devices, whether desktops, laptops, or mobile phones. The key here is to use the responsive web design. That said,hire a website design companythat can incorporate responsive web design into your website.
2. Implement SEO strategies
It’s one thing to have a business website; it’s another to have a digital presence. What’s good is a site with responsive web design if it doesn’t have online visibility? You want to ensure that your site and content pieces appear first on the search engine results pages (SERP). To ensure this, implement SEO strategies such as optimizing your website, writing keyword-integrated content, and building links. Ultimately, doing so will increase your online visibility and website traffic!
3. Display ads online
If SEO doesn’t work wonders on your website, resort to pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Through this, you can instantly display your ads on SERP in hopes that users will click them and get prompted to your website. PPC has the same purposes as SEO – for boosting online visibility and website traffic. However, the difference lies in the fact that PPC is a form of paid advertising. This means that you have to pay for every click you get for your ads.
4. Publish relevant content
Your click-and-mortar business needs to focus on producing and publishing content pieces. Whether blog posts, infographics, striking images, or promotional video clips, they resonate well with your target market. However, don’t just post them on your website; share them on your social media channels as well. Lastly, publish these content pieces as guest blogs on credible websites to establish your site authority.
5. Send promotional emails
Email marketing is and will forever be relevant in the world of business. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and even big companies send newsletters, business updates, industry news, and other promotional content to regular and potential customers via emails. You have to do the same as well for your click-and-mortar business. You’ll be surprised at how this digital marketing strategy will help you turn your leads into sales.
6. Engage customers via social media
We can no longer deny the power of social media in this time and age. However, these channels aren’t just designed for personal interactions. Many businesses now utilize them for promoting their products or services. That said, take advantage of social media by increasing your followers and engaging with your customers. From there, build connections and create a community of loyal supporters.
7. Build online reputation
As a physical store with a web presence, you must take your online reputation seriously. Why? It can make or break your click-and-mortar business. But how do you build your online reputation? For the most part, it entails providing value to your target market. This means creating quality products or providing quality services. However, you have to do more than these. Be sure to publish positive reviews on your website, social media, Google My Business, and even third-party vendors like Yelp, GlassDoor, and BBB.
The click-and-mortar business will continue to boom in the next few years to come. Those running physical stores will soon jump onto the digital bandwagon. But as a click-and-mortar business, be sure to update your website, implement SEO, and employ PPC. Also, don’t forget to publish content, perform email marketing, establish social media management, and build an online reputation. All these crucial steps will help your click-and-mortar business thrive during the pandemic and in the long run.