5 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs to Be Online

If you are a small business owner in India, you might be wondering if it is worth investing in creating an online presence for your business. After all, you already have a loyal customer base, a good reputation, and a busy schedule. Why bother with the hassle of setting up a website, social media accounts, or online marketing campaigns?

The answer is simple:

Here are five reasons why your small business needs to be online:

Reach more customers

One of the biggest benefits of being online is that you can reach a wider audience of potential customers who are looking for your products or services. According to [IAMAI], there were 696 million active internet users in India as of June 2020, which is 50% of the population. That means there are hundreds of millions of people who can discover your business online, whether they are searching on Google, browsing on social media, or clicking on ads.

By having a website, you can showcase your products or services, share your story, and provide contact information to visitors. You can also optimize your website for search engines (SEO) to rank higher on relevant keywords and attract more organic traffic. By having social media accounts, you can engage with your existing and potential customers, build trust and loyalty, and increase brand awareness. You can also use social media to share valuable content, such as tips, testimonials, or promotions, that can drive more traffic to your website.

By having online marketing campaigns, you can target your ideal customers based on their location, demographics, interests, and behavior. You can also track and measure the performance of your campaigns and adjust them accordingly to optimize your return on investment (ROI).

Increase your sales

Another reason why your small business needs to be online is that you can increase your sales by offering more convenience and options to your customers. According to [IBEF], India’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% from 2019. This shows that more and more people are shopping online due to the ease, speed, and variety of online shopping.

By having an e-commerce website, you can sell your products or services 24/7, without any physical limitations or overhead costs. You can also offer different payment methods, shipping options, and discounts to suit your customers’ preferences and needs. By having an email list, you can send newsletters, offers, and reminders to your subscribers and encourage them to buy from you again.

Improve your customer service

A third reason why your small business needs to be online is that you can improve your customer service by providing more support and feedback to your customers. According to [Microsoft], 97% of Indian consumers say customer service is important in their choice of loyalty to a brand. This means that providing excellent customer service can help you retain your customers and generate positive word-of-mouth.

By having a chatbot, you can answer common questions, provide information, and resolve issues for your customers instantly and automatically. You can also use chatbots to collect feedback, suggest products or services, and upsell or cross-sell to your customers. By having a blog or a FAQ page, you can provide useful content that answers your customers’ queries and educates them about your products or services. You can also use these platforms to showcase your expertise and authority in your industry.

By having a review system, you can collect testimonials from your happy customers and display them on your website or social media. You can also use reviews to improve your products or services based on customer feedback. By having a loyalty program, you can reward your loyal customers with points, coupons, or freebies that they can redeem for future purchases.

Enhance your reputation

A fourth reason why your small business needs to be online is that you can enhance your reputation by building trust and credibility with your customers. According to [BrightLocal], 88% of Indian consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020. This means that having a positive online reputation can influence your customers’ purchase decisions and increase their confidence in your business.

By having a professional website, you can create a good first impression on your visitors and demonstrate that you are a legitimate and reliable business. You can also use your website to display your credentials, awards, certifications, or memberships that prove your quality and expertise. By having social proof, such as logos of clients or partners, media mentions, or case studies, you can show that you have worked with reputable organizations or achieved successful results for your clients.

By having social media accounts, you can interact with your customers and show your personality and values. You can also use social media to share positive news, stories, or achievements that highlight your business’s impact and social responsibility. By having online reviews, you can show that you have satisfied customers who recommend your business to others. You can also use online reviews to respond to negative feedback and show that you care about your customers and their satisfaction.

Stay ahead of the competition

A fifth reason why your small business needs to be online is that you can stay ahead of the competition by being more visible and innovative. According to [Zinnov], 68% of small businesses in India do not have a website. This means that having an online presence can give you a competitive edge over your rivals who are not online or have a poor online presence.

By being online, you can reach more customers who might not know about your business or who might prefer to shop online. You can also differentiate yourself from your competitors by offering unique products or services, providing superior customer service, or creating a strong brand identity. By being innovative, you can adapt to the changing needs and expectations of your customers and the market. You can also use online tools and platforms to test new ideas, launch new products or services, or expand into new markets.

These are just some of the reasons why your small business needs to be online. Being online can help you grow your customer base, increase your sales, improve your customer service, enhance your reputation, and stay ahead of the competition. If you are ready to take your small business online, contact us today and we will help you create a stunning website, social media accounts, and online marketing campaigns that will boost your business success.

[IAMAI]: Internet Users in India Cross 696 Million Mark; Rural India Registers 13% Growth in Internet Users in 2020 [IBEF]: E-commerce Industry in India [Microsoft]: The State of Global Customer Service Report [BrightLocal]: Local Consumer Review Survey 2020 [Zinnov]: Digital SMBs: The Next Frontier for Indian Internet Companies

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