B U S I N E S S M AT T E R S
Heartland - Online Sales Approach
Remind consumers they can still shop with you, even from a distance A website is a must-have for any business right now. Consumers spending more time at home still need to shop. And you need to be able to accept payments for purchases online. Break down physical walls Whether connecting via a mobile-friendly website or a mobile-ordering app, consumers are increasingly engaging with businesses from their sofa. A website makes your business accessible from anywhere in the world via potential customers that have an Internet connection. Create another marketing channel Whether connecting via a mobile-friendly website or a mobile-ordering 40 SPRING
2020
app, consumers are increasingly engaging with businesses from their sofa. A website makes your business accessible from anywhere in the world via potential customers that have an Internet connection. Interact with customers in the way that they choose According to the National Restaurant Association, 54% of adults order directly from a website or mobile app because of the customer experience it provides. Joan can pre-order meals from her favorite restaurant on her mobile device and simply pull up to the curbside parking spot to pick up. Zack will pick up his meal in-store, but pre-ordering helps him bypass the line. Ted can order food delivered to the comfort of his home and avoid crowds altogether. Stay in contact with customers. A website provides two-way communication with potential customers. If you have just added delivery as a service, be sure to talk about it. Encourage your customers to leave feedback on your products and service. Your customers may be on self-quarantine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected and continue providing excellent service. An online presence can keep your business going when people are practicing social distancing and cities are enacting stay in place. When fears pass, your website will continue to be a valuable asset that can change and improve your business in the future. FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
PHOTO BY FIZKES / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
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ocial distancing has increased the adoption of online shopping as people spend more time at home. Thus, having an ecommerce presence has never been more important to reduce the distance between you and customers. Yet, many small businesses are still not using the internet to conduct business. In fact, 36% of U.S. small businesses don’t have a company website, according to Small Business Trends. Now is the time to get online or to refresh your ecommerce presence if you already have one.
