The last few years have seen more companies acquiring an online presence. Undoubtedly, the Covid 19 pandemic has boosted the number of firms choosing to do their business entirely on the internet. Never has there been a more crucial time to create a website for your organisation.
The restrictions and lockdowns of the pandemic have seen many companies go digital, and now consumers too are switching to the online world when purchasing their goods. This, according to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, has sped up the digital transition of companies worldwide.
So, should you move your business online? And if so, how do you create a company website that you can be proud of?
From offline to online
Certainly, a big attraction for moving your business to an online platform is the potential for a wider customer base and hence more revenue. An online organisation can reach customers worldwide, which is especially beneficial if you are a small local business. Your company will also be available 24/7, as opposed to relying on limited opening hours if it were a physical store. This not only allows for more time for sales, but also means that you can respond to customer queries any time. Make sure to monitor your company website regularly and respond to customer questions as quickly as you can. This will help you build up your company’s reputation and boost its credibility.
First and foremost, when moving your business online, you must register a domain name. This should ideally be the same as your company name and can be purchased through a reputable domain buying platform. Once you have done this, you are ready to start building your company website.
Considerations
Moving your business online can bring new opportunities to increase revenue. For example, a bakery store in New York which closed due to the pandemic was able to flourish when it started offering delivery services after it made the transition to online.
However, going digital can bring about legal considerations that you need to be aware of. Depending on how your business operates, there might be certain legal requirements that you need to fulfil before you create your online company platform. Do you need a specific licence to sell your products or services online? Make sure you research exactly what you need to do beforehand in order to make your transition to online as smooth as possible.
There are other considerations to think about when selling goods online. For instance, online second-hand retailers have found themselves in trouble from major fashion brands after listing their products for sale on their site. Such sellers have found themselves faced with IP notices attempting to restrict or even block their sales. Therefore, it is vitally important that you are mindful of any potential legal or ethical restrictions that your firm might face when it moves online.
Social media
Social media has transformed the way we interact. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have become major sources of news for many people, as well as hubs to keep in touch with family and friends. But not only do social media platforms function as virtual meeting places to communicate with others, they now also form a major part of the dedicated marketing strategy for many businesses.
Social media is an excellent cost-effective way to advertise your business. Research shows that more than half of consumers learn about brands or companies via social media. But while social media can help you reach a wider target audience and potentially attract new clients, it’s vital that you choose the correct platform for your customers. Which social media sites best represent your services or products? Which ones are your customers most likely to use? Do you have the time to make use of multiple social media channels?
Once you’ve identified which platform or platforms to use, remember that you need to stay active on it. You need to post regular, unique content to keep your customers engaged. But be mindful of over-sharing or being too repetitive, as this can turn customers off.
It’s also worth noting that the use of social media can help alleviate any negative reviews your company might experience. Any negative comments made on your business page can be responded to and resolved in real time, again helping you boost your brand’s credibility and reputation.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that more companies than ever are looking to move online. Whether they retain a physical base or make a complete digital transition, it’s advisable that businesses have some form of online presence. Having your organisation online not only enables it to reach a wider customer base, but it can help boost your brand’s credibility by allowing you to answer customer queries much faster and engage with them in real time. While there might be some legal or ethical considerations to take into account depending on your individual business requirements, it is definitely worth looking at creating a profile for your company within the digital landscape.
