AS WE QUARANTINE in our homes and social distance ourselves from friends, it’s no secret that we’re spending more time than ever on our computers and cell phones. Whether it’s an hour-long Zoom meeting with the office or searching for alternative means of entertainment, digital reliance is at a high. And now more than ever, it is important that you as a business owner match this demand with a website that’s relevant and easy to navigate.
Your Only Source of Brand Representation
We all already know that the trend for consumerism these past few years has increasingly been dominated by online shopping. While a strong online presence was simply a major plus in those coveted pre-Covid days, it is now a dire necessity. As a digital storefront is currently all most cities and businesses can offer, your website is most likely your sole source of brand representation, making it a key component in the survival of your business during these difficult times. As many of our businesses remained closed for the foreseeable future, it is incredibly important to know that the internet will forever remain open. Just because shoppers are no longer able to walk into your store to make a purchase, it doesn’t mean that they’ve stopped shopping; they’ve simply found a new way to do so.
Accepting The Shift and Moving With It
Not only is the importance of having a website increasing, the amount of consumers searching for products online are as well. Despite some being in a position where they’re able to drive to a store and make a purchase, many if not most people are opting for the safer option of ordering online. So, whether or not your cities are mandating closures of non-essential business, consumerism in general is being driven globally towards a digital platform and away from an in-person purchase. Essentially, if you’re not already online and catering to the overwhelming size of the current digital population, it’s time you hop on board. Even if COVID-19 hasn’t affected your brick and mortar business personally, it will in the future as its drastic effect on consumerism continues to add a heavy favor to the already expanding platform of online businesses.
Making Lemonade Out of the Lemons
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While your storefront may have been complete with a wonderful display of jewelry and the friendliest of staff, that won’t really do you any good if it’s closed. This is where the importance of having a quality website comes into play. The beauty and presentation of your storefront needs to be translated into a website that represents the style and values of your brand. Additionally, just like how customer service is a top business priority, an approachable and accessible website is intrinsic to the experience of your browsers. Most importantly, you want to take advantage of any sale you can get. Showing your customers that despite our global state you’re still operating business as usual-but just on your website-is the only way to secure a purchase. And in a world with ample competition, you’ll want to take advantage of every opportunity you get, because if you’re not online to grab that sale, your competitors most definitely are.
