You’ve probably heard the phrase “build back better” on the news or coming out of the mouths of politicians lately. I know I have. Each time I hear it from a politician, I wince a bit and critically wonder just what they’re actually gonna do about it.
In this article we want to focus on how you, a small business owner or someone thinking of starting a small business, in this post-covid economy, can build something better than what you had or better than your competition.
To start with I want to focus on building back better, because it’s online.
This year has been an incredible opportunity for everyone to realize the value of getting at least some aspect of your business online. Perhaps you’ve read headlines or heard stories about Shopify’s amazing success these past few years. While many businesses have floundered the business of ecommerce has exploded. But Shopify is just one of many many fish in the pond and while they might be the right fit for you, I would argue that there are better options out there that allow you to keep more of your profit in your pockets.
If you are willing to partner with a local web design shop or an online partner (like OmniOnline), who can help you wade through the pros and cons and many options of ecommerce, you have tons to gain and very little to lose.
We recognize that not every business lends itself to ecommerce. That’s true. But many businesses do, and many more can gain a lot from moving some part of their business online. Simple things like ordering products, services or refills, starting subscription services or even just paying bills online. These can all be shifted online requiring less people, less in-person processes, less cost and more reliable, always available options for your business.
Here are a couple examples.
- Perhaps you have some simple product or service you sell. You should absolutely be online. Your website can take orders, collect payments and process subscriptions all while you sleep. Or simply save your time and make your business feel like its larger than it actually is. All this gives clients an excellent end-to-end experience and that is the real key because it does not require tons of investment in personnel or physical storefronts.
- Maybe you run a volunteer organization and you simply don’t have the the volunteers to be able to help your clients. Again something as simple as an online form could present you to others as always ready, always open and always able to answer questions. A slightly more complicated form using conditional logic can enhance that service even more – providing conditional choices for that form that apply best to the user filling it in – so every field you are collecting info on is just what they need and nothing more!
- You probably have overdue accounts (accounts receivable) and may or may not have the team or time in place to collect on them. A bulk email with merge fields could be sent out to customize how much each client owes you, referring to specific invoice numbers and linking to a webpage where they can catch up and submit their payment online.
These are just a few examples of building your business better. In this post-covid world, why not invest in your business in a way that shifts it to be able to operate online like never before. We can help you with your strategy, your website, your digital advertising and everything in between.
Call us to chat more about how we can partner with you. 306-586-6118
