How to Take Your Business Online
For the first time in history, the world is experiencing a standstill when it comes to business operations. As such, we must improvise, adapt and overcome to ensure survival. Change is inevitable, why not let it be taken as an opportunity?
Here is an idea; take your business online! You may wonder how to start an online business. It is really quite simple. If your product or service can be delivered via post or digitally, the online avenue will work for you. Taking your business online will bring you to a whole new audience, increase your reach, and might help reduce your operational costs.
Now, there are many ways you can take your business online. You may only need one of these avenues or perhaps a combination of a few, based on your requirements. Take a look at what the internet has to offer about how to start an online business, you might be surprised.
1. Social Media for Business
One of the first things you should do as an SME going online is to have a social media presence, and learn how businesses use social media for marketing. Even creating a simple Facebook page will put you on the social media map for all your potential customers. Plus, having a page on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram gives you credibility as a business. If customers can verify your business as legitimate on social media, then your business is in the right place.
2. Domain Name
Domain names for online businesses are essential to get your business/service noticed on the web. They are a combination of letters, numbers or symbols that make up the physical name of your website. For example, if you type ‘Funding Societies Malaysia’ into your web browser, your browser will show you a list of results pertaining to the query. However, if you type ‘fundingsocieties.com.my’, your browser will take you to our website right away.
Having a simple and catchy domain name for online businesses is especially important. It makes your website more accesible to visitors – the easier it is, the more likely people will remember,
3. Website
Does a small business need a website? The simple answer is – yes. This is where you tell your story, house your products and welcome new customers. So, remember to keep it user friendly and showcase your venture.
There are several ways you can build your website – some more complicated than others. An easy way to build your website would be to use Shopline. Shopline is an intuitive platform that can get you started on building e-commerce platforms for small businesses in no time at all. With a wide selection of e-commerce features, such as store designs and multi-function payment gateways, you will have many options to choose from and eventually materialize a website of your own craft. Shopline also provides you with a friendly and responsive support team, should you run into any problems or if you need help.
If you would like to check out Shopline for your e-commerce site solutions, click the link at the bottom of this article and you can get started!
Having a website enables your business to have an anchor for your online and offline marketing. This means at any time customers can search your business name on their browser or search engine, they will find your site. Remember to display all relevant contact information on your website, so if all else fails, your customers will still have a way to contact you!
4. Branded Business Email
Whether you have an e-commerce platform for your small business or not, something you absolutely need is a branded email address. It is as important as having a company or customer service phone number. With a branded email address, you can ensure that your customers have a reliable line of communication directly to your business.
It is an affordable and easy way to communicate with your customers and generate leads.
5. E-Commerce Platforms
If you would like to boost your business strategy or maybe prefer a less personal online business application, then you can consider registering your business with an e-commerce site. Sites such as Lazada, Shopee, Carousel and Amazon operate as E-Commerce platforms.
Simply register your business with any one of these sites and list your products there for your customers. Most platforms like these are free for use and all your operations can be done remotely. E-Commerce platforms for small businesses will also expose your business or brand to a new and highly discerning audience.
We hope you have found this article helpful. As promised, click the link below to get started on your website with Shopline and get exclusive discounts, courtesy of our friends at Shopline!
http://partner.shopline.my/fundingsocieties
Do not forget to click on the links below if you would like to check out some financing solutions for your business!