Running a retail business in the current scenario can be challenging. Are you wondering how to expand your sales? Are you feeling hesitant to break into eCommerce because of security reason or an unclear understanding of this element of business?

The fact is that we have come to a point in time when eCommerce is the holy grail of retail. We live in a digital world, and businesses are continuously adapting to the new ways customers research and buying products, by making sure they have an online presence. The eCommerce landscape is continually evolving and growing. According to the Nasdaq, by 2040, 95% of the purchases will be made online. Now, that’s a significant number!

If you still don't have an online store, here’s what you are missing out on:

1. The digital experience

Unlike retail, your eCommerce store can be up and running in a few clicks. Ecommerce platforms like Linker.store use pre-made templates to create your store. It takes care of hosting, platform maintenance, and more.

eCommerce platforms have made it realistic and simple for business owners to create attractive and reliable sites with minimal effort. You don’t need deep technical or eCommerce knowledge to have a professional website up and running in just an afternoon. With Linker.store you get to see the ecommerce magic happen in a couple of steps.

2. Shoppers start online

The use of digital medium keeps increasing. 87% of shoppers begin product searches on digital channels, up from 71% last year. Customers are more likely to start searching online, even if they might end up buying at the store. 

Customers research online to compare prices, brands, get customer reviews, and more. The only way to ensure potential customers find your products is to have an online presence. You always want your brand to show up first when potential customers are in the midst of this research.

3. Customer data insights

One advantage of online selling is how easy it makes for you to collect, measure, and act on customer data, something that you could only get with personal interactions in a brick-and-mortar store. If you want to be focused on user experience, then you need to own your consumer data. Online selling helps you collect data by tracking customer interactions and hence know what they want.

4. Get new customers 

An online store can help you reach new customers and scale beyond geographies. Social websites can reach new demographics. You can also use the right mix of online touchpoints to engage audiences at once, and online channels aren’t limited, as compared to the audience that visits your retail store. Regardless of whether you are just starting out or are an existing seller, you can reach anyone online that you couldn’t before.

Also read: How to drive more traffic to your eCommerce store

5. Display your product information to the world

An online presence gives you a platform to provide more information about your products and services to your customers. A website offers sellers a place to deliver key content to its customers. This content could include an in-depth product description, how the products are made, the back-story of the company, etc. This helps a customer make their purchase decision effectively.

6. Serves niche audience

Your online store makes serving a niche audience easier. It can be hard for that rare stamp collector to find a seller. However, with the internet, the search is easier.

7. Giving your customers a wow experience 

Today, shoppers want to shop from the comforts of their homes. Online selling makes it even it more accessible for shoppers to click on that ‘Buy; button, no matter where they are, and complete that purchase within minutes, giving them the experience they deserve.

Customers can make purchases from Instagram Ads, mobile apps, in-store, and more. Your eCommerce store allows you to meet the shopping expectations of your customers.

Also read: How can you convert your display only informational site into a transactional fully functional eStore?

A new era of ecommerce is emerging & your business cannot afford to get left behind. I conducted a webinar to explain the ‘Why, What & How’ of Starting an Ecommerce Business. Watch the webinar highlights below.

To explore business opportunities, link with me by clicking on the 'Connect' button on my eBiz Card.

Image source: shutterstock.com 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, official policy or position of GlobalLinker