According to data collected by the digital marketing agency Wolfgang Digital, online retail revenue soared 110% in March compared to previous weeks as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
Over two months into lockdown consumers are growing antsy being unable to revamp their summer wardrobes (amongst other things!)
With rails, shelves and boxes of clothes and other ‘nonessentials’ lying dormant in retailers across the country, shoppers have gone digital, significantly boosting online revenue for those who have introduced digital sales channels.
The question is what are you doing about it and more to the point where to start?🤔
Phase two of lockdown begins on Monday the 8th of June and sees a few smaller retailers re-opening their doors.
However, have the restrictions reframed shopping behaviours? Will consumer habits be swayed online even when restrictions are lifted? How is your business prepared for the E-Commerce world?
Here are some handy tops tips for getting online
(You’re welcome😉)
Luckily the future, whatever it may be, is not all doom and gloom for businesses with little online presence.
Going digital seems to be an inevitable step if you want your business to keep moving forward, so here are some tips on how to succeed in a competitive online environment:
- Take a Digital Marketing Course
Being an effective digital marketer no longer requires a four-year degree and hefty intuition fees. While they certainly help, you can learn all the basic requirements of going digital with free courses offered by Google Digital Garage.
This 40-hour course equates to the same hours of an undergraduate module. However, at 100% less the price tag. It even comes with a free cert to show off on your LinkedIn.
If you’re looking to go one step further, the Shaw Academy offers a Level 5 Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing. Two hours a week over four months and you will be equipped with all the necessities your business requires to thrive in this digital era.
With plans starting as little as €29.99 a month its an investment your future will thank you for.
- Go Mobile-Friendly
Over 72% of shoppers use their mobile phones over laptops and computers when shopping online according to PYMNTS’ 2020 Remote Payments Study. This means ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is key to converting your online traffic into sales.
Doing either the Google Garage or Shaw Academy courses will give you the tools you need to make sure your online presence is compatible with mobile devices.
- Utilise Email Marketing
Whether your business is running a big clear-out sale, or you’ve just got in new stock, make sure to let your customers know! Utilise email marketing tools such as Mail Chimp to keep in contact with existing customers and go that one step further by making things personal.
Using your customers’ names when addressing them is a sure way to make your customers feel special and connected.
- Get on the Social Media Bandwagon
According to statistics gathered by Sprout Social, 66% of surveyed Facebook users said they followed or liked a business page on the platform.
With over 1 billion active users on Instagram, 90% follow a business.
In addition to the obvious advantages of exposure the platform provides is the unavoidable number of influencers that exist on Instagram.
A survey by Mediakix found that 89% of marketers agreed it was the most influential and important space for Influence Marketers to work from.
Finding popular profiles on Instagram could be the answer to your businesses online success.
Making sure your choosing the right influencers for your businesses audience is essential and may take a bit of research, but will certainly pay off in the long run.
Don’t forget the Local Enterprise Office online trading voucher scheme too.
So what are you waiting for?!
