5 Reasons why your business needs a Strong Online presence during and after Covid

New Shopping habits, more selection and a rapid increase in the use of mobile devices mean that the way in which consumers shop is changing, so we must change too.

It is no big secret that more and more people are shopping and buying online. Growth in the use of mobile devices, an increase in the selection of products and the sheer ease and convenience of checkout and home delivery are some of the reasons why online shopping is increasing year on year.

Have you been meaning to hire a skip to clear out the house? Wanting to buy plants and garden tools to do up your garden? Or simply feel like treating yourself to a new pair of shoes? This can all be done without leaving the comfort of your own bed. What’s even better is with the improvement in delivery services in Ireland, you wont have to wait long.

During the second quarter of 2020, New .ie registrations were up 56 per cent over the same period last year, as many businesses went online.

Although Covid 19 wont last forever, the effects and trends developed as a result of it will. Figures show that the age of consumers buying online is becoming younger and younger and this coupled with the fact that we will be entering a new world which will include social distancing for a period of time, mean that now more than ever is vital that your business has a strong online presence.

The benefits of shopping online aren’t going to disappear when businesses reopen fully and that is why it is vital to either start or double down on your e-commerce efforts. Here are 5 simple reasons why:

1 – A source of brand recognition

In these times, less and less people are browsing through shops on the street. Instead they are now shopping online. This increase in online browsing means that it is vital that your brand is strong online and stays in the customers minds. Likewise, with more and more businesses going online, its important that your brand stays competitive as your competitors are likely online or will be. Be Proactive not reactive.

2 – Ease of access and Growth of Mobile Devices

Nowadays, the majority of online shopping is done via mobile devices and this coupled with the rise in the use of mobile devices mean that you must make sure that your business is Optimised to be Mobile Friendly and that you are well represented at every opportunity by having a website which appears prominently on search engines, social media, review sites, online directories and other online spots. Make your site easy for potential customers to find and to navigate through to checkout.

3 – Optimise your site for Search Engine Indexing

Possibly the most important aspect is to get your business ranking high in online search engines such as Google. With the rise in the use of mobile devices and people shopping online, it is vital that your business is high up on the first page of your target audiences google search pages. In fact, according to neilpatel, 75% of people will never scroll past the first page on a Google search.

4 – More time spent on Social media

With businesses closed and people working from home, people have more time now and spend longer hours on social media sites. This has become a huge source of driving traffic to websites. Having structured and professional Social Media Management can help drive traffic and sales online.

5 – Importance of credibility and building trust online

Building online credibility and trust is vital for your business to be successful online, however, it has to be done right or it will back fire. Online Customer Service is an important factor in building and maintaining repeat buyers and gaining new customers by answering any pre or post purchase queries and questions about your products and services.

It is important that all of this is done right, people will see right through this if it is done poorly. Need help? Get in touch!