Web Design - E-Business

Is your business right for e-commerce? Selling products and services online sometimes is as simple as using common sense. Successful online selling is a matter of what you sell, how you sell it, who you sell it to, and who you find as competitors. Talk to us today to discuss whether an e-commerce or brochure site would suit your product/service best.

What do you sell?
As a first step, determine if your product or service fits the profile of items that "move" online. Products sold through catalogs and other direct channels usually transfer well to the Web. Some services, such as travel planning, also are a good match for online sales.

Are your customers online?
One of the most important e-commerce considerations is whether your target audience goes online to buy products and services like the ones you plan to sell. In addition, if you sell locally but your products have global appeal, e-commerce may be a way to expand your business.
Finally, if your clients live active, busy lives, the time-saving benefits of shopping online may appeal to them. If you sell primarily to a local audience that does not regularly use computers, the effort required to convince buyers to go online may not be worth the payback.

Are your competitors online?
Having a number of competitors online is a positive sign that your products and services are a good fit for e-commerce. It also presents a challenge: differentiating your site. Create a unique offering by surveying direct and indirect competitor sites and then crafting a site that sets you apart based on your value to the customer.

If your competitors are not online, ask yourself why. It could be that there is an untapped market that can work to your advantage. Conversely, the "no shows" may be on to something relevant to you too. If you're still convinced that your customers want to buy through the Web, back up your conviction with market research.

Can you commit to e-commerce?
As with any new sales channel, you'll need to commit some of your company's resources to e-commerce to ensure you're able to provide the appropriate levels of service and support. You will need to handle additional sales coming over the Web, as well as tasks associated with keeping your site operating smoothly.
These include:
Managing outgoing customer communications
Handling customer inquiries
Updating site inventory
Arranging shipping logistics and options
Conducting regular site maintenance
Establishing and maintaining site security

For more information on our e-commerce services contact us.