How to compete with online retailers
How you can compete with online retailers
Retailers of all sizes are in a tough spot.
With Amazon and other large online stores dominating the industry, it can seem insurmountable for local retailers to compete on their level – but that doesn’t have to be true!
In this blog post, we give you five tips on how you can compete with online retailers.
Focus on customer service
In today’s competitive retail market, it’s more important than ever for local retailers to offer excellent customer service.
With the rise of e-commerce, customers now have an infinite choice of shopping locations.
However, what many online retailers lack is the personal touch found in a store.
By offering fast, courteous service, local retailers can create a differentiated shopping experience that will keep customers coming back for more.
This means creating a comfortable, welcoming space, being attentive and helpful without being overbearing, and knowing your products inside out so you can answer any questions customers may have.
Here are a few tips on how to provide excellent customer service:
- Greet customers as soon as they enter the store.
- Offer help and be available to answer questions.
- Thank customers for their visit.
- Follow up after the sale to make sure the customer is satisfied.
- By offering exceptional customer service, local retailers can compete with their online counterparts and build lasting relationships with their customers.
Offering unique in-store experiences
Local retailers have always faced competition from online e-commerce sites.
But in recent years, the playing field has tilted even more in favor of the big players.
Thanks to the growth of Amazon and other online retailers, customers are now accustomed to having their products delivered quickly and easily, without having to leave their homes.
To compete with this level of convenience, local retailers need to find ways to make the in-store experience more unique and appealing.
One way to do this is by offering expert advice and assistance.
Customers appreciate being able to talk to a knowledgeable member of staff who can help them find the perfect product.
Another way to stand out is to organize in-store events such as workshops, one-on-one consultations or demonstrations.
These events give customers a reason to come into the store and help establish a link with the local community.
By giving customers a reason to visit your store, you can create a base of loyal customers who support your business.
What’s more, unique in-store experiences can help you build relationships with your customers and create a sense of community around your brand.
With so many benefits, it’s clear that investing in unique in-store experiences is a smart way for local retailers to stay competitive.
Focus on marketing
It’s essential to focus on marketing and making sure potential customers are aware of what you have to offer.
This means using social media, local advertising and word-of-mouth to spread the word about your store.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when using digital marketing as a local retailer.
First of all, make sure you’re targeting your ads to people in your local area.
You can do this by using the geographic targeting features on platforms like Google and Facebook.
Next, focus on creating ads that promote in-store events or offers.
This will help you entice people to visit your store.
Finally, you need to monitor your results to see what’s working and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Every small business needs marketing, and brick-and-mortar retail stores are no exception.
Maximize your investment by marketing on the right channels and to the right audience.
Get listed
Before anyone can shop with you, they need to be able to find you.
The very first thing you need to do as an offline retailer is to make sure you’re listed in every map listing you can be – Google Maps being the most important.
Optimize your listing by adding a professional description of your business, photos of your business, opening hours, telephone number and address, business categories, and more.
And improve your visibility by getting reviews.
Offer in-store pick-up
Free delivery is one of the reasons why it’s so hard for small retailers – both online and offline – to compete with Amazon.
Free delivery makes shopping convenient for customers, because what they order comes straight to them.
However, free or not, delivery takes time, and we live in a world that loves instant gratification.
Take advantage of this by allowing customers who order online to receive their order faster with free local pickup.
Customers don’t have to wait for their order to arrive.
They can go directly to your store to receive their order today or tomorrow.
The easier and more convenient you make the shopping experience, the more you’ll be able to compete with the e-commerce giants.
As a small business owner, it’s important to stay competitive in today’s marketplace.
By focusing on the customer, offering unique experiences and harnessing the power of digital marketing, you can make it easier for customers to find you and make their purchases.
Whether you want to start selling online or expand the online presence of your physical retail store, Koanthic can help.
