4 Reasons Why Having a Website is Critical For Your Business

Today’s shoppers are spending a significant part of their day on the web. If you aren’t investing in giving shoppers what they want online, you’re missing out on sales in-store. Your website is the first introduction potential customers have with your store. It’s also the best way to keep engaging with returning shoppers.

Make a Great First Impression

Think of your website as the online entrance to your boutique. You know the importance of a shopper’s first impression when they walk in your doors. You spend countless hours optimizing your store layout and flow, cleaning and straightening and ensuring the latest and greatest merchandise is prominently featured. With so many shoppers finding and consuming information online, why wouldn’t you give the same attention to your website?

Sell Yourself to Potential Customers

A new customer who hears about your store for the first time or finds you when they search on Google, Yahoo or Bing will use your website as a way to get to know your store before planning a trip. Make sure they know how to locate you and if you sell merchandise that fits their personal style.

Showcase your Merchandise

As the pace of daily life becomes increasingly hectic, it’s critical to give your shoppers the ability to window shop anywhere and anytime. Showcasing your available items will entice shoppers and drive more traffic into your store. You’ll give new customers a sneak peek at what you have available, shoppers who get your updates on social media will visit your website to browse more items and loyal shoppers who know you post your newest arrivals online will consider your website a destination for online window shopping.

Just Using Facebook Isn’t Enough

Your shoppers need a central hub to browse merchandise online. Facebook is a great place for quick updates and to entice shoppers with sneak peeks, but it’s not ideal for shoppers who want to window shop online before planning a shopping trip in store. The best solution is to use Facebook to initially reach your shoppers on a site they frequently visit. Entice them with a preview of your merchandise and encourage them to click a link back to your website to get more details.

 

Article written by Courtney Rodgers, co-founder of Boutique Window, a company founded in August 2012 with a focus on helping local retailers succeed online. Courtney graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Journalism.

 

Photo Credits: All Photos Courtesy of Boutique Window and provided with permission to use.