It’s high time for retailers to get online, begin building their web presence to sell online. Yes, I say ‘begin to sell online’ as there are so few retailers actually online. The world of online selling is booming with more overseas traffic hitting our online stores daily. In fact, over 40 million Americans will buy from Australian websites by 2018. That’s a considerable amount of traffic that Australian retailers should be getting their hands on. The good news for Australian bricks and mortar retailers, is that we’re in a boom right now. Given that only 50% of retailers have a webstore, the other 50% can get online now and enjoy the benefits of the online growth.
Are you non-responsive?
In addition, we all remember G-day, April 21 when it was announced that Google will penalise non responsive websites in search results. Meaning, if your site has not been optimised for viewing on a mobile device, then it won’t appear in it’s regular place in search results when viewed on a mobile or tablet device. A potential loss of 30% of all your online traffic. Why? Because a third of all online sales are now completed on a mobile phone. Makes sense for Google to show mobile optimised sites to mobile viewers. Of the 50% who are doing a great job by at least being online, only 20% of them have a responsive website. This means that a large portion of Aussie retailers are being penalised. But it doesn’t have to be the case. Ensuring a responsive site is so simple, just talk to our Australian E-Commerce Team to help you get responsive. As stated below in the infographic, worldwide online retail sales are booming with an increase to 9% by 2018. Now’s the perfect time for retailers to get online. Keep reading below the infographic for FOUR quick questions to ask before getting online.
Quick questions before you get online:
1. Do I have an e-commerce website where I can sell online? If yes, great! If no, work towards getting an online presence that aligns perfectly with your in-store retail business.
2. Is my webstore responsive? If yes, you’re in the top 20% of Australian retailers, well done! If not, work towards ensuring your site is responsive as soon as possible to ensure you gain the 30% of online sales coming your way.
3. Does my responsive webstore integrate seamlessly with my POS system & inventory management system? If you’re running what appears to be like two entirely separate business – bricks and mortar plus your online store, then you need to look at a system where the two are seamlessly integrated. Making life and business a whole lot easier. Once the two entities are running off the same platform, stock control and fulfillment become automated saving time and money spent in admin.
4. Is your customer database growing and viewable from one single point? Or do you have a separate database building online to the one you’re building in-store? The ability to consolidate both systems allows you to see all transactions from one customer whether they be in-store, online or both – most likely the latter. You’ll then be able to market and communicate with them much more effectively as you’ll know what they’ve purchased, what they’re likely to purchase and more importantly, what they want.
Retail Express can easily help you become a powerful online source for your retail niche. Get in touch so that we can help you grow and connect with the thousands of online buyers tapping that pay now button today. For more information on Australia’s market-leading cloud based retail operating software, Retail Express, please drop us a line to www.retailexpress.com.au/getstarted or call 1300 732 618 to learn more.
Aaron Blackman is the CEO of Retail Express. Follow Aaron on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Looking to fast track your growth with a smarter point of sale system? Contact the Retail Express team today on 1300 732 618.