In 2023, technology has shaped how companies do business. Specifically, the internet has had a massive impact on the growth potential of most brands, no matter what industry they are in. In this age of online life, very few businesses can thrive without some level of an online presence where customers can interact with the brand from the convenience of their devices.
Embracing the internet is a necessity if you want your business to grow. The vast majority of consumer shopping begins online, whether people are looking for cars, houses, power tools, new foods, or office supplies. Being able to complete a full transaction without having to leave the house has completely shifted how companies advertise their products and services.
There are so many tools that you can use to take advantage of the internet and leverage its capabilities to benefit your organization. Let’s take a look at some strategies to use the full power of the internet to increase your sales numbers.
E-Commerce Platforms
If you sell physical products, then having an e-commerce platform for an online store is crucial in 2023. While you can create an online store on your website, platforms that are specifically designed for e-commerce have far better functionality and can improve the user experience. The smoother their online shopping experience, the more likely they are to buy your products. Shorter attention spans mean that people are more willing to search for other options if they are not immediately pleased with their initial efforts. Having a platform where people can go through a simple but secure transaction process can lead to greater sales numbers for your online store.
Social Media Marketing
Sharing your brand messaging with customers is the main purpose of marketing. To make sales, you have to convince people why your product or service is superior to your competitor’s. Many different marketing channels allow you to communicate with your target audience, but few are as effective as social media channels. On these platforms, you can build a community, establish trust in the brand, share offers with customers, and respond to feedback, all of which can improve your relationship with customers. Social media can also combine with other marketing initiatives. For example, you can advertise a free sports ball giveaway to those who are following your accounts, helping build excitement around the brand.
Cloud Computing
Business operations can take up a lot of time and energy from your team members. The larger your company, the more logistical tasks are required to run the day-to-day activities. Processes like customer service, product development, supply chain management, data storage, accounting, and more can bog down your employees with busy work that prevents them from focusing on other aspects of the business. Cloud computing is a tool that allows you to combine many of your online tools to streamline operations and lessen the burden on your team. Creating a cross-functional tech stack that is maintained by offsite servers makes it easier for everyone to access the tools your company uses, while also creating automation opportunities.
When you think about your inbox, you probably think of the number of spammy emails that you get every day. Even those that end up in your primary inbox or promotions tab often get ignored due to the sheer volume of messages that you receive. However, as a business owner or marketer, this should not discourage you from investing in an email marketing strategy. It is still an incredibly useful tool for customer outreach and follow-up. Emails can be the perfect method for moving a prospective customer further along on the buyer’s journey with strategic content that warms the prospect up to your company and its offerings. Plus, email can be a great way to update current customers on news from the organization or special discounts.
Viral Marketing
Some companies are at the forefront of creating viral marketing sensations. These are the video advertisements, experiences, or events that become noticed by large portions of the population, either through views, clicks, or physical attendance numbers. The internet has made it possible for one small gesture or event to create a massive impact on the public psyche. While it can be difficult to strike gold in this way, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible for any size business to harness this power. A creative sign in front of your store could be shared hundreds or thousands of times on social media, generating a ton of awareness. An interactive marketing ploy could end up catching the attention of tons of potential customers thanks to the quick reaction on the internet. News spreads fast nowadays, and if you can do something with your marketing that people love, it could completely change the game for your sales numbers.
Using the Tools You Have
Embracing the internet is the perfect example of using what you have to get ahead. Almost everyone can access the internet from phones, laptops, tablets, desktops, and more, which means that it is an easy access point between your brand and customers. Why not leverage this tool to promote your business and grow your sales numbers?
The tools and methods listed above can be used to keep up with your competition, stay connected with your target audience, and improve internal operations for a more efficient company.