Why a Bricks and Mortar Business Desperately Needs Digital Marketing

As more consumers shop online, bricks and mortar businesses need to develop an effective digital marketing strategy to increase sales. Luckily, this strategy is not only effective for online businesses, but can also help traditional businesses succeed in today’s digital world. With its ability to generate foot traffic, connect traditional businesses with customers, and reach new ones, digital marketing is an essential part of any brick and mortar business’ marketing strategy.

While many small businesses are strapped for cash, investing in valuable strategies is essential. In fact, half of small businesses do not even have a website. The top reasons are cost and necessity. However, the internet and social media are here to stay, and ignoring them could cost you a significant amount of money in the long run. Fortunately, there are many ways to implement digital marketing strategies for brick and mortar businesses.

One way to increase profits by using digital marketing is to improve your brick-and-mortar store’s experience for customers. In-store shoppers should experience a seamless experience, just as they do online. Omnichannel marketing can deliver a consistent experience across different channels and the entire conversion funnel. In addition to this, businesses should be conscious of their brand voice. This means maintaining the same concise tone and voice for the brick-and-mortar store as it does online.

The best way to increase foot traffic and generate new business is to host events that attract customers. Besides offering products that are popular among locals, offline events also benefit the brand. The interaction between the customer and the brand builds a positive image, which in turn drives revenue. So, consider hosting collaborative events that bring together local businesses. If you can’t hold a local event, you could use digital marketing and pop-up shops to attract customers.

There are several reasons why a bricks and mortar business desperately needs to embrace digital marketing. For one, the internet has created a huge transparency around price. This transparency forces price retailers to offer enhanced experiences while maintaining their margins. Additionally, the evolution of a bricks and mortar network requires greater cost control and a true multi-channel retail operation. And finally, the value of data can’t be understated. The more human a company is, the more likely it is to succeed.

Moreover, big brands like Ikea have embraced digital innovations to improve the customer experience at physical locations. For instance, smart mirrors have been used by clothing retailers to make in-store shopping more seamless. These mirrors can automatically adjust lighting, offer suggestions based on customer preferences, and even order different sizes to fit the customer. The result is a seamless customer experience from test to purchase. This is a great example of how digital innovation can improve a bricks and mortar business.

The growth of ecommerce has significantly altered the shopping environment for bricks-and-mortar stores. Today, Amazon accounts for nearly 20% of all retail purchases. Still, 55% of online shoppers say they would prefer to interact with products in a physical location. This shows that traditional retail isn’t dead – it’s just evolving to keep pace with the times. Retailers that understand that digital technology is an advantage for traditional brands will reap the rewards.

A bricks and mortar business needs to integrate digital marketing strategies into its marketing plan to ensure that it stays competitive in the digital era. Having a physical location provides consumers with the opportunity to physically inspect products and discuss their concerns. It also offers immediate gratification. The brick and mortar environment also allows businesses to expand their offerings and reach a larger market. It also helps to increase the number of tools and services they offer.