Why a Bricks and Mortar Business Desperately Needs Digital Marketing
Increasingly, consumers are turning to the Internet to shop for the products they want. Today, two-thirds of consumers use their cell phones to look up prices online. Therefore, it’s vital that brick-and-mortar stores take their websites seriously. Not only must they provide valuable information on products and services, but they should also offer information about return policies and more. Without a website, potential customers will simply turn to other options.
Because more consumers now shop online, brick-and-mortar stores need to be visible online. They need to invest in digital marketing in order to reach these new potential customers and build customer loyalty. Here are some ways to achieve this. A well-designed website is the first step. Email marketing is another essential component. It’s important to segment your audience. By using the right tools and strategies, brick-and-mortar businesses will be more successful and remain competitive.
Mobile devices and web-based shopping have revolutionized retail. Smartphones have put the internet in people’s pockets and created app-based platforms that challenge brick-and-mortar businesses in sales, marketing, and payments. And with 87% of Americans having a smartphone in hand, it’s important to keep up with this constant presence. Don’t be intimidated. Instead, embrace the digital world and its benefits – it could even drive more customers to your brick-and-mortar store.
While brick-and-mortar stores need to be present in the physical world, digital marketing helps these businesses drive new business and increase customer loyalty. Studies show that consumers browse a brick-and-mortar store’s website before making a purchase. This increased awareness increases the number of purchases and builds customer loyalty. Therefore, it is essential for brick-and-mortar businesses to invest in digital marketing.
A brick-and-mortar business must embrace change if it hopes to survive. This is especially true in today’s digital world, where less-invasive digital marketing techniques can drive customers into stores. In addition to digital marketing, brick-and-mortar retailers should optimize for local SEO, which is the most effective way to attract new customers. And by using these tactics, these businesses can avoid losing customers to their online rivals. A retail business that embraces organizational change and stays aligned with its customers will be able to allocate resources for the most profitable way to serve their customers.
In addition to digital marketing, brick-and-mortar businesses must adapt to the new expectations of consumers. Increasingly, online shopping has created a vast transparency about prices. Furthermore, the convenience of online shopping means that consumers in physical stores expect an enhanced experience. This transformation will require the evolution of brick-and-mortar networks and create true multi-channel retail operations. However, experts stress that data alone is not enough for a viable business strategy.
In the brick-and-mortar realm, digital marketing has the potential to unlock the next big competitive advantage. Retailers that understand data-driven personalization will be able to tailor experiences to customers’ individual preferences. As a result, customers will spend more time in-store and be more likely to purchase. Therefore, it’s imperative that brick-and-mortar businesses harness the power of digital marketing to keep pace with the competition.
For example, brick-and-mortar stores can make use of landing pages and email marketing campaigns to build a list of potential customers. These tactics will help brick-and-mortar businesses educate potential customers before they set foot in their stores. By understanding your customers, you can tailor your business to meet their needs and maximize your profits. In the same way, digital marketing can help brick-and-mortar businesses expand.
Another effective way to leverage digital marketing is to launch a pop-in in an existing store. For example, pop-ins in shopping malls can be an excellent way to get your brand in front of consumers. While this option may not be as cost-effective as other venues, it’s still beneficial for you as a brick-and-mortar company. You can even collaborate with a larger brand to create an even better pop-in.