Why a Bricks and Mortar Business Desperately Needs Digital Marketing
While you might not think your brick and mortar store needs digital marketing, you can benefit from the power of this technique. The Internet offers consumers many ways to browse for products and services. Most consumers visit a brick and mortar store’s website before actually making a purchase. By using digital marketing techniques to connect with your customers, you’ll increase your sales and improve customer loyalty. Here are some of the ways your brick and mortar store can benefit from digital marketing:
First, your website is your digital front door. Millennial shoppers are the most likely to research companies online before making a purchase. Make sure your website has plenty of information for them to decide if they want to visit your store. Don’t forget to add a customer review system! You’ll be glad you did. In fact, two-thirds of shoppers use their smartphones to look up prices and find out more about a brand.
This year has been particularly hard for brick-and-mortar businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted business around the world, with unemployment in Australia rising from 5.2% to 7.5%. Traditional brick-and-mortar businesses are left to fend for themselves with little or no revenue. To survive in this tough environment, many businesses have sought innovative ways to increase their profits. Digital marketing, social media marketing, and search engine optimization (SEM) are among the latest ways to boost sales.
As physical retail becomes increasingly digital, the role of brick-and-mortar businesses will shift dramatically. As the Internet grows and retail intelligence improves, brick-and-mortar businesses need to adjust their marketing strategies. Retailers must be prepared to cater to the expectations of tomorrow’s consumers. In fact, it is likely that 78% of all global retail commerce will be conducted in brick-and-mortar stores by 2023.
Consumers no longer want to choose between in-person and online shopping. They expect seamless experiences across both channels. By integrating both types of operations, retailers can leverage the benefits of both. Brick-and-mortar stores can act as a warehouse, showroom, and community hub. Digital channels will help retailers understand their customers’ needs. To be successful in the digital age, you must learn to listen to these channels.