Why a Bricks and Mortar Business Desperately Needs Digital Marketing
To remain competitive, a bricks and mortar business needs a strong digital marketing strategy. Whether the company offers physical products or online services, digital marketing can drive foot traffic to their stores. In addition, digital marketing can connect traditional businesses with their customers and attract new ones. Listed below are some reasons why a bricks and mortar business desperately needs digital marketing. And more importantly, it’s free!
The retail industry has changed dramatically with the rise of online shopping. Today, two-thirds of shoppers research prices and products on their mobile devices. This means that brick-and-mortar stores must take their website seriously and invest in a great website. It should provide valuable information to customers, such as prices and return policies. And a good website should look professional and inviting. The online presence of a brick-and-mortar business can make or break the sale.
Apart from the potential to increase sales, digital marketing can help brick-and-mortar businesses build customer loyalty. Since most consumers now spend some time researching their purchases before buying products, using digital marketing can increase sales. Moreover, consumers will be more likely to visit your brick-and-mortar store’s website in addition to making a purchase. As a result, this will improve your customer loyalty and keep them coming back.
In addition to the increased importance of digital marketing for physical retail, the emergence of mobile apps is also an important development in brick-and-mortar retail. In fact, brick-and-mortar retailers are already experimenting with mobile apps to improve their customers’ experience. The Guides app collects customer data so that sales associates can better serve customers. Another example is the app from Wal-Mart that collects customer information and helps sales associates find the perfect products.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2018 has negatively affected business and people around the world. In Australia, unemployment rose from 5.2% to 7.5%. Traditional brick-and-mortar businesses are left with virtually no revenue to cover their costs. But many businesses have found creative ways to survive. Online marketing, social media marketing, and search engine marketing are some of the strongest selling channels. So, why does a bricks-and-mortar business desperately need digital marketing?
A brick-and-mortar business has more personal interactions with customers, but there is more room for error in their marketing strategy. Even the smallest mistake can be very costly. Ask customers if they’re happy with the service they receive. People tend to feel positive when they deal with friendly and helpful staff. Knowing your competitive advantage is critical to success. In a highly competitive market, knowing your differentiators is critical to your success.
For example, a brick-and-mortar store should be located in a busy street. Digital businesses should market on sites where their target audience hangs out. Once you know where they are, you can expand your business to those areas. Digital marketing can drive traffic to your website by using SEO driven blog posts and content marketing. These techniques take time. Social media, for instance, is slow to generate traffic.