First, congratulations! You're halfway through the 10 Steps to Grow Your Business! Now, on to Step 6.
There are many ways to get what you sell in front of prospective customers. In this step, we discuss a number of the “channels” you should consider to connect with customers and grow your business.
IN THIS STEP, WE'LL EXPLORE THE BEST WAYS TO:
- Tap the Web
- Create a Catalog
- Use Sales Reps
- Go Global
- Add Wholesale
- Try Brick-and-Mortar
- Add New Locations
- Weigh the Franchise Opportunity
Tap the Web
Think about what’s happened during the past decade alone. Let’s look at the real estate industry as an example. Ten years ago, about 10 percent of the house-buying public was going online to find new homes. Today, 77 percent handle their searches online, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Or, consider that 70 percent of adults use the Web. And you should use it to reach them. If you’re not online now, regardless of your business type, chances are you’re missing valuable opportunities for additional business. In an age of short attention spans and a growing need for instant gratification, Web surfing is more appealing than ever to business and retail consumers.
Here are things you can achieve by tapping the Internet:
Messaging
You can establish your brand image and express key features or aspects of what you offer.
Transactions
You can sell your products through the Internet.
Satisfy a consumer’s impulse
On the Internet you can sell at “the speed of thought.” In essence, as quickly as someone has an urge to buy, you can sell it to them. Compare that to a brick-and-mortar store that’s open from 9 to 5 and only in one town.
Deliver collateral material
Instead of printing fancy brochures that are static and require delivery, you can electronically create a PDF file of your brochure for people to instantly.
Track and perfect
As described in Steps 1 and Step 2, you can easily learn what’s working and what needs fixing via online analytics, so you can grow.
Find out more in StartupNation's 11 Steps to Create a Successful Website.