Many local businesses are more traditional than their larger competitors and choose to stay off-line. However, in order to stay modern and relevant in the world of commerce and retail, it is paramount that you are able to use the internet within your business’s day-to-day existence. Here are some top tips for how you can start to use the internet in a beneficial way as a business owner.

Use Local SEO 

Although you might still be relying on physical marketing, such as flyers and billboards, digital marketing techniques can help you to stay visible and to make sure that you can promote your business where all of your customers are. One of the best schemes for small independent businesses is to host a local SEO campaign. These campaigns can help you to be seen by your customers when they are searching for businesses in your area. They rely on the use of key location words on your website or social media. At www.clickintelligence.co, their managed SEO campaigns can help you to connect with the local community in the digital sphere. 

Expand Your Storefront

While having a retail store might have been your dream for many years, now, the best way to boost your sales and to give customers what they want is to expand your storefront online. Although you might believe that this might demean the charm of your independent store, this is not the case. Through a professionally designed website, it is possible to give your customers the same experience both in-store and online. In fact, by expanding your storefront, you will be able to give even more people an amazing experience of your store. 

Create Great Customer Service

Another way that using the internet is great for both you and your customers is that digital platforms can help you to improve your customer service. For instance, by having an email or contact form, your customers will be able to easily contact you about problems and queries without having to walk or drive into town. Not only this, but the internet can allow you to form a connection with them through enabling you to provide them with updates and information on your website. This may even encourage them to visit your store by allowing them to find out its location and product list.

Connect with Other Small Businesses 

Although you had to stand outside and chat with other business owners in order to make a connection in the past, this is now not the case. Instead, you may find that there are a large number of networking groups in the Paisley area which you can join in order to make connections. This will also enable you to research your competition and to meet potential suppliers who you may be able to work with.

Use of Business Applications

Lastly, it is not just big businesses that need to use software applications, and many of these can still be of use to start-up entrepreneurs. For instance, small business accounting software can help you to keep on top of your invoices and your revenue, even if you have no previous experience in doing so.

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X