Digital and mobile technology gave small businesses and major corporations an equal footing. While large companies may have more manpower to operate digital operations, such as social media and website upkeep, unlimited access to the Internet has provided the same audience for all players. And yet there are still some small businesses either not putting forth enough effort in maintaining their digital presence, or avoiding it altogether. These are both mistakes that could cause problems for small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Now is the time for small businesses to take advantage of opportunities digital technology provides. And while promotion is a big aspect of the technology, business interaction is another. Ecommerce can help a business grow.
Connect with consumers
Small businesses aren’t only using mobile technology to compete with large companies, but for consumer recognition as well. People are increasingly shopping online. Even more specifically, they are using mobile devices, with 2015 expected to be the first year to see more mobile shopping traffic than desktop traffic, according to a report by Small Business Computing.
Consumers do more than just shop – they research as well. If a small shop doesn’t have a Facebook page or website to sell their products through, they are likely to be skipped over. In this way, not making use of these platforms could be detrimental to business.
“For example, adding a Facebook ‘like’ status net to a product so a person who’s seen a product that they like can share it on Facebook with their friends and family. These types of things are extremely important,” said Itai Sadan, CEO of Duda, website builder for small businesses, according to CBS News.
Make the effort
However, just having a website or Facebook page is not enough. A small business must invest the time required to make it effective. Social media and ecommerce are no longer part-time functions of a company. The attention has to be given to make it not only an integral part of the businesses, but a main focus.
The Buffalo News noted small businesses can no longer simply put an “open” sign on the door and expect consumers to walk in. Consumers increasingly shop and search through mobile devices. Small businesses must be at the other end of that search to be successful in the modern world.
