With advancements in digital communication and technology, it is easier than ever to run a business that is purely online. This refers to any company that uses the internet to connect with and sell to customers across the globe. Running an online business may not seem like a concrete business move with many individuals still preferring good old physical store shopping. However, the world is changing and growing increasingly dependent on online shopping. So, what are some benefits of doing business on the internet?
Global Access
The main attraction of online business is that you can easily cross borders and boundaries. For example, even if you are based in Chicago, you can expand your business to Singapore and sell to Singapore customers. And if communication is your concern, you can connect with customers in that area through email, live chat, or Singapore numbers. You may even consider hiring remote employees in states or countries you want to sell in and have them control communications there.
24/7 Customer Service
Your online business can provide customer service or support 24/7 as there won’t really be any office hours to cater to. While this may be a deal-breaker for some, there are ways to provide 24/7 customer service with online businesses without disrupting your work-life balance.
With a fully functional and well-designed website, visitors and shoppers won’t even need your help. They can read product descriptions, look up reviews, watch video tutorials (if applicable), add items to their cart, proceed to checkout, and complete their purchase. All without the assistance of someone from your business.
For troubleshooting or additional assistance, they can call your business and leave a voicemail or interact with your automated interactive voice response (IVR). You can get an IVR system customized and set up from a virtual phone service provider. This system provides callers with menu options and based on the caller input, it assists them automatically. Your IVR can provide assistance with:
- Troubleshooting
- Transferring the call to the right employee or department
- Payment processing
- Product or company information
- Account verification
- Common FAQs
- Record complaints and cases
- Provide status updates, etc.
All of this can help your business provide customers and interested prospects with necessary information and help, even when you are unavailable.
Lesser Expenditures
With an online business, you need not open multiple offices or rent spaces. You would, therefore, be able to save on office space and office supply costs as well as commuting costs, if you operate remotely.
You may consider online advertising to promote and boost your business’ visibility. There are many free to low-cost ways to advertise your online business. Even creating your website can be self-taught and free, if you know what you are doing. Writing blogs and informative or educational articles here can demonstrate your expertise in the field and draw more customers to your business. Using social media, as well, is free and easy.
However, if you do decide to spend more on your marketing efforts, you can successfully run campaigns within a comfortable budget. So, when you create your business plan, remember to save space for Google Ads and social media ads.
Operate From Anywhere
Lastly, you can manage and run this online business from anywhere in the world. This means that you and your team are not restricted or limited to one location. You can move and travel with your business and run operations no matter where you are. Furthermore, you remain accessible and connected through the internet and technology.
Now, isn’t that the dream? So, do you think you are prepared to build your own online business and sell to customers across the world? Why wait? There’s no day like today, get started on your business plan!
