Small Businesses Need To Look Bigger Online
If this survey is correct then your small business could be in jeopardy.
In addition, PayPoint found that among 1000 consumers, just 3 percent of online shoppers are likely to trust a small online business with their money, preferring to shop with larger online brands. A further 81 percent say they have doubt about the security credentials of small, unknown companies.
In order to be taken seriously by your prospect customers, you’ve got to convince them that they can trust you. How do you do that? One way is to make it appear as if you are larger than you are. It is difficult to succeed online if you look like a small business.
Keep in mind that this is true of online-only businesses. If you are a local business with an internet presence and you are targeting local consumers to drive them to your brick-and-mortar store then your strategy will be slightly different. But if you are an online-only business and you are targeting consumers globally, it makes sense to spend time branding your company and appearing larger. How do you do that?
Here are some ways you can make yourself look bigger than you are:
- Make your URL a keyword-targeted brand
- Have a customer service number where people can call you and answer the phone in a professional manner using your business name and personal name with a “How may I help you” greeting
- Include an online chat feature
- Go to great pains to ensure your customers that you provide security for their private information
People like doing business with people so keep it personal. But they want the security of doing business with a large company so be professional. There is still some skepticism about doing business online. Alleviate people’s fears as much as possible.
Melberg Marketing
Blue Chip Marketing Tips
Small Business Mavericks
Tags: Branding, online marketing, small business, web security