The retail industry took a huge hit from the pandemic. Industry-leading brands, like TopShop, closed their stores permanently after lockdown. More customers started shopping online as highstreets shut down and more covid restrictions set in. Fast forward two years and the online shopping sector has grown tremendously.
You might be struggling to keep up with the increased demand of your expanding customer base. However, it can be difficult to sustain this growth in the long run. Here are a few ways you can manage the growth of your online retail company.
Quality web design
Your website is often the first impression customers get out of your brand. It needs to be sharp, fresh and well-functioning. There is nothing worse than a website filled with buttons that do not work. Your website can impact your SEO ratings and your brand’s reputation. Find a skilled web designer to create your website from scratch and present your company in the best light possible. You need to showcase your brand values, goals and accomplishments so far.
Secure systems
Your system needs to be secure – from customer registration to checkout. Your customer information needs to be protected from cyber-attacks. A safe system will reassure customers to invest in your brand and sign up for mailing lists or company accounts. If your system is hacked, investors, clients and customers could lose trust in your brand. Security is paramount for online retailers. You can discuss this with your website team and ask them to look into online security. An open banking system could be the perfect solution for your business.
Customer support
Many customers like to ask an employee for advice in a physical store. The employee could help you style a piece of clothing or find the item in your size. However, the same level of customer support is often not available with online stores. Brands can use social media and quick messaging to connect with customers. You could run free giveaways on social media to give back to your customers. Many online retailers also use sizing guides to help customers find their perfect size without seeing the piece in person.
As your online business expands, you need to maintain the quality of your products and service. Many brands let their customer service slip as they struggle to keep up with rapid growth. Stay on top of your business, and make sure your customers are the priority. Remember – your business would not exist without your fantastic customer base.
