It is indeed challenging speaking with some long-time exporters on making them understand why they should have a website, and/or why their current website does not work for them. Those who do not have websites would always tell us “We’ve been in this business for years and survived without a website.” While some of those who have websites states “We do not see nor realize how our website work for us.”
Then I tell them, having a website does not only mean that they just need to go with the flow. Having a website actually is a means of advertising over the internet which is being used todate by 1.1B people worldwide. That they need to use it as a part of their marketing strategy.
Now, the question is, is their website a “decorative” one? Or a “functional” one?
Yes, it should be your online showroom. But your website should be more than that. It should be able to lower your cost of sales, increase your profits by helping you manage your inventories better, and enable you to manage your customer data base thru newsletters/email marketing - anytime, anywhere!
For a website to be functional, it should at least have the following Online Catalogue Features:
• Multiple layouts. Make sure the catalog you use has the type of catalog layouts to make your products look their best. If you’re selling very visual product fashion accessories, home décor, and furniture for example, it’s better to use thumbnail images – that expands to larger images as your layout option, allowing your customers to scan through your products more easily.
• Product options. If you’re going to sell products with variable colors, sizes, etc, make sure the catalog allows you to create an options list for your products. If you’re selling jewelry, for example, you could offer the same product in different colors, sizes and materials.
• Product Search Function – your buyer should be able simply enter Product Code and Model in the search bar. And find exactly what they are looking for.
• Inquiry Basket – make it easy for your buyer to click all the products they are interested in and then easily send inquiry on prices, required minimum order, shipping, availability and others. These will make it easy for your prospective buyer to send questions that is essential to generate new markets.
• Password-protected Administrative Section – where you can easily change and add product information – narrative, photos and pricing. You will as well be able to view here all your customer information and sales data.
• A Customer Database – this is an important function of the online catalogue. Your website a database backend where you can easily scan through your customer information, including their inquiries. This will make it particularly easy for you to deliver fast service to your regular customers.
• You should have a Core set of Inquiry and Sales-related Reports that can be viewed and easily printed.
These reports include:
o Customer Data
o Customer address
o Inquiry History
o Inquiry Carts
o Best Viewed Products
You get all of these and more when you sign up for an AnnexStore Package .
An effective website will definitely compliment your business.
Mabuhay!