With so many online shoppers, this presents a huge opportunity for retailers over the coming years (preferably months) to engage with their customers on all platforms. Any retailer that begins the process of improving their online presence will undoubtedly reap the rewards almost instantly.
Why Are There So Few Responsive Websites?
The increase of mobile and tablet shopping isn't a new trend, so why have so many retailers neglected this opportunity for online growth?
One of the reasons retailers hesitate to sell online is due to the hassle of combining in-store inventory with online stock. Understandably, this could make the online world seem less attractive, but effective solutions do exist that seamlessly integrate in-store point of sale with online inventory so that you can sell from one warehouse to customers in any physical location.
Ensuring a responsive web store is no longer an option, but an essential element of a retailer's environment. It can be a simple process. As a very basic outline of the steps involved, retailers can begin with the following questions:
1. Do you have a responsive website? When speaking with a developer or third-party provider, responsive should come standard — catering to your entire mobile, tablet and desktop users. If you don't have a responsive website, ensure you achieve this ASAP given Google's new algorithm update.
2. Do you sell online, and does it integrate data and inventory with your in-store POS? This is an important one as it permeates into every element of your business. A seamless connection of online inventory with in-store inventory means you have full control, transparency and accurate information to the minute.
3. Are you building your customer list? Your customer database is one of your most valued business possessions, so ensure you're working towards building it via your in-store POS and your website.