5 steps to transform your physical business into digital

1. Communicate with your customers

Even from a distance, your customers and potential customers need to know that your doors are open and ready to serve them. They must understand, in a clear and practical way, what are your opening hours, how deliveries are made, what prices are and, of course, what services and products are available.

To get started, first identify which channels and social networks your audience is on: do they use WhatsApp , Instagram more or do they prefer to see the catalog on a website? If you don’t know the answer, do a quick phone survey of your most loyal customers.

Defining the communication channel is important to adapt the language to the audience, as well as the images and approach you will use. Never leave your customer unanswered and always be transparent about information are the basic tips for success in any communication path you choose.

with clear objectives that passed through the customers’ scrutiny. The chances of getting it right in this case are much higher.

2. Selling through social networks

To align your business online, you need to sell through social media. After all, they are one of the great ways to relate to your customer. Even more so now that physical establishments are closed.

If you sell clothes, accessories, books or food items, use Instagram to post photos of your products and make them attractive to your customers.

In addition, social networks allow you to link advertisements promoting your wares. If you want a step-by-step guide on the subject, read our article: Advertising and selling on social networks.

Use the networks also as a form of customer service, opening the channel for them to clear up doubts. Thus, you maintain closeness with them, even if you are far away.

3. Cover from a distance

After arousing people’s attention and interest, make sure your finances are sufficiently organized to start charging and receiving in a new, uncomplicated and accessible way: the payments link.

After the sale, the link is generated with general information about the transaction (amount, payment term and description) and sent to the customer through the means they choose, whether email, WhatsApp, SMS message or social networks.

You don’t need to have a website to use this model and the billing period is determined by the business owner. Another advantage is that payment receipts come to you via messages, which makes it easier to control the business’s cash flow.

4. Deliver well and fast

In addition to the correct approach to making your sales , billing and receiving remotely, an important aspect for digital businesses is the quality of delivery.

Unlike a physical store, a virtual business is able to serve customers at a much greater distance. This greatly expands sales capacity to other states and even other countries, but requires care in strategy, both in terms of communication and logistics.

So, you need to know if it’s worth making deliveries far away from where your establishment is. To come to a conclusion, do research on shipping costs and average delivery time to recipient to adjust pricing and shipping information.

Another point of attention is the packaging that will take your product to the customer. Choose quality packaging that guarantees delivery without damage to the products.

These items must maintain the same appearance as the product displayed by you in your company’s publicity stores. The quality of the packaging and the speed of delivery ensure the loyalty of its customers.

Also, just because you’re on digital and away from your customers doesn’t mean you can’t get closer to them and be present. For this, a tip is to customize your deliveries. How about sending a handwritten letter to customers who buy from you for the first time?

Another possibility is to write the customer’s name on the package with a positive message and a smiley face. These are small gestures, but they bring the consumer closer to your brand and make it memorable.

5. Choose between own or outsourced fleet

Still thinking about delivery logistics, choose which type of fleet you will adopt: own or outsourced.

With the first, you have more control over the entire process, which ensures less bureaucracy and more agility. At the same time, this option can present higher costs and involve more responsibilities, such as supervising the vehicles used, controlling licenses and training drivers.

Outsourced fleet management, on the other hand, usually has pre-defined costs in the contract, so you know exactly how much it will weigh in your pocket at the end of the month.

The maintenance of the vehicles and the qualification of the professionals are also in the hands of the contracted company. On the other hand, you have less decision-making power and less control over operations, which increases risks during delivery.

Evaluate your goals and calculate what is most worthwhile for you. Also, be sure to research the various existing options to make the best decision for your business and ensure efficient delivery to consumers.