Do you have a local business and you think that digitizing the customer relationship is not possible? Well think again, it is not incompatible! Use an effective strategy to digitize your customer relationship quickly.
How to digitize your customer relationship when you are a local business?
Just because you're a convenience store doesn't mean you won't be successful in your digital transformation! On the contrary, this type of store wins back the hearts of consumers. However, it is up to you to seize the ball in flight by offering digital services that will allow potential buyers to discover your real added value.
In order to digitize your customer relationship, consider, for example, joining programs that are probably already in place in your municipality. The creation of interfaces for local shops in the same city is increasing. The objective is to centralize information and give visibility to small local businesses. All the small businesses are then grouped together under the same platform and gain visibility on the web with Internet users.
Add value to your small business by placing technology at the heart of your strategy. Work on your referencing in Google on terms related to your activity and the city where you are located (example: “Montpellier bakery”). Present your offer and offer practical information via Google My Business. This free service offered by Google allows you to create a file with a set of information that will be displayed to Internet users (address, telephone number, reviews, photos, map, etc.).
Consumers are increasingly looking for local businesses, but their search behaviors have changed and they are starting their shopping journey online. This is when you need to be visible. For this, the first thing to do is to work on your local SEO. In this way, you will easily manage to bring the barge to the store.
It is also up to you to reach mobile users and socionauts by making yourself known on social networks. Use these communication channels to disseminate information about your store, about your commercial animation, etc.
Then, the objective is to digitize the services offered in your point of sale. People are looking for practicality. It's up to you not to disappoint them. Offer click and collect or e-reservation, for example. This way, consumers will save time once they arrive at your store. They can either pick up their package directly or try on what they have booked online in the store. In store, an interactive terminal allowing you to order items that are no longer in stock or allowing you to consult the product catalog quickly is a very good idea in order to optimize the shopping experience. Don't fight digital, use it to maximize customer delight!
Did you know ? You have more than one advantage over the big brands! For example, by being a convenience store, you have the possibility of being much faster in delivery. And above all, consumers trust you much more because they know that in the event of a problem, they can go to the store that is located near them.
Mobile at the heart of your digitalization strategy
As a convenience store, you too need to exist on your customers' mobile phones. Offer practical services for individuals such as mobile payment or e-couponing. You can also provide a mobile application that will allow customers to obtain more information about your products. On the other hand, never block internet access in your physical store. This is not how you will prevent consumers from comparing your products with other competing products.
The mobile can also be used to recognize your customers and send them an SMS or an email with a discount code when it passes near your store (principle combined with geolocation). However, be careful here not to run into concerns about intrusion into privacy. Warn Internet users and play it! For example, create posters in your window communicating the fact that holders of your mobile application can receive exclusive offers simply by passing near your store!
To conclude, the convenience store is a real strategic asset and can bring a lot if it is correctly combined with a digital strategy. The physical relationship with consumers is highly valued. So don't forget the basics: advice and hospitality are the essential qualities of a good merchant. Simply learn how to combine them with complementary digital actions!
