Running your entire business over the internet isn’t necessary to benefit from online opportunities. This means your online journey can start slow and build as you see value.

It can’t be denied that there is a great deal of value to going online and these include:

• Global access, 24/7
• Improved customer service through flexibility and availability
• Cost Saving
• Faster delivery of products/services/information
• Increased professionalism
• Reputability
• Less paper waste
• Opportunity to manage your business if travelling

In addition to this, customers often prefer to look online rather then visiting a store in person or calling. It’s also expected that your address, business hours and contact details are readily available online.

Online also provides many opportunities in ways to manage your business (dependent on what product/services you offer) and can include:

• Customer communication including feedback
• Offering an online booking service
• Running an online store or selling automotive products
• Managing your suppliers
• Finance management such an online banking, tax and employee pay
• Researching your competitors

Online tools are constantly evolving, so while you’re planning to build or upgrade your website/social media presence, make sure you do the following:

• Research your competitors and see what does/doesn’t work for them
• Decide what aspects of online will benefit your business
• Familiarise yourself with any laws/regulations that apply to online business activity
• Think about training your staff
• Be realistic