What solutions should a small business look for when planning to expand their online presence?

Every business owner must come to terms with the fact that this is an online world. Those businesses who have already embraced virtual storefronts attest to the accompanying boost of sales. However, if you are a small business that has an outdated website or none at all, you are at a disadvantage. In either case, you need a solution that is quick and inexpensive to keep up with the industry and modern customer trends.

Adding cloud-based point of sale technology to your suite of business tools is a step in the right direction. This provides online options that work to attract customers while presenting you with new options for growing your business. But how do you go about building a POS system with online ordering support on a small business budget? 

Start with seamless integration of point of sale tools.

The best online ordering solution is one that is based on tools that work well with each other. The POS tools you use must be in sync with the other to ensure success and accurate operations. Some of these seamless integrations must include:

• Cloud-based data storage
• Synchronization of sales information and inventory data
• Integrations of common business tools like invoicing products with POS tools
• Intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for staff and customers
   

A fully integrated POS solution will get your online presence up and running rapidly. These tools allow you to offer a white-glove experience to your customers regardless of where you or they are located. This will aid in broadening your reach and create an inviting atmosphere, both in person or virtual.

Payment options must be compatible with online ordering options

Presenting a customer with online ordering is only one part of what is necessary for integration. A POS-integrated website and full POS tool integration are all in vain if the customer cannot easily pay. But before you address this, examine this shortlist of payment options that support both in-person and online transactions:

• Mobile payment apps
• Virtual terminals
• Web-based invoicing
   

Implementing any of these payment options will yield immediate dividends in every customer transaction. Payment acceptance options expand and become more secure, while the speed of completing a transaction adds to a customer’s convenience. The resulting data gained via these transactions yield options for performing in-depth data analysis. 

Cloud-based data storage is a must-have

Do you know which of your products or services are more likely to be purchased online or viewed online then purchased in-person? The answers to these questions, even if you guess right today, will bring different answers tomorrow. This is where the benefits of online ordering have an even greater impact on your business than the sales themselves.

Utilizing the full power of cloud-based data storage will make available the same data analytics used by larger businesses. This allows you to generate an assortment of predictive sales models to keep you a step ahead of the customer. Effectively reading your customers’ minds can transform you from just a place to go into the place to go.

Customer engagement spreads to all business channels

Using your POS solution as the foundation for driving online sales adds to the attractiveness of your brand. Customers feel empowered in their engagement with it as they can now fully customize their experience on their terms. Developing an intuitive online ordering presence takes the customer beyond your walls and into a limitless virtual world.

Your online presence transforms the products and services you provide by giving the customer:

• An endless aisle experience 
• 24/7 access
• The ability to try things in store to order later
• Contactless experiences
   

These are all modern conveniences that today’s consumers are expecting and that can set you apart from your competitors. 

Learn more about point of sale options that include online ordering capability.