We all know that the internet is an excellent way for companies to advertise their offer. However, companies must know how to use it and one of the key points is to know the difference between a website and an online store. Which will be the best for your business? Do the two suit?
Let’s see in this article the differences between website and online store, which will help to clarify some doubts and make the best decisions.
Differences between website and online store
On websites, users consume information and make requests, such as subscribing to the newsletter, sending requests on forms or making other contact. In addition, it is good for companies to make their catalogs available online.
The online store is also a website, but with different functionalities as it allows people to shop and make payments online. So whenever someone makes a purchase on the site without human interaction, we can say that it is an online store.
So these are the basic differences between the two. Next, let’s see what you need to know before you develop a website or an online store.
Before developing a website:
- Having just a website posted on the internet will not guarantee more business for your company. It is necessary to invest in digital marketing so that the site is used for the benefit of the company. For example, many websites are not mobile-friendly, that is, they open up very well on computers, but on mobile phones they fail or become unconfigured. Another example is confusing websites, with little information about the company and its offer.
- Think about the contents of your website and how to order them. For example, if the site puts all your services or products on the same page, Google will not understand about what the page is about. So, divide by categories of products or services, with several URLs specific to each.
- Websites need to be updated. Google values the most up-to-date websites and wants to deliver the most relevant and recent results to users.
- The results on Google are in the medium to long term. If your website has a blog (and we recommend you have one!), The results will only begin to see after six months to a year.
Before developing an online store:
- Build a good digital reputation for your brand and grow on Google in an organic way. Also, grow in social media because they help build reputation online and people trust your store.
- Think about the whole sales process: system integrated to the store, stock, logistics, etc. Everything needs to be well thought out and well organized before you start investing in the store.
- Build a relationship with customers. Use social media in favor of branding by interacting with potential customers.
- Invest in marketing. To be able to sell with an online store, you need planning, research and a good plan of action.
In short, enjoy the online world to generate sales and business. Find out which is the best platform for your business and which best suits your audience. Analyze the market opportunities as well as the competitors to know what their actions are. If they already have a virtual store, it’s time to create one!