For small businesses, getting online is often an afterthought. The focus is on honing your product or service, gaining a customer base and managing orders. But, according to 1-grid CEO Thomas Vollrath, having an online presence is fast becoming a must-have, and not a nice extra on the side.

The significant rise in popularity of e-commerce, the contactless payment preferences encouraged by the Covid-19 pandemic and the sheer number of consumers who browse online before making a purchase decision means that having an online presence is vital to meeting clients and customers where they are looking for you.

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If you need a bit more convincing that now, more than ever, you need to get your business online, here are the top four reasons.

1. Consumers want to see you online

If you’re under the impression that only the “younger” generation, or more technologically advanced, browse and purchase online, that is certainly no longer the case. According to Smart Insights, 81% of consumers search for a product or service to buy online.

So, while your business doesn’t have to be online only, consumers certainly expect to find you and learn more about you online before making a purchase decision.

2. It’s no longer an expensive exercise

It’s a relatively inexpensive task to get your business presence readily available to interested consumers. Setting up an e-commerce website can be done simply and affordably with a DIY website builder that provides simple templates, fonts, colours and payment gateways to set you up in less than 24 hours.

Plus, setting up a website is relatively low in risk, in comparison to purchasing or renting a physical office or store, hiring staff and resources.

3. It helps you reach a larger audience

As of January 2021, 38.1 million South Africans are active Internet users. In a country where smartphone adoption is close to 100%, it’s clear that if you aren’t online, your business is missing potential clients or customers browsing online.

By relying purely on word of mouth, or foot traffic past your store, you’re missing out on all those online searchers looking for your product or service online.

4. Build a loyal community faster

By being discoverable online, you’re on a path to building a brand and loyal following right where consumers are. From your website, to your social media platforms, there are far more opportunities to connect and engage with potential clients or customers. Plus, these platforms give you the opportunity to advertise to a wider audience who will follow your brand and business journey if they identify with you.

The SME space is rapidly changing and expanding in South Africa. While we may not have all the answers, taking your business online is one way to adapt to the way consumers now interact with and choose a business to purchase from.