Tips For Using Facebook To Augment Your Brick And Mortar Retail
In the early 2000s, there was only one way to shop, and that was to walk into a shop. Fast forward to today (20 years later), and consumers have several ways to buy. Everyone talks about how Amazon and other online stores have put pressure on brick-and-mortar stores, but the truth is, regardless of how popular online shopping becomes, there will always be a need for physical stores. Some people don’t like waiting for packages to show up at their doorstep; they would rather walk into a store and have the product right then and there. Other people would prefer not to pay shipping fees and the ability to try products out before they make a purchase.
Although there will always be a place for brick-and-mortar shops, it’s essential to recognize that time have changed. If you’re not offering your products online, you are missing out on a ton of revenue.
With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, several brick-and-mortar businesses have had no choice other than to get their business started on Facebook. This has been a huge transition for many businesses, but in the big scheme of things, most business owners have recognized that it’s worked in their favor. While businesses can’t be open for sales, they can still make sales to online customers- and that’s at all hours of the day! Not only can you sell all day every day, but you maximize your audience. So rather than just selling to the folks that walk into your business, you have the opportunity to make a sale to anyone who comes across your products online.
At Joseph Studios, we understand the brick-and-mortar way of doing things is the only way some people know how to do things. Getting into Facebook shops and online sales seems like a huge transition that might be too complicated to navigate. That’s why we have put together this guide so anyone can use Facebook to augment their brick and mortar shop. Let’s get started!
Set Your Business Page Up
If you don’t have a business Facebook page, now is the time to make one. The good news is, it doesn’t take long, and in a matter of minutes, you can have access to several tools that can help your business in the long run with all the data it provides.
Once you have the business page set up, you will log into it, and on the main page timeline, below the cover photo, you will want to select the button that says, “add a shop.”
A pop-up window should come up asking if you want to add a section. When you click on the “add a shop section,” you will be present with a set of guidelines. Accept these and continue.
Add The Details
The next step is to add all of the details that are necessary for your shop. You will enter your business email address, which is where any Facebook shop requests will go. We highly suggest that you select the box that allows your business email to receive customer service inquires.
In this section, you will also add all of your store’s information such as an address, phone number, website, etc.,
Set Up Payment Information
There are two ways you can receive payments with Facebook Shop:
- Pay through Facebook via PayPal or a Stripe Account
- Customers are sent to your website to make payments.
While one way might seem more comfortable than the other, keep in mind that consumers today are all about convenience. So, while your website might seem like the most comfortable option, you will also want to consider what works best for your consumers. The easier it is for folks, the more likely you are to make a sale!
Finish Up Your Shop
Once all the information and payment information for your shop is in place, you are ready to make your shop live.
Once you make the shop live, you will be able to go to your business page, click “Shop,” and then “add product.” This is the fun part for most people. Perhaps the most difficult and time-consuming part about it all is having high-quality photos of your product that can be shared online. If you don’t have any pictures, you will want to get started right away so people can view the product.
Once you have the product in place, you can add the price, description, and any other information you believe is essential that will promote interest in the products.
Market, Market, Market
That’s just about all there is to it with Facebook Shops. This might be a big adjustment for many business owners, but don’t forget about all of the benefits of this new online shop (it’s worth it!)
The final step to the Facebook shop is ongoing. You will want to let your customers know that rather than coming into the shop, they can buy your products online!
Not only will you want to market your Facebook Shop to your current customer base, but you will want to sell to new customers. After all, this is one of the most significant benefits of the online shop. Keep in mind that there is unlimited potential with Facebook Shop. You can reach people all around the world with the right marketing strategy.
Joseph Studios: Helping Business Owners Transition to Facebook Shop
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on some challenging times for everyone, especially brick-and-mortar retailers. At Joseph Studios, we’re here to shine some light and help you make the most out of the tough situation.
If Facebook Shop seems intimidating to you-don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Our social media experts here at Joseph Studios are ready to take on all of your challenges. We will do everything from helping you set up your business page, setting up the shop, and of course, market to your customers!
When you work with Joseph Studios, our social media team will build and foster an online community for your business. We will share your products in relevant groups and forums so that you have strong relationships with loyal customers. With just a little bit of help from our team, your Facebook Shop can generate an incredible amount of revenue.
Want to learn more about our social media subscription? Talk to our team today!
