The importance of a digital storefront in an era of online business

First impressions have never been more important, but now they’re digital. With the rise of online retail, business, and consumer-employee communication, a modern, sleek, and intelligent digital footprint is more important than ever.

The Miner Agency can help you understand its importance and how to turn it into a profit-making part of your business for 2021.

It does not matter if it is bank statements, car payments, groceries, clothes, or even medicine, the business world has moved online.

In an era of modern technology, featuring apps, websites and social media, a well-designed digital storefront can be the difference between capitalistic success and catastrophe.

To keep up with ever-growing competition, a fully functional and easy-to-use website can be the most important part of keeping customers and keeping them happy.

The Miner Agency is poised to help your business create the digital storefront of your dreams, while making sure it is practical, modern and easy to use.

But how important is a quality digital storefront? We asked an expert in business herself, Robins Regional Chamber President and CEO April Bragg, who said a strong website makes all the difference.

“A professional, user-friend website is essential for businesses in today’s environment. Whether consumers plan to purchase online, research your products and services, or are merely looking for contact information, they’re looking online first,” Bragg said when talking with The Miner Agency.

Bragg, a well-respected leader of the Robins Regional Chamber, has kept an eye on business in middle Georgia for years and has seen the importance of a strong digital product.

“It’s important for your website to come up in the top results and lead them to a quality, easy-to-use website with the information they need to know.  In terms of functionality, I personally believe the most universal “must” for a website today is mobile responsiveness. Cell phone usage is at an all-time high, but ironically, “making a phone call” doesn’t even rank in the top reasons people use their phones. They’re using it to shop, browse, and pull information online either through their browser or an app,” Bragg emphasized.

And she’s right. Ninety-six percent of Americans use and have a cellphone, according to Pew Research. They also found 81% of those are smartphones, up from 35% just nine years ago.

Not to mention, 92% of advertisers’ dream spending demographic of Americans aged 30-49 own a smartphone.

What does this mean for you? It means a good website is not all you need. You need intelligent web design, which transitions well to mobile browsers, strong social media, and if applicable, a good app.

“If you want to be where the people are, Ariel, you have to be online; and your website isn’t enough. Here in middle Georgia we have thousands of local business not only building brand awareness and relationships through social, but many have turned to social media to sell their products. Social selling for some area retailers is 3-4 times more than they sell through their website each month.  If I had one piece of advice for someone trying to grow their social presence, it’s this: be authentic,” Bragg added when asked about the importance of being where people are browsing.

To build it, you need a partner willing to listen. At The Miner Agency, we sit down with the customer in a discovery process. What are your goals and objectives? How can we align the client goals with the appropriate avenues for the desired end product? Let us help you, be you, online for your business.

And, some of it you can do yourself with how you manage your social media pages and scheduled posts. Bragg gave some advice to business owners searching for the right content.

“People want to engage, connect, and even buy from people, not pages.  Read that again. People buy from PEOPLE. Many times, we let our pages do all of the talking. I challenge business owners make sure the page represents their authentic voice. And show your face, spotlight employees, customers, vendors, anybody! We are naturally wired to crave connection – now more than ever. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!” Bragg said.

American and global consumers are already moved online. It’s not happening, it’s happened. You need to be there to meet them and give them quality options. The Miner Agency can help make it happen and showcase what you have to offer. For those do-it-yourselfers, visit shop.mineragency.com to build your own quality storefront site. For those that like to have a guide in the process, visit us at www.themineragency.com or @mineragency on social to connect with us today.

“CEO April Bragg and the Robins Regional Chamber were contacted for their input and expertise on the importance of digital storefronts and digital presence, especially locally. Their views and statements do not represent an endorsement of The Miner Agency, nor were they compensated for participating in this article.”

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