Even at the highest echelons of business, there is still a tendency to view the online and brick-and-mortar spheres as two completely separate sales environments. This is despite the fact that it is almost impossible nowadays for one to exist without the other, and the vast majority of all small businesses have a website.
If you run a physical retail or services location, your online presence is your most important asset for boosting sales, since you cannot rely on foot traffic alone. Here are some easy ways to leverage your digital footprint to boost your physical sales.
Be reachable
Your online presence is the gateway to your physical store. It is how the majority of would-be customers will discover your business in the first place and decide to go in. If they notice your physical location first, they are likely to look you up on Google before heading inside.
As such, you should ensure that your local SEO (search engine optimization) is nailed down so that people in your community notice you first when searching for the products or services you offer. Set up your Google My Business page as a starting point, and make sure to include as much geographic information as possible on your site.
Social media savvy
Social media is a very effective tool for building a community of customers. You should consider conducting some market research into your target local demographic. From here, you can create social media posts that engage this demographic effectively and encourage them to visit your brick-and-mortar location. You can also make use of online promotions and giveaways to rack up more followers and increase the reach of your online brand. 
Enhance accessibility
Your web presence should serve to make your business more accessible. This means that it should be very easy to find essential information about your business in less than two clicks on your site. A stellar example here is the new bingo near me function on the Buzz Bingo website, which allows anyone to enter their location to instantly get directions to their nearest Buzz Bingo branch. This kind of ready information will encourage more people to visit your physical location, so take some time to provide it.
Incentivize reviews
Take it from us, a customer will very rarely take your word for it if you say that your business is the best. These days, customers are likely to consult as many reviews as possible prior to making any sort of purchasing decision. This means that you must try and solicit as many reviews from real customers as possible, in order to build up your presence and establish yourself as a trustworthy business. Offer discounts or raffle entries to anyone who leaves a review on popular platforms such as Google or Yelp. Do not shy away from negative reviews, and always reach out to understand what you could have done better.
In 2022, your online presence will determine your in-store success. Follow these tips to ensure that the two go hand-in-hand.
