If you’re selling products or services, you know the importance of having a presence on the internet. It lets you connect with customers as well as demonstrates professionalism and shares useful information about your products and provides you with the opportunity to advertise your company. Have you thought about the idea of creating an online store for selling your products? Yes, online stores are a fantastic option for more than businesses that focus on products. They also aid service-based business to become more efficient, make more money and keep their customers content.
Let’s examine why an online store can be an ideal way to sell your products and services. We’ll also discuss how you can easily incorporate a WooCommerce online shop on your current WordPress website.
What is the reason why a service-based business requires an online store?
There are numerous reasons to make use of WooCommerce to offer your products and products or. It lets you:
1. Easily accept payments
It’s not easy managing the payment process for a service-based business. It’s common to leave depositing checks unattended, forgetting to follow-up and send invoices, as well as managing the payment information from a range of sources.
However, listing your services online simplifies the process. If, for instance, you provide graphic design and other services then you may have a “product” list for the design of logos. You could also have another that is for cards to businesses, as well as one to create custom illustrations. If a client is interested in logo design, they could purchase it before time online, meaning you’re not required to send invoices, coordinating payments, and then following up.
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This makes it easier for your customers. They can pay for your services at the office, from their home, or even from the road using their mobile phones anytime. If you allow different payment options, they can pay with the credit card of their choice, PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, or whatever is easiest for them.
2. Manage recurring payments
Like many businesses that provide services that are based on service, you can make recurring payments to maintain your plans. However, remembering to issue invoices regularly is a pain and, if you don’t then you might be missing out on revenue.
WooCommerce Subscriptions make this process easier for you. Let’s say you offer pest control services and offer treatments each month. Customers can sign up for your service, and WooCommerce will charge their card each month. If the card is denied for reasons beyond their control, they’ll get an email to update their account information. There’s no need to follow up! You can change or upgrade their plans through their account, without needing to contact or write your client service team.
3. Charge for service upgrades
Some of your products may come with optional upgrades to allow your customers to get precisely what they need to meet their particular circumstances. By using your Extension for Product Add-Ons extensions, you can easily incorporate them on your product pages and adjust the price of your services by what your clients choose.
4. Create a client portal
If a client buys your service the client will automatically be granted access to your account page. If the product is physical such as this, it will let them view their shipping details, check and alter orders, and so on. With a few modifications, you could also make use of this page as a useful customer information hub!
If you’re a web developer or already have one you could make a few PHP modifications to include specific areas for form submissions, document downloads, crucial information for each customer helpful content, and more. For those with no programming skills, you can make use of to use the extension of the WooCommerce membership to give access to content, courses, and forms exclusively for customers who pay.
5. Set up appointments
In many instances, customers require appointments, whether you offer services over the phone via Zoom as well as in person. This process can be simplified by using this WooCommerce Bookings extension. You can define fixed times that you’re open and let customers select the best time for their schedule. Additionally, you can automate mail confirmations and reminders to minimize the chance of a no-show.
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6. Sell online courses
Your expertise is in the field whether it’s interior design web development, interior design, or watercolor painting baking. Have you thought about sharing your information with those who wish to improve their skills?
With LearnDash You can design classes that include videos, lessons, and tests, and then sell them on your site. This is a fantastic method of generating additional income, that is somewhat passive, for your business.
7. Handle everything in one place
If your website using WordPress producing content, updating your business’s information as well as accepting contact forms then adding your billing process on the same platform can boost the effectiveness of your process.
On the same dashboard that you’re used to the ability to list services and accept payments, make refunds, and handle customers.
8. Display offerings in a visually pleasing way
One of the most appealing aspects of selling your services through WooCommerce is the capability to showcase all your services appealingly.
9. Market more effectively
Online selling your services gives you the chance to use more sophisticated and efficient marketing strategies. For example, you can:
- Automatically suggest related services. Automatically recommend related upsells, cross-sells, and upsells to increase the number of orders.
- Contact customers who added your service to their cart, but did not buy.
- Send targeted advertisements to customers who have visited your site, but then left.
- Offer coupons and discounts for customers who have been with us for a long time.
- Send out emails with coupons and recommendations codes based on your previous purchases and interests.
- Create an incentive program that rewards clients who have been with you for a long time.
These marketing strategies could result in more money and more satisfied customers.
How to set up your service-based business store
How do you start selling your services online? If your website has been built with WordPress then you’re just one step away.
1. Install and set up WooCommerce
The primary task is installing WooCommerce that is done by clicking the Plugins tab Add New on your WordPress dashboard and looking to find “WooCommerce.” After you’ve activated it, you’ll be guided through the wizard that guides you through the various initial settings that are specific to your requirements.
2. Create and display your services
Add each of your services as products by following this guide. In many cases, you’ll need to make virtual products that don’t require shipping. However, you may also create products that are:
- Easy. Basic service with no alternatives, such as the half-hour massage or one-time consultation.
- Variable. A service that offers options for dry cleanings, such as a service, which offers options for trousers, shirts, or suits.
It is essential that for every service you offer make sure you have detailed descriptions as well as photographs of high-quality. This is a great opportunity to show off your work, and also explain what customers can expect from you.
3. Accept payments
Determine how you would like to take payments. Would your customers prefer to pay using a debit or credit card? Paypal, Apple Pay as well as Amazon Pay? Do you want to accept cheques? Generally, having several choices is the best option since it offers an option for everyone.
4. Set up extras, like subscriptions or bookings
Do you want to make regular payments, schedule paid appointments, or offer classes? It’s a must to install an extension most of which we’ve covered earlier in this article. Extensions are plugins that were designed specifically to improve the functionality of WooCommerce.
5. Market to your clients
If you’re ready for selling your services, you must market to prospective and current customers! There are so many methods to promote your services. The best option is likely to be an amalgamation of several strategies.
- Marketing emails via email. Contact your existing customers with specials coupons, upsells, and deals.
- Social media marketing. Connect with others using Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other platform. You can choose to publish content and connect with followers naturally or purchase advertisements on social media.
- Paid search ads. Utilize tools such as Google Ads to bring your business in front of completely new prospects that you can convert into customers.
- Content marketing. Make informative blog posts videos, blog posts, eBooks, and more than inform your visitors on your website and turn them into paying customers.
Conclusion
Making an online store that allows you for your products can be a great method to improve your workflow, earn more income and keep customers returning again and again. There’s no better option than WooCommerce. You can have the most flexibility and simplicity of use.
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