Everyone knows that Facebook is a great way to connect with potential customers, but what about selling your products directly on the social network? SocialShops have recently become a popular option among small businesses, but there are pros and cons to this selling method. Regardless, as a small business owner, it can really pay off for your company to invest in a SocialShop.
What Are SocialShops?
A SocialShop is a storefront that is added to your business page on Facebook so that customers can shop your inventory through Facebook. These shops have been growing in popularity, giving businesses the chance to take advantage of the popularity of social networking in a whole new way. However, there are pros and cons to these shops.
Pros and Cons
The most obvious benefit of a SocialShop is the ability to reach millions of fans through Facebook. Instead of creating an ad that sends customers to your website, you could create an ad that brings them to your Facebook store. Another benefit is the ability to make sales from another location. Think of this shop as another storefront, the same way you sell items through eBay or Amazon’s Marketplace. Yet another benefit is the ability to quickly and easily setup the shop. Software will walk you through the process. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks. First of all, you will have to pay for the software that runs the store. Second, some customers are still uncomfortable with shopping through Facebook. And, of course, another storefront is another thing for you to keep up with, which may require a bigger time investment.
Why You Should Have One
While there are a few negatives to owning a SocialShop, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Customers may be uncomfortable with shopping through Facebook now, but give them time. They were also uncomfortable with shopping on their mobile phones and look how much those sales have grown. You have the chance to get a jump start on the competition. It also gives you time to work out all the kinks so that future customers have a flawless experience.
If you’re looking for a new way to build your customer base, Facebook may be the answer. Allowing customers to shop through Facebook can lead to an increase in sales and you can find out how to build really easy stores online. However, it may take time for customers to trust this shopping method. Give it time though. Taking the initiative to open a store now will give you the jump start you need to beat out the competition. It will also allow you to perfect the shop until it’s exactly the way you want it.