An Easier Startup – The common reason given by many small business and retailers why they don’t have a good website is simply the high cost. But by using the Powerful WordPress CMS platform (read more), combined with expert design templates means we can build most sites in under a week*.
Less time taken translates directly to reduced costs. Our business website prices start from just $1,200 for a standard site, $1,800 for a more powerful catalogue, directory or eCommerce styles (excluding store logos, stocking and banking gateway fees).
Our WordPress ‘Elegance’ e-storefronts are somewhat special, ideal for boutiques that require a ‘special’ homepage look, as well as a fully integrated blog. Also just perfect for restaurants what require a more interactive site with videos, booking forms, private customer areas etc. The options are endless.
However although WordPress stores work very well and can look stunning, our US-developed Big Commerce platform is recommended for businesses wanting a top end, professional, fully-featured e-Storefront to compete against the big brand stores with hundreds, even thousands of products to sell online.
N.B. Our WordPress blogs can be added to our BigCommerce e-Storefronts too, giving you the best of both worlds. A high-end Store with very powerful business website/blog!
Why spend $5,000-25,000? Now more, for less cost
Why pay out $5,000 for a business website or $10,000-$25,000 for a full business e-Storefront?
Our 2-in-1 Big Commerce + WordPress blog package easily surpasses the features offered by locally built business website or eCommerce providers, saving you 60-80%, with no downside – We don’t ask you to make hard choices, like sacrificing features to save money.
The build cost? Typically it’s under $2,800 + gst that covers setup, simple branding/colourising, establishing categories, menus and structure, plus free photo management and retouch software, and training costs. Thereafter it’s just $150 per month for hosting and support.* p.s. Can’t afford the $2,800 to get started? Talk to us about our easy payment options.
But wait there’s more!
We also include a tightly integrated eMail marketing system as standard, complete with customised, fully branded design templates and training package. A professional email marketing system is essential for any storefront owner, allowing you to promote monthly or weekly specials with ease. After an email promotion, traffic to the website/store typically increases 200-500%!
Another bonus we include for those that have a Facebook page, is a special application that turns a Facebook page into a stunning shopping page, with photos and Buy Now links through to your e-Storefront for the transaction. In some markets it increases store sales by 50%!
Google-friendly, upgradeable and feature-packed, all sites are self update-able by the business owner using a standard web browser. WordPress also allows editing by the amazing MS Live Writer desktop application and an iPhone or Andriod app. This keeps running costs down, also encouraging businesses to update regularly, which in itself generates more traffic from Google.
First though, build your online strategy
But it’s not just the technology that makes a successful Website or e-Storefront.
A good retail website helps the retailers business in many ways too, aside from the extra income stream. For example, fashion retailers could not only sell selected products directly to their most loyal clients, but also obtain early feedback on emerging product lines, avoiding costly overstocking.
Online storefronts do bring in new clients and streamline sales processes. But more importantly, allow existing, loyal clients to keep up to date on your latest news and more easily re-order stuff. More importantly these days, it also allows people to instantly recommend their favourite items to friends online, on your own website, Facebook, Twitter, using either their PC or mobile phone.
And every retailer differs. For example, if you’re a restaurant, we’ve a variation showing menus, map and online booking system instead of a normal shopping format. A restaurant also needs a mobile-compatible site, plus live menu updates and weekly commentaries or videos from the chef.
The net also provides the opportunity for any retailer to sell gift or discount vouchers, to be redeemed in-store. Handy for cafes or bakeries.
Amazing Analytics that helps sales and selling strategies
One of our favourite web design partners for our WordPress-based stores is Storefront themes. Their design themes are not only feature-packed, but they’re easily tweaked by us to suit individual business branding requirements.
Additionally, they provide an amazing Google analytics add-on that gives the essential customer visit and sales information for our stunning WordPress eCommerce Storefronts. Inexpensive. No geek required! (Big Commerce has similar features)
Last but not least, Mobile Optimised – For the Affluent Client
All our WordPress sites are fully mobile-optimised for faster viewing and better search results on a mobile phone. This is critical. Those who find your business in a mobile search are the more affluent, and will typically spend twice as much! (US restaurant industry study). For some, just having a mobile-ready website could be their biggest competitive advantage.
A typical ‘mobile-readiness’ result shown, left. To find out how bad your competitors or industry directory sites are, go to www.ready.mobi
Most are aware of how tools like Google Analytics (and many others) can track what’s happening on your website. But it can work with storefronts too and when presented right, provides incredible feedback on what’s happening and how you can fine tune your site to get more sales. Checkout one of the new tools we add to our full storefronts. It’s quite unique. At least in this price category…
* Week time frame dependent upon all content and/or shop inventory being available. Costs for domain names, email setups and any specialist design/logos is not included and extra, as are any required banking gateway fees and transaction charges