A recent survey conducted by Facebook shed light into the plight of small businesses. Millions of these businesses are collapsing or have already collapsed, thanks to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Luckily, the company has committed itself to see small ventures thrive. Currently, it has already offered grants and created a business resource hub for businesses.
Facebook has introduced Facebook shops. The free platform will help businesses establish a digital presence in these trying times.
How Facebook shops works
These shops are mobile designed, which is a plus because businesses do not have to worry about reaching the mobile internet market.
For starters, users will choose products or catalogs for display. For maximum impact, one can categorize goods into sections.
To create a good customer experience, enterprises get a chance to portray brand uniqueness by use of custom cover letters and colors.
One can create a Facebook story or ad to promote a shop. People can also find shops via Facebook business pages or Instagram profiles.
Customers can shop just like they would in a real store, and contact customer care through Instagram Direct, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The platform also allows for purchase transactions so users do not have to leave Facebook to buy.
More advancements to look out for
Instagram shops
Facebook also plans to launch shops on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
This summer, the company will introduce Instagram shops, where people will discover products via Instagram Explore.
There will also be a tab on Instagram dedicated to shopping so that users can find Instagram shops with a single tap.
Live shopping
While businesses have always used Facebook live to showcase to announce their products, Facebook now wants to make it easy for people to buy live!S
Using the live shopping feature, businesses will be able to tag products from their shops before doing a live video. The tagged products will feature at the bottom as the video plays so that customers can click and purchase!
Integration with numerous shopping features
The beauty of the new Facebook shops is that it doesn’t want to stand alone. Facebook plans to join hands with ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Woo Commerce, Big Commerce, and more!
The benefit of such platforms is that they use powerful tools that can help sellers create successful ecommerce shops.
Loyalty programs
Customer loyalty programs are sure tools that can help small businesses retain customers. Facebook is working on how businesses can connect a loyalty program to their shops to help manage rewards.
To wrap it up
In difficult times such as these, no invention could be timelier than that which helps small businesses scale on sales. Facebook Shops is a step in the right direction and small businesses should jump ship and see how they can make the best out of it.
Entrepreneurs should also be set for all the new inventions that are coming up, and ensure that they milk all their digital selling options dry!
