Improve the online presence of your business

March 02, 2023

What solutions should a small business look for when planning to expand their online presence?

Every business owner must come to terms with the fact that this is an online world. Those businesses who have already embraced virtual storefronts attest to the accompanying boost of sales. However, if you are a small business that has an outdated website or none at all, you are at a disadvantage. In either case, you need a solution that is quick and inexpensive to keep up with the industry and modern customer trends.

Adding cloud-based point of sale technology to your suite of business tools is a step in the right direction. This provides online options that work to attract customers while presenting you with new options for growing your business. But how do you go about building a POS system with online ordering support on a small business budget? 

 

Start with seamless integration of point of sale tools.

The best online ordering solution is one that is based on tools that work well with each other. The POS tools you use must be in sync with the other to ensure success and accurate operations. Some of these seamless integrations must include:

  • Cloud-based data storage
  • Synchronization of sales information and inventory data
  • Integrations of common business tools like invoicing products with POS tools
  • Intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for staff and customers
     

A fully integrated POS solution will get your online presence up and running rapidly. These tools allow you to offer a white-glove experience to your customers regardless of where you or they are located. This will aid in broadening your reach and create an inviting atmosphere, both in person or virtual.

 

Payment options must be compatible with online ordering options

Presenting a customer with online ordering is only one part of what is necessary for integration. A POS-integrated website and full POS tool integration are all in vain if the customer cannot easily pay. But before you address this, examine this shortlist of payment options that support both in-person and online transactions:

  • Mobile payment apps
  • Virtual terminals
  • Web-based invoicing
     

Implementing any of these payment options will yield immediate dividends in every customer transaction. Payment acceptance options expand and become more secure, while the speed of completing a transaction adds to a customer’s convenience. The resulting data gained via these transactions yield options for performing in-depth data analysis. 

 

Cloud-based data storage is a must-have

Do you know which of your products or services are more likely to be purchased online or viewed online then purchased in-person? The answers to these questions, even if you guess right today, will bring different answers tomorrow. This is where the benefits of online ordering have an even greater impact on your business than the sales themselves.

Utilizing the full power of cloud-based data storage will make available the same data analytics used by larger businesses. This allows you to generate an assortment of predictive sales models to keep you a step ahead of the customer. Effectively reading your customers’ minds can transform you from just a place to go into the place to go.

 

Customer engagement spreads to all business channels

Using your POS solution as the foundation for driving online sales adds to the attractiveness of your brand. Customers feel empowered in their engagement with it as they can now fully customize their experience on their terms. Developing an intuitive online ordering presence takes the customer beyond your walls and into a limitless virtual world.

Your online presence transforms the products and services you provide by giving the customer:

  • An endless aisle experience 
  • 24/7 access
  • The ability to try things in store to order later
  • Contactless experiences
     

These are all modern conveniences that today’s consumers are expecting and that can set you apart from your competitors. 

 

Learn more about point of sale options that include online ordering capability.

Learn about U.S. Bank

Related content

The value of engaging a professional paying and exchange agent

Allowance basics for parents and kids

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

High-yield bond issuance: 5 traits lawyers should look for in a service provider

Year-end financial checklist

Putting home ownership within reach for a diverse workforce

Administrator accountability: 5 questions to evaluate outsourcing risks

Beyond Mars, AeroVironment’s earthly expansion fueled by U.S. Bank

Easier onboarding: What to look for in an administrator

3 tips to maintain flexibility in supply chain management

Insource or outsource? 10 considerations

4 questions you should ask about your custodian

Refining your search for an insurance custodian

Service provider due diligence and selection best practices

Webinar: CRE technology trends

Complying with changes in fund regulations

Business risk management for owners of small companies

Evaluating interest rate risk creating risk management strategy

How real-time inventory visibility can boost retail margins

Payment industry trends that are the future of POS

Webinar: CSM corporation re-thinks AP

Tech tools to keep your restaurant operations running smoothly

A simple guide to set up your online ordering restaurant

Cashless business pros and cons: Should you make the switch?

ePOS cash register training tips and tricks

Webinar: AP automation for commercial real estate

Addressing financial uncertainty in international business

5 winning strategies for managing liquidity in volatile times

The future of financial leadership: More strategy, fewer spreadsheets

Digital banking and cloud accounting software: How they work together

Employee benefit plan management: trustee vs. custodian

Choosing your M&A escrow partner

High-cost housing and down payment options in relocation

Why retail merchandise returns will be a differentiator in 2022

Crypto + Relo: Mobility industry impacts

For today's relocating home buyers, time and money are everything

Webinar: CRE Digital Transformation – Balancing Digitization with cybersecurity risk

Empowering team members

10 tips on how to run a successful family business

How mobile point of sale (mPOS) can benefit your side gig

Business tips and advice for Black entrepreneurs

Staying organized when taking payments

Key considerations for online ordering systems

How does an electronic point of sale help your business keep track of every dime?

Tools that can streamline staffing and employee management

How to identify what technology is needed for your small business

Planning for restaurant startup costs and when to expect them

Costs to consider when starting a business

How to test new business ideas

The role of ethics in the hiring process

8 ways to increase employee engagement

How to reward employees and teams who perform well

How to hire employees: Employee referral vs. external hiring

Give a prepaid rewards card for employee recognition

Checklist: Increase lead generation with website optimization

5 affordable small business marketing ideas when you have no budget

Why ecommerce for small business strategy is integral

4 restaurant models that aren’t dine-in

Is your restaurant Google-friendly?

How small businesses are growing sales with online ordering

4 steps that give your business an SEO boost

Email marketing: 10 mistakes to avoid

Essential marketing tools for any business

3 simple brand awareness tips for your business

How a small business owner is making the workplace work for women

The growing importance of a strong corporate culture

How increased supply chain visibility can combat disruptors

Strengthen your brand with modern POS technology

Technology strategies to complement your business plan

Business credit card 101

Meet your business credit card support team

How to apply for a business credit card

How jumbo loans can help home buyers and your builder business

Break free from cash flow management constraints

5 tips for managing your business cash flow

Building a business with a great product and a greater purpose

3 ways POS data analysis can help define your brand

Improve online presence your business

Honey Luxury Beauté: growing a side project into an eye-catching beauty business

How Shampoo’ed is transforming hair and inspiring entrepreneurs

The San Francisco bridal shop that’s been making memories for 30 years

How Al’s Breakfast is bringing people together

In a digital world, Liberty Puzzles embraces true connection

Celebrity Cake Studio’s two decades of growth and success

How a travel clothing retailer is staying true to its brand values

How to build a content team

3 ways to gain loyalty with your customers

Use this one simple email marketing tip to increase your reach

How (and why) to get your business supplier diversity certification

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

5 tips to use your credit card wisely and steer clear of debt

Travel for less: Smart (not cheap) ways to spend less on your next trip

Real world advice: How parents are teaching their kids about money

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck post-pay increase

Practical money tips we've learned from our dads

6 ways to spring clean your finances and save money year-round

How to cut mindless spending: real tips from real people

How to increase your savings

5 tips to use your credit card wisely and steer clear of debt

How to spot a credit repair scam

5 unique ways to take your credit card benefits further

Disclosures

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.