From Offline to Online: Strategies for Traditional Businesses to Go Viral

This is the digital realm. And you are the owner of a struggling traditional store. Have you ever considered the possibility of your physical shop going extinct? If it is so, don’t be the dinosaur of the digital era.

From brick-and-mortar to click-and-order, the world has dramatically changed overnight. It is well illustrated by the fact that, in 2019, about 40% of businesses in Singapore underwent digitalization.

So why lag behind? Fasten your seatbelts, and let’s delve into the spicy world of online transformation.

• Boost Your Organic Social Presence

Social media presence determines brand visibility, enables direct customer communication, and fosters long-term community building. To do so, hire a graphic designer to create an appealing website.

Moreover, optimize your site for SEO and communicate with your customers using language that resonates with them. Establish engaging social media profiles. A survey published in 2022 shows that 90% of online businesses use Facebook, while 79% use Instagram for their marketing.

Take Nike, for instance, which has successfully built its online presence through interactive features on its websites.

• Turn Your Product into a Challenge

Set clear objectives and identify customers who are utilizing similar products but aren’t achieving the desired results. Convert these users to your competing product by understanding what challenges they are facing with their current product. Once you have identified their issues, you can build a solid solution by directly addressing their pain points.

Apple, for example, targeted dissatisfied PC users plagued by virus attacks and successfully converted them into Mac users.

• Capture Attention Fast

To create compelling content, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Think outside the box.
• Craft a message that is bold, intriguing, and funny.
• Keep it simple yet hooking; avoid using jargon or technical language.
• Compose visually enhanced videos or reels.
• Connect with emotions and utilize storytelling.

Red Bull, known for its energy drinks, made a strong impact in the market through its captivating videos.

• Host Giveaways

Delight your clients by hosting giveaways in response to their engagement, such as following, sharing, or tagging their family and friends in your posts. Surprise customers by offering a gift with every product purchase or launching a referral program. You can also provide free shipping or a discount of 10–15% on their first purchase.

For your convenience, let’s look at Starbucks Rewards, a loyalty program where customers can redeem stars for free drinks and other perks for every dollar spent.

• Connect with Influencers

Digital ambassadors are influencers, and the influencer marketing industry is booming. It received approximately $4 billion in investments in 2021. So, team up with bloggers and powerhouses who align with your image values to arouse your devotees’ curiosity.

Just like Airbnb, which often partners with vloggers and brand ambassadors to feature the extraordinary facilities and encounters it offers.

Takeaway Message

If you’re a traditional business owner feeling lost about where and how to start, deploy the above tactics to master the art of war. You can begin your digital journey right away by comprehending your customers, making use of the power of social media, optimizing your profile, and creating content that piques their interest.