Today, it's nearly impossible to do business without taking advance of online resources. From the explosion of online shopping to the nuances of digital marketing, the Internet has changed the ways in which companies and consumers operate. But how has the Internet affected sales, specifically? Whether your business is local or global, you'll need to keep up with the latest sales and research trends to stay competitive and reach your customers or clients.
So, how has the Internet transformed the world of sales? All the old rules about customer service and brand integrity still hold true, but the rule book is growing. Here are a two examples of new truths and lessons salespeople should consider in today's digital age.
The information highway goes both ways.
Information has never been easier to find, saving the average salesperson tons of time. Instead of consulting experts, visiting businesses in person and conducting extensive product research, salespeople can now use pocket-sized devices to learn more about virtually any product, service, or person. In short, it's easier to become (or pretend to be) an expert about exactly what you're selling and to figure out the best angle to use for each individual prospect.
Of course, those prospective buyers you're researching have smartphones and search engines, too. Consumers and company representatives can do extensive research on your product or service, as well as your overall brand. Your past press releases, your old customers' reviews on third-party sites and your official website and social media pages are all readily available to the clients your company courts. This means it's vital to maintain the right messaging at all times online, but it also means you can save time proving your legitimacy and get straight to the pitch.
Sales are possible anywhere.
Transforming leads into new buyers is every salesperson's goal, but until very recently, this process was painfully gradual. Whether you exchanged business cards with a possible client or received an inquiry from a shopper, you had to maintain a connection until it was possible to make the sale. For example, a consumer would have to come into your store in person, or a client would have to set up a meeting to conduct a deal. Now, there's no reason to wait.
Thanks to a variety of online resources – including online retail stores, smartphone point-of-sale systems with credit card readers and digital documents that can be legally signed and scanned – salespeople can now generate leads and turn them into new sales in the very same place, no matter where that place is.
Follow the lead of successful salespeople throughout the world, and adapt your sales strategies for the digital age. Just make sure you're taking advantage of every opportunity to harness the selling power of the Internet, including free guides and help from professional marketing agencies like ADTACK.
Download Jumpstart Your Inbound Marketing, a free guide to help you attract new customers and improve your promotional strategies.
