You weren’t expecting that, right? After spending months perfecting your offerings and shelling out money to design an attractive store, hardly anyone walks through its door.
You might think otherwise, but Americans want to see local businesses thrive. In fact, they are increasingly willing to invest more money to keep local shops in business.
So why aren’t they showing up to your store? Simple—they don’t know what they are missing.
And guess what? Your website might be to blame. Even if your physical store is stunning, if your website isn’t pulling people in, you’re missing out on a ton of foot traffic.
Here, we’ll share a few web design practices that won’t just make your site look good, but also drive foot traffic straight to your door.
#1 Embed a Live Map & Directions
Do you know that 76% of people visit a business within a day of searching for it on Google? That’s huge.
If your location isn’t crystal clear online, you’ll miss out on potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
Embedding a live map on your site will provide them instant access to directions to your store. It will serve as a helpful, interactive signpost.
It’s a simple process that adds a map directly to your page. Visitors can see exactly where you are without having to click away. This makes getting directions super easy. Customers won’t have to open a new window or app.
Some maps even highlight nearby points of interest like parking, which can be incredibly helpful for first-time visitors. This easy access to information builds trust as well as credibility. So, your potential customers will be more comfortable visiting your establishment.
A pro tip: place your live map in multiple locations—your contact page, homepage footer, and your About page. The easier you make it, the more people will walk through your doors.
#2 Write SEO-Optimized Blog Posts
Not blogging? You’re missing out on a huge opportunity to show up when locals search for relevant information.
Consumers often use the internet to find not just businesses, but also information related to those businesses. Local SEO, which helps locals find you online, is a great way to start.
Search Engine Journal explains local SEO as an area that focuses on optimizing the content of a website for visibility in location-based search results.
Write blog posts that are easy for search engines like Bing and Google to understand. This will help connect you with people in your area who are genuinely interested in your products or services. Sprinkle location-specific keywords in your posts. Your website will show up when locals search for relevant information.
When you provide valuable content, people trust your business more and are more likely to visit in person.
#3 Offer a Virtual Walkthrough of Your Store
Walking by a shop and peeking in the window—who hasn’t done that? Sometimes, that tiny glimpse is all it takes to make someone walk in.
Why not give your potential customers a little taste of what awaits them inside your store on your website? A virtual walkthrough of your store will help you do that. It makes your website more engaging and builds excitement about visiting in person.
Take Downtown Fort Worth, for example. After last year’s explosion at the Sandman Hotel, local businesses are struggling to bring back foot traffic.
Now, suppose you are one of those local businesses. When everything else fails, a virtual tour can be a powerful tool to regain foot traffic. By showcasing the space, you can remind customers why they love it and encourage them to return.
A Fort Worth web design company can help create a professional, high-quality tour for your business. It will make sure it loads fast, works smoothly on mobile, and blends seamlessly into your site.
Don’t choose just any company, however. Look for a web design company that has experience with a wide range of system software. According to Supfort Web Design, SEO, and Development, CSS, HTML, Joomla, WordPress, and WooCommerce are some software it must be an expert in.
#4 Create an Events and Promotions Page
Nothing gets people off their couches and into your store faster than a great event or an irresistible deal.
Design an events and promotions page to let everyone know what’s going on. Clearly state the details of any events or promotions, including what they are, when they are happening, and where.
Outline any discounts, special offers, or unique experiences you’re offering. Make it easy for people to take action with clear buttons or links like “RSVP Here” or “Learn More”. Ignite interest in your events and promotions with visually stunning images and videos.
Prioritize user experience. UC Today advises making sure the landing page is easy to navigate on any device.
Why does this work? It encourages offline engagement. People are more likely to visit your store when they see an exciting event or sale advertised.
Your website isn’t just an online brochure. It can be a foot traffic magnet if you use it right. So, take a step back, look at your site, and optimize it. Make the transition from online to in-person feel so easy and worthwhile that grabbing those car keys becomes a no-brainer.
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