Benefits of Internet inclusion in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

As opposed to traditional business through local channels and networks; inclusion of the internet to the business can open a lot of new opportunities to small business owners. Some major perks include global access to customers 24x7, improved client service with CRM integration, direct feedback from customers and overall increased professionalism.

Advantages of owning a website-

A business-owning their personal domain hosting a website proves to be a powerful marketing tool. It helps gain competitive advantage in the respective industry and offers many benefits such as lead generation, increased sales and improved customer service. The internet allows businesses to break through the geographical barrier and become accessible to any potential customer. The reach of businesses increase from brick-and-mortar stores to consumers around the world. Open for business 24x7 every week and 365 days round the year. Websites can also help educate the potential customer about the respective product or service. Enterprises can also benefit from finding their right employee through job vacancy listings on their website or using third-party websites such as naukri.com. Using cookies within the website and conducting visitor polls and surveys can help determine market worth of a product/service before large scale production.

Effective use of social media and Google maps-

Thanks to social media customers can contact a customer service representative faster and easier. A good study on comments and reactions made by consumers on sponsored posts can help identify likes and dislikes for a product/service. Even small glitches in the product can be easily communicated through these channels. Social media can help in lead generation leading to website visits and even foot traffic increase inside the showroom. Once quality content is communicated through these channels, they reach to inboxes of significant potential customers through instant messaging services(e.g. Whatsapp) especially if done through memes. Listing the business on Google maps can also help increase leads as many searches are done through Google.

Reducing the distribution network by utilizing E-commerce-

Remove the middleman and the businesses can start saving several fractions of the cost incurred delivering their product to customers. Doing business through e-commerce not only reduces cost but also help reach new potential customers which may remain unidentified through traditional distribution channels. Apart from B2C e-commerce(e.g. Amazon, Flipkart) as described above. Businesses with large production can utilize e-commerce websites of B2B types like Indiamart which can help businesses reach other business which can sell their product further.

Significant use-cases:

1. Considering a small factory owner in Firozabad dealing with manufacturing of Glass bangles. The owner can multiply their product sales by listing their products on Amazon or Flipkart with branding their products. This particular brand can be promoted through social media platforms through sponsored ads. A website, in addition, would increase the professionalism and authenticity of products. It can also attract customers who can buy the product in bulk. The owner can also reach other wholesalers or retailers through Indiamart. Or if the owner is interested in white-labelling of their product he/she can reach other businesses through B2B e-commerce websites.

2. Textile mill owner in Surat dealing with both readymade and semi-readymades. This business listing on Google maps can help retailers and wholesalers from different cities find them who are travelling in Surat. Branded products by the mill can be promoted on social media. Leads generated from them can be transferred to E-commerce sites like Myntra where the brand sell their products. Bulk buyers can be easily found through sites like Indiamart where these buyers can further sell the products with the same brand name or white-labelling with some product modification. The buyers can be educated about the products through the website of the brand.