The Reasons a Service-based Business Must Have an online store

Jul 29, 2023

If you sell services, then you understand the significance of having an online presence. It helps you reach clients, demonstrates that you're professional and provides valuable details about your offerings, and gives you a platform to market your business.

But have you considered creating an online store for your products or services? It's true: online stores are an excellent instrument for more than product-focused companies. These stores also aid service-oriented companies to be more efficient, make more money and make their clients satisfied.

Let's look at the reasons why shopping online is the ideal way to market your service and also how to incorporate a store into your existing WordPress website.

The reason a business that is based on services requires an online store

1. Pay quickly and easily

It can be tricky to manage payments in a service-based enterprise. It is often difficult to deposit checks, remembering to issue an invoice and then follow up on it, and handling payment information that come from various source.

But listing your services online makes it easier to manage the procedure. As an example, if you offer graphic design services, there could be one "product" listing for logo design, one listing for business cards, and a third for illustrations that you can design. If the client is interested in logo design, they could pay for the design ahead of time on your website, so you're not left to send invoices, coordinate payments, and following up.

This also makes things easier on your clients. Your clients can pay for your services at the office, at the comfort of their home or via their cell phone anytime. If you allow different payment methods, they can use their credit card PayPal, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, or whatever's the most convenient for them.

services listed on yourbenefitstore
Photo (c) https://yourbenefitstore.com/

For example, YourBenefitStore.com, an insurance company, listed all of their individual plans on their site. Clients can view the entire list at one time and then purchase the plan they need as well as select their different coverage options. All of the process is smooth and straightforward for both the business as well as the customer.

If paid advertising is an element of your marketing plan You can also direct interested leads directly to product pages to purchase your services without requiring them to send an email or dial the telephone.

2. Manage recurring payments

As with many businesses that are service-oriented, you may charge recurring payments for maintenance programs. It is important to remember to submit monthly or annually can be a hassle If you don't then you might be missing out on revenue.

3. Cost for upgrades to service

extra options for airport parking
Photo (c) https://www.civapark.com/

CivaPark CivaPark, an indoor, secure airport parking lot, offers enhancements like cleaning of vehicles and gasoline refills. The upgrades are available to customers on an individual basis however they are great features which make the services individual.

4. Set up a portal for clients

When a customer purchase one of your products the client will automatically gain access to a page for their account. With physical products, this page would allow them to view shipping information or review orders, as well as edit and revise them, etc. With a few modifications and a few clicks, you could also utilize this as a valuable customer information portal!

For example, if you're a financial advisor, you might develop a form to ask some basic questions about the client's finances, with a reference to investing in a smart way along with a collection of tutorial videos to help get started with your team.

5. Make appointments

ShadowTrader services listing
Photo (c) https://www.shadowtrader.net/

If you'd prefer greater control, or to inquire about your clients' needs prior to setting up an appointment, you can always sell an appointment as it is a service, and call the client following purchasing. This is what ShadowTrader offers with its one-on-one consultations on stock. Instead of offering clients the option to select a time directly on the website, they are able to go ahead and purchase the service, then make contact directly with a staff member for an appointment. The key is to determine what's the best for you and your team.

6. Offer online classes

You're an expert within your area regardless of whether it's web design, interior design, watercolor painting, or baking. Have you considered sharing that knowledge with people who want to improve their skills?

7. Everything can be handled in one location

If you're already running your site on WordPress and are creating new content, updating your business's information, and accepting contact forms and adding a bill-paying process on the same platform can boost your efficiency.

On the same dashboard you're already familiar with it's possible to list offerings, process the payment of your customers, refund them, and manage clients. It's seamless!

8. Show your offerings in a pleasing manner

One of the most rewarding aspects of selling services that you can present each of your products with a captivating manner.

grid showing options for guided motorcycle tours
Photo (c) https://motorcycletourspuertorico.com/

9. Market more effectively

Online selling your products gives you the chance to use better and more efficient methods of marketing. For example, you can:

  • Send out emails with recommendations and coupon codes based on previous purchases and interests.

All of these marketing tactics can lead to more revenue and happier customers.

How to set up your store-based service

How do you begin selling online services? Well if your site is built on WordPress and you're one step further.

1. Install and configure

 setup wizard

First, you must install it, which you could complete by heading to the Plugins tab - - Add New in the WordPress dashboard and searching for "." After you activate it and click on it, you'll be guided through an wizard which walks you through all initial settings, specific to your needs.

2. Display and promote your service

Add each of your products as items using this helpful step-by-step guide. Most likely it is recommended to make virtual goods that don't require shipping, but you may also design your own products

  • Simple. Simple service that doesn't offer any choices, like a 30-minute massage or one-time appointment.
  • Variable. The service that offers options such as drycleaning services that offers shirts, pants, or suits.

3. Accept payments

4. Create additional services, such as the possibility of bookings or subscriptions

Want to accept recurring payments or book appointments that are paid for or sell classes? You'll need an extension, many of which we discussed in our previous article. Extensions are essentially plugins designed specifically to enhance the capabilities of .

5. Sell to your customers

Once you're ready to sell, it's time to market to existing and potential customers! There are a variety of strategies to advertise your products and services, but the most effective option is likely to be the combination of several approaches. Here are just four of the choices you can choose from:

Increase efficiency, and earn more money

The creation of an online store that allows you to sell your services can be a fantastic method to streamline your procedures, generate more revenue, and also keep your existing customers coming repeatedly. There's a better solution than , where you have the greatest flexibility and convenience using.