Blog Post

5 Ways an Awesome Website Can Drive Traffic to Your Showroom

Amber Blevins • Oct 02, 2020

Originally published May 17, 2019 | Updated October 2, 2020

The holiday season is right around the corner - I know, it's hard to believe! No doubt, your local business's marketing strategy will shift in prep for the holidays. As you're mapping out your upcoming marketing plans, don't forget to consider the importance of your website as a powerful marketing tool.

Many brick and mortar business owners consider their websites to be purely supplemental. Sure, it’s a great way to get more eyes on your brand. And a website gives you the chance to exhibit photos of your projects and goods to the greater public. But for many, especially those in the service industry, it’s hard to see the connection between your website and driving foot traffic to your shop or showroom.

These business owners are failing to realize there is a very real, proven correlation between online traffic and foot traffic. Research tells us 87% of consumers start off shopping online. Whether they’re looking for a new pair of shoes or for a contractor to remodel their kitchen – the search begins with the internet. For service professionals, it’s imperative those online searches lead customers directly through the doors of their showroom. The way to do this is with a great website.

1. Optimize Your Site

First things first. If no one is viewing your site, you won’t have much luck using it to drive customers to your store. So what can you do? Search engine optimization (SEO) is a great start. Optimizing your website for search engines simply means you're increasing the chance a customer’s online search will yield your website as a top result.

There are many aspects of SEO. One of the easiest and most common ways you can optimize your site is by ensuring your website’s content is unique and descriptive and includes strategic keywords for your line of business.

Appropriate page titles, informative meta-tags, and site maps are also used to optimize websites for search results. Many companies partner up with an internet marketing firm like Locallogy , so they can get the best possible SEO for their site.

The ultimate goal is to get your website in front of more potential customers. More eyes on your site means even more potential customers in your showroom.

2. Take Advantage of Your Blog

Business owners, particularly service professionals, often ask, “Do I really need a blog on my site?” The answer is always, “Yes!” A blog is the perfect place to connect with your customer base and convert site visitors into customers .

A business blog doesn’t have to be dry and technical. Your blog is a great opportunity to give your business a real personality. Sharing information that’s relevant and interesting draws the reader in; making a real connection and telling relatable stories keeps them on your page. And the longer a visitor stays on your site greatly increases the likelihood they’ll choose your services over another business’s.

There are many benefits t o having a blog on your business’s website. Driving traffic to your showroom is just one of them. Learn more about how a blog can help your business here .

3. Display Your Inventory

This is an easy one for business owners who sell physical goods in their stores. Using a website to display photos of items in inventory is a pretty obvious way to draw in customers. But what about businesses in the service industry like home remodelers, landscapers, or plumbers? These are generally not the kinds of businesses where customers walk into the store to buy an item they saw online.

Instead, these professionals should use their websites to draw attention to the services they provide by displaying relevant products. Here’s an example: If you own a kitchen and bath remodeling company, you can display the specific lines of cabinetry or countertops you use most often in your projects. This will be your “inventory.” Photos of a beautiful line of cabinetry will activate your potential customer’s imagination. They’ll begin to imagine those cabinets in their own kitchen, which means they’re one step closer to visiting your showroom for a consultation.

If you’re a service professional, think about the products you use in your projects – Whether it’s countertops, tropical plants, or new water-efficient toilets. These are things your customers are interested in. When they’re detailed on your website, customers are more likely to visit your store or showroom for a hands-on look.

4. Begin the Shopping Experience Online

As noted earlier in this post, an overwhelming 87% of shoppers begin their shopping experience online. But for larger purchases, the majority of those shoppers prefer to finish their transaction in-store. These statistics are especially true in the service industry. Consumers who are looking to hire a service professional are comparing companies online before ever setting foot in a shop or showroom. This is why your website should be the strong first step in the shopping experience.

Giving your customers the chance to start their shopping experience on your website doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a digital shopping cart or a payment processor. You simply need to display your services with thorough descriptions and pricing (when appropriate.) Don’t assume your customer knows what “full-service home remodeling” or “four-seasons landscaping” means. Outline your capabilities and explain your process.

And most importantly, be sure your site visitors can ask questions and get help along the way. List your contact details front and center on your site. Remember, some people like calling while others prefer emailing. If you really want to impress your customer, give them the opportunity to schedule a consultation online or live chat with someone from your sales team.

5. Talk About Your Showroom

You might be surprised how many service professionals fail to mention their shops or showrooms on their websites. If you want customers coming to your showroom, you need to tell them about it!

If you're serious about getting customers, a full page of your website should be dedicated to your showroom. Naturally, this page should include your location details along with a map. But that’s not all. The showroom page should also help your customers feel comfortable about visiting. This means giving them information about parking, what to expect once inside the showroom, or even a list of local attractions and “things to do” while they’re in your area. Take a look at Jacob Evans Kitchen and Bath's showroom page . They're building a connect with their customers that translates into showroom visits.

When your customers are at ease about your showroom and what they’ll find there, they’ll be much more likely to walk through your doors.

Driving Customers to Your Showroom

Your website is an excellent tool for getting customers through your doors. Remember, your site should first be optimized for web searches. Don’t discount the connections you can make with customers through your blog. Put your inventory on display and give your customers a chance to start shopping right there on your site. And don’t forget to tell them where you are and how great your showroom is.

If your website isn’t driving customers to your showroom, reach out to us at Locallogy. We’re experts at internet marketing and we’d love to help!

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