In the beginning, it can be really tough to get the ball rolling on your comic book store. There is so much to do and figure out that it can be easy to overlook some of the most essential parts of a modern business. Critically, having a web presence can make or break a comic book store, no matter its size.
You can’t judge a book by its cover. But, if you’re stuck in the 90s or early 2000s and still aren’t sold on having a web presence, you may want to listen to these great reasons.
Reason #1 – Gain New Customers
The whole idea behind the internet (especially social media) is to make it easier for people to connect. This connecting doesn’t exclude comic book stores. By creating a website, social media pages or a blog, a comic book store can easily reach new eyeballs. In the past, comic book stores had to rely on face-to-face or word of mouth interactions to make sales. Nowadays, you can easily reach these people by uploading content to the internet.
Reason #2 – Obtain More Credibility For Your Business
If you have a small store front, or even if you’re entirely online and running your comic book shop out of your house, it can be hard to gain credibility. You may not have the impressive floor space of the big guys, or you may not even have a physical storefront where customers can chat and ask questions about your comic books. However, although it isn’t physical, having a website can act as a digital storefront. It’s the great equalizer. Our member shop All New Comics has never had a physical location, but their customers rave about how the experience is as good as going into a local shop.
A website or social media profile acts as a platform for potential customers to learn about your comic book store. This levels the playing ground, allowing a one-person comic book store to have the same professional feel as a million dollar company. It also gives them a way to get in contact with you for orders (hooray!).
Reason #3 – The E-Commerce Industry is Booming
We all know that there is nothing like going to a comic book shop. The sights, the smells, the awe-inspiring wonders; comic book shops are simply magical. However, many comic book shop owners are realizing that less customers are coming into their brick-and-mortar locations. With less customers coming in, comic book stores around the country are beginning to close down. This expands the potential customer base of the remaining comic book stores, but it can only do so much.
However, few things have helped comic book stores more than e-commerce. In 2016, the U.S. spent about $390 billion on e-commerce purchases. This grew to approximately $453 billion by 2017. Experts are also predicting that the e-commerce industry is going to see about $684 billion in 2020. What comic book store owner wouldn’t want to get in on that action?
Reason #4 – Build Relationships With Your Current and New Customers
One of the best things about comic books is that they are all unique. The same goes for the stores that sell them; each one is different in its own way. Your customers are able to see this when they visit your storefront. However, it is hard to build relationships with people that have yet to visit your comic book store.
Thankfully, having a web presence makes it easier for you to do this. Comic book store owners can reach out to potential customers by liking or commenting on their posts.
They can also let their current customers know that you appreciate their support. Comic book store owners that really want to connect with customers can create a custom email list, informing everyone about updates and deals.
You’ve put your heart and soul into your comic book store; no one knows this as well as you do. However, it’s tough for new customers to learn about your amazing comic book store if it doesn’t have a web presence. To be successful, you need to take the time to learn about how your comic book store can build a stronger web presence.
A simple way to get your store online is with Manage Comics. Your customers can have a quick touch base to see what is available for them, update their subscription list, and even make special requests. Get the Manage Comics guide today to find out more.
