In a bid to encourage small Irish businesses to adopt e-commerce into their trading processes, the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources has teamed up with the Local Enterprise Office to offer funding and help companies with associated costs in establishing e-commerce technology into their websites.
So what is e-commerce?
In a nutshell, it is the process of electronic trading over the internet; such as the transfer of information, online booking facilities, online payment options and so on. Amazon and Ebay would be among the most well known online shopping websites. It enables businesses to trade globally and efficiently and so the obvious benefit is the potential to increase sales and profits. Automated payment systems will help to lower a company’s costs through a reduced requirement for employees.
In Ireland only 23% of small businesses utilise e-commerce (source:LEO, 2014). This means that three quarters are missing out on the massive potential in both local and global trading. If we consider that out of all the online purchases done in Ireland, a whopping 70% go to overseas markets; these statistics cannot be ignored and must be improved upon. In monetary terms, €4bn is spent in online transactions in this country each year but out of every €12 spent, almost €1 goes to overseas internet retailers (source: Irish Independent, 2014).
E-commerce & social media
The increase in social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter can drive extra ‘traffic’ to a business’s website. This provides huge potential for new customers to become aware of a company’s offerings. In a hypothetical situation where a customer is interested in a product but then realises they cannot book or pay online, instead they have to phone and send a cheque, chances are the customer will not proceed any further and search elsewhere.
Social media & MakinMediaMobile
MakinMediaMobile are now providing social media platform services which will enable companies to brand their product via a tailor made formula. For example, we can update or provide a new website, look after your Facebook accounts, write your blogs, tweets and so on. We can include explainer videos into the mix, if required. We will provide training and offer a support service when necessary.
The LEO funding covers the implementation of social media marketing (see below) so why not avail of this facility and help to promote your business with the aid of financial backing. Refined social media combined with the implementation of e-commerce will give your business a boost for inclusion in the online purchasing phenomenon. So don’t get left behind, contact us here at MakinMediaMobile and we will discuss the myriad of options available to market your business successfully.
What can the vouchers be used for?
- IT Consultation
- Development or upgrade of an e-commerce website
- Implementing Online payments or booking system
- Purchase of Internet related software
- Purchase of online advertising (this purchase cannot make up any more than 30% if approved Voucher costs and can only be drawn down in one payment phase)
- Developing an app (or multi-platform webpages)
- Implementing a digital marketing strategy i.e. social media marketing
- Consultation with ICT experts for early stage adopters of online strategy
- Training/skills development specifically to establish and manage an on-line trading activity
(source: LEO, 2014)
For further information, including criteria and how to apply, click on the link below:
localenterprise.ie/Westmeath