According to digital commerce experts, eCommerce order volumes in the U.S. increased nearly 47% in March and April 2020.

More and more, people are buying essential items online. Here are some ways you can pivot your small business to an online store with delivery or pickup options:

Create social media accounts for your business. If you have been using social media for personal purposes, you may want to explore using social media as a way to sell your goods and services. Pick a platform that you are most comfortable using and start posting your products and options for delivery and pickup. A lot of businesses are using social media to feature their products and services, announce product launches and hours of availability, and craft a brand story that enables you to build a community who support your business.

Choose an eCommerce platform that fits your business. There are a number of online marketplaces you can choose from, like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. If you want to build your own brand and create your own website, you can choose to integrate an eCommerce plugin. There are many free resources online to help you learn more about which platform best fits your business needs.

Develop a shipping and fulfillment strategy. You have to come up with a plan on how you can get your goods and services to your customers in the most efficient way possible. There are many ways to manage inventory, shipping, and fulfillment.

A lot of small businesses have also started offering curbside pickups and contactless drop-off or delivery. You can explore different options to incorporate these into your business processes, so that you can stay competitive in these times.

Source: Payability, Forbes