Discover How Your Online Presence Can Boost Sales . . .
And Get You A Better Price for Your Business
When Dale Beaumont built his first website in 1999, people asked him ‘why’. Why do you need a website?
They asked him ‘why’ again in 2002, when he started making videos, talking about the importance of e-commerce, and launching his own YouTube channel. To Dale, the answer was obvious – he knew what was coming.
Launching his first business at the age of 19, Dale predicted that e-commerce, social media, mobile apps, cloud computing and Google dominance were about to explode and, if you ignored them, your business probably would not survive.
“I was born in 1981, which was the first generation to grow up with computers in the home and classroom. So, when the internet hit, I was ready,” he told Coast to Coast Magazine.
Adopting new technology
Describing himself as an ‘early adopter of new technology’, Dale was way ahead when the rest of the world caught up with technology in 2008/9. So much so, in fact, that he started running ‘New Rules of Business’ workshops, showing people how to adapt to the technological changes that would forever influence how we do business.
By the age of 30, he had built three million-dollar businesses. He is the founder and CEO of Business Blueprint®, the leading business education company in Australia, which now has clients in New Zealand and Singapore, too. Business Blueprint® focuses on the latest business growth strategies, delivering live conferences, interactive webinars, and daily support.
“Many clients had been in business longer than me, but I had the skills they needed to create successful companies. I helped thousands of businesses make the shift to having a direct online relationship with their clients. I showed them how to harness the power of technology to do things more efficiently.”
Prolific author
Dale has also written and published 16 best-selling books – including 11 in a single year, earning him the title, ‘Australia’s Most Prolific Author’.
Dale explained why every business – including bricks-and-mortar businesses – need the best online presence.
“Over 85% of all offline purchases are influenced by online research,” he said.
“Your website and social media are the filters through which people make their buying decisions before they even walk into your store.
“Before they contact any service provider, they check them out online and if you don’t have a good online presence – that’s the website and other assets – you will get less customers.”
Managing your online presence is also critical, with shoppers increasingly reading online reviews before making buying decisions.
Importance of your online presence
What about someone selling a business – should they be perfecting their online presence before marketing the business?
“Absolutely. Part of good due diligence is checking the business’s online footprint. You’re not just buying the business but also the loyalty and goodwill. The number of followers you have on social media can drive up the value of a business,” said Dale.
And if you are buying an online business?
“Check out that the business is secure and still operational. And ensure you are passionate about that area as an e-commerce business so you can produce educational content, such as articles and videos.
Consumable vs niche
“Your product needs to be good with existing demand. Whilst some niche products are successful, consumable products are better than a one-off purchase.
“Make sure you’re buying a website you can control yourself, probably one on a Shopify platform. Shopify is so powerful now – there are many tools to help your online business.
“Be careful with drop-shipping. This can be a good way to get started, as you don’t have to buy and hold stock. The fundamental flaw, however, is that you do not own the customers, so it’s not a saleable asset. If the manufacturer decides to cut you out and distribute directly, it can turn the tap off overnight,” said Dale.
And remember, it’s all about website traffic. To get this, you need a fantastic looking AND functioning website – ideally Shopify. You also need a good database and online marketing.
“Follow-up is so important, too. Around 98% of people leave before buying, but there is great Google and Facebook software to follow these people up and bring them back for another look and, hopefully, purchase.”
Which businesses to check out
With more people looking to buy online businesses, Dale says the following areas are worth a look at the moment.
- Men’s skincare
- Health and wellness products
- Home improvement products
- Board games
It’s not just business and technology that inspires Dale; he is also passionate about educating young adults. In 2001, he co-founded Tomorrows Youth International, which runs self-development programs for 13 to 21-year-olds across six countries. More than 30,000 young people have already been helped by this program.
With a passion to give back, Dale also plans to help over one million entrepreneurs around the world with Bizversity – a revolutionary product, giving direct access to ‘The World’s Best Business Training. Anywhere, Anytime.’
Described as the ‘Netflix for Business’, Bizversity gives members exclusive access to thousands of videos, produced by leading business experts around the world.
BIO
Dale Beaumont is an award-winning technology entrepreneur, international speaker, and author of 19 best-selling books. He has launched several successful businesses, including Business Blueprint, an education company designed to help fellow entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams.
Married with two young boys, Dale is a devoted family man and believes in giving back. He and his wife Katherine share a passion for helping kids, especially those from underprivileged circumstances. In 2012, they formed a partnership with Hands Across the Water, an Australian charity that provides housing, food, and education to orphans in Thailand.