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Okay, you’ve got a website, that's a good start. But is it working as hard as it should be? We all know you need a website in this day and age, but is it doing more than just looking pretty? Too many small business websites are simply acting as online brochures, missing out on crucial features that could be turning browsers into buyers.
It’s time to stop treating your website as just a listing and start using it as a tool for business growth.
Today, we’re diving into a few must-have integrations that can make a real difference. This post will show you how smart website integrations can transform your website from a simple online listing into a powerful growth engine for your Melbourne business.
So, let’s have a look at what you’ve been missing out on.
These integrations not only improve the site, but they streamline your business process too. It's more than just extra features; it’s about making your site work smarter.
There are many more options than what we are going to cover here today, but we've pulled together some of the top must-haves for all small businesses.
Let’s get to it; here’s some of the top things your website should have.
If you’re selling products, you need the right setup so customers can buy quickly and easily. An e-commerce integration means your site can process transactions, manage inventory, and ship items – all without hassle. You’ve got well-known platforms like Shopify, and if you’re using Duda, there's their built-in system as well.
If your business is selling online, an e-commerce system is essential. Simple purchasing, streamlined order tracking, less manual work... sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
One local Melbourne business has found considerable success in this area; they're selling out every week because of this type of system.
If your business relies on appointments, it’s essential to have an easy way for clients to book online. Booking systems streamline the process, ensuring clients book themselves in for the right time, without the hassle of back and forth.
You can consider platforms like Acuity or Calendly. They’ll let your clients see your availability, book a session, and even pay in advance.
Clients expect instant assistance these days, so a live chat feature can work wonders. Think of it as the receptionist for your online store, ready to answer questions right away. Options like Drift or Tidio can help you make this happen. Immediate support, increased engagement, reduced support tickets, better user experience; this one can really help your business grow.
Need a better way to grow your email list? You could have your website collecting email leads, and setting up an email marketing system. Email marketing is a great strategy and should be implemented into your website if you want to see your business grow. With platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, you can create contact forms and collect email addresses.
Help clients find you easily by using a map of your business location on your website. It’s a win-win situation. When you link your Google Maps profile to your website, customers can find your location, phone number, and business hours from any device. Improved searchability, easier for clients to find your business, local search optimization; it's a great way to stay connected with your local market.
Do you have an exciting social media feed that reflects your brand? Integrate your social media feed to bring it all together. This keeps your website fresh and engaging. You can do this by embedding the system on your website, and your feed will change with your social media posts. Display your brand in real-time, connect with your clients, and showcase your social media presence.
Keep track of the data to ensure you know what's working, and what's not. If you don’t know how your website is performing, you're working in the dark. Google Analytics, or similar dashboards, will help you understand user behaviors, popular pages, and traffic patterns. Keep track of what’s working, and what’s not. Find out where you get traffic from, which pages are popular and so much more. It really is a must-have on any website.
Choosing the right integration is straightforward, but it requires a bit of consideration. You need to assess your needs. What do you want to achieve with the website? Do you want to focus on sales or bookings?
Also, make sure these work with your website platform. And, of course, think about your budget. What do you have to spend? You want this to be scalable as you grow, so take these steps into consideration.
Website integrations are more than just extra features; they're essential to make your website operate at its best. We’ve looked at e-commerce, booking systems, live chat, and more that can help you run your business more effectively.
Ready to make your website work smarter? Give us a call on 0450 616 000, or let's discuss how we can integrate the right tools for your business.
Your website has so much potential, we just need to unleash it, and your business will grow quickly.
Hi, I’m Robert Tickner, an Australian-based web design expert with over six years of experience helping small businesses succeed online. I specialise in creating custom websites and optimising for local SEO to drive traffic, boost visibility, and support business growth.
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