Library Research Assignment: Select One Business

Library Research Assignmentyou Are To Select 1 Business That Does Not

Develop an Internet strategy for a business that currently does not have a website. Focus on small-scale businesses such as a local bike store, a sole proprietorship offering services like car repair, house cleaning, or tax preparation. Analyze how the business can utilize its website and social media platforms to achieve its objectives. Use internet and library research to assess market conditions and competitors.

Answer the following questions:

• What Internet business model would be appropriate for the company and why?
• How can the business benefit from a website? What functions should it serve (e.g., marketing, sales, customer support, internal communications)?
• In what other ways might the business use the Internet for its own benefit?
• Prepare functional specifications for the company's use of the Web and Internet, including links to and from other sites.
• Prepare technological specifications for implementation (hardware and software requirements).

Format your paper in APA style: include a title page with a running head, an abstract summarizing your paper in third person, and a 2–3 page body double-spaced in 12-point Times Roman or Courier font. Include in-text citations supporting your analysis and a reference page in proper APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The digital transformation of small businesses has become a crucial aspect of contemporary commerce, especially for sole proprietorships such as local service providers. Developing an effective internet strategy for a business that does not yet have an online presence requires careful analysis of appropriate business models, benefits, functions, and technological infrastructure. This paper explores how a small business, such as a local bike shop, can leverage the internet and social media to enhance its operations and competitive edge.

Selection of Business

In this context, a local bike store serves as an ideal candidate for developing an online strategy. Many small retailers lack a digital presence due to resource constraints or lack of expertise. However, establishing a website and utilizing social media can significantly increase foot traffic, customer engagement, and sales. Moreover, such a business often benefits from an online catalog, booking services for repairs, and sharing community events or promotions via social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Appropriate Internet Business Model

The most suitable model for a small bike shop is a hybrid approach combining informational and transactional elements. An informational website would provide details about products, services, hours of operation, and contact information. Incorporating e-commerce capabilities could enable customers to purchase accessories, book repair appointments, or schedule test rides online. This model aligns with the retail nature of the business, optimizing both marketing and sales functionality while providing a platform for customer support and engagement (Laudon & Traver, 2021).

Benefits of a Website

A website offers multiple benefits for the business. Primarily, it enhances visibility in local markets, attracting customers who predominantly search for services online (Baker, 2014). Additionally, a website streamlines operations, allowing online appointment bookings, product inquiries, and feedback collection, thus reducing workload and improving customer service. It also serves as a marketing tool, enabling promotion of discounts, new products, or community involvement through targeted campaigns. Furthermore, an online presence fosters trust and credibility, encouraging loyal patronage (Kumar & Reinartz, 2016).

Core Functions of the Website

The website should perform several core functions:

• Marketing: Showcase products, services, and promotional offers to attract potential customers.
• Sales: Provide e-commerce capabilities, such as online purchases of accessories or booking repair services.
• Customer Support: Offer FAQs, contact forms, and online chat for assistance.
• Internal Communications: Facilitate communication between staff and suppliers via integrated messaging or internal portals.

In addition, integrating social media channels ensures broader outreach and real-time customer engagement (Shankar & Bolton, 2014).

Additional Internet Uses for the Business

The business can further utilize the internet through digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO) and local online directories to increase visibility. Email marketing campaigns can nurture customer relationships, promote loyalty, and inform about upcoming events or discounts. Implementing customer review systems can enhance reputation and provide valuable feedback (Holliman & Rowley, 2014). Geographic information systems (GIS) can also assist in analyzing customer demographics and optimizing service delivery areas.

Functional Specifications

The website should include an intuitive interface with easy navigation, mobile responsiveness, and secure payment gateways. It should connect to social media profiles for integrated marketing efforts. Links to major local directories and review sites enhance visibility. Additionally, the site should include a content management system (CMS) for easy updating of product information, promotions, and blog content. Integration with Google Maps will assist customers in locating the shop. Interlinking with supplier sites for inventory updates will streamline supply chain management.

Technological Specifications

The implementation of the web strategy necessitates appropriate hardware and software infrastructure. A reliable web hosting service with scalable bandwidth is essential. The business requires a secure server environment supporting an e-commerce platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce. The hardware should include a dedicated computer for website management, a backup system, and access points for point-of-sale devices. Software requirements include content management systems, payment processing software compliant with PCI DSS standards, antivirus protection, and analytics tools like Google Analytics. Consistent updates and cybersecurity measures are critical to safeguarding customer data and maintaining operational continuity (Santos et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Establishing a comprehensive online presence for a small business such as a local bike shop can substantially enhance its market reach, operational efficiency, and customer engagement. By selecting an appropriate internet business model, utilizing social media, and implementing robust technological infrastructure, the business can develop a sustainable digital strategy that supports growth and competitiveness in the local market.

References

• Baker, M. J. (2014). The marketing book (6th ed.). Routledge.
• Holliman, G., & Rowley, J. (2014). Business to business digital content marketing: marketers’ perspectives. Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, 8(4), 269-293.
• Kumar, V., & Reinartz, W. (2016). Creating Enduring Customer Value. Journal of Marketing, 80(6), 36–68.
• Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2021). E-commerce 2021: business, technology, society. Pearson.
• Santos, C. P., Silva, A. C., & Dias, A. G. (2019). Cybersecurity strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises. Journal of Information Security, 10(2), 89-105.
• Shankar, V., & Bolton, R. N. (2014). Perspectives on using social media for marketing. Journal of Interactive Marketing, 28(3), 178-182.