Library Research Assignment: Select One Business Topic

Library Research Assignment You are to select 1 business that does

You are to select one business that does not currently have a website and develop an internet strategy for it. Suitable options include small-scale businesses such as a local bike shop or sole proprietorships offering services like car repair, house cleaning, or tax preparation that use the internet to enhance their operations. Your task involves analyzing how the business can utilize a website and social media to meet its objectives.

Using internet and library resources, research and analyze markets and competitors. After selecting the business, answer the following questions: What internet business model is appropriate for this company and why? How can the business benefit from a website? What functions should the website serve (e.g., marketing, sales, customer support, internal communications)? Additionally, explore other internet uses that could benefit the business.

Prepare functional specifications for the company's website and internet use, including links to and from other relevant sites. Also, compile a list of technological specifications required for implementation, such as necessary hardware and software.

Format your paper according to APA standards, including a title page, abstract, and body. The body should be 3-4 pages double-spaced, use 12-point Times New Roman or Courier font, and include in-text citations supporting your analysis. The reference page must also adhere to APA formatting standards.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of digital technology has profoundly transformed small-scale businesses, offering new opportunities for growth, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. For small businesses such as local bike shops, house cleaning services, or tax preparation offices, establishing a robust online presence is no longer optional but essential for competitiveness. Developing a comprehensive internet strategy involves selecting an appropriate business model, leveraging social media, and implementing technological infrastructure tailored to the company's needs.

Selection of Business and Its Context

For this analysis, I have chosen a local bicycle repair shop that currently lacks a web presence. As a service-oriented small business, the bicycle shop relies heavily on local community engagement and word-of-mouth referrals. However, in an increasingly digital age, an online platform can significantly expand its reach and operational efficiency. The fitness and cycling markets are highly competitive, with customers seeking convenience, quick service booking, and informative content about products and services.

Appropriate Internet Business Model

The most suitable business model for the bicycle repair shop is the “Service-Based Model” with an integrated e-commerce component. This model emphasizes offering repair and maintenance services, selling related accessories and parts, and potentially booking appointments online. It aligns with the core business activity while leveraging e-commerce capabilities for product sales and online reservations (Chaffey, 2019). This approach provides convenience for customers and opens additional revenue streams through online sales.

Benefits of a Website

A dedicated website can offer numerous benefits, including increased visibility, improved customer engagement, and streamlined operations. It allows the business to showcase services, provide pricing information, and share customer testimonials. An online presence expands the local customer base beyond foot traffic, reaching cycling enthusiasts in neighboring communities or tourists seeking bike rentals and repairs.

Moreover, a website enables efficient appointment scheduling, reducing administrative overhead and minimizing scheduling conflicts. It can also serve as a digital marketing hub, integrating with social media platforms to enhance reach and engagement (Ryan & Jones, 2016).

Core Website Functions and Features

The website should perform several key functions tailored to the business’s objectives:

  • Marketing: Display services, promotions, and customer testimonials to attract new clients.
  • Sales: Enable online purchasing of accessories and spare parts through an integrated e-commerce platform.
  • Customer Support: Provide contact details, FAQs, and scheduling forms for repairs or consultations.
  • Internal Communications: Support staff scheduling, inventory management, and internal updates.

Additional features could include a blog about cycling tips, a newsletter signup, and integration with social media channels for broader outreach (Hanna & Chen, 2020).

Using the Internet for Business Benefits

Beyond the website, the business can utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to target local customers and cycling communities (Baker, 2021). These channels can promote special offers, new products, and community events. Social media advertising, in particular, can be targeted based on geographic and demographic data to maximize engagement and conversion rates.

Implementing customer relationship management (CRM) tools integrated with the website and social media enhances personalized marketing efforts and customer retention (Johnston & Kong, 2019). Additionally, email marketing campaigns can keep customers informed about promotional events and seasonal discounts.

Functional and Technological Specifications

Functional specifications include a user-friendly interface, mobile responsiveness, secure payment processing, and easy navigation. The website should also support online booking, product catalog management, and live chat support for customer inquiries. Integration with third-party services like Google Maps for locating the business and social media plugins for sharing content are essential.

Technological specifications involve hardware requirements such as a reliable web hosting server with sufficient bandwidth, a secure payment gateway, and data backups. The software stack should include a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress or Shopify for e-commerce, along with necessary plugins for security and analytics (Smith, 2020). The website and social media platforms must comply with relevant privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA, to protect customer data (Kumar & Reinartz, 2018).

Conclusion

In an increasingly digital marketplace, small service businesses like a bicycle repair shop can greatly benefit from an effectively designed website and strategic use of social media. Selecting an appropriate business model and technological infrastructure aligns with operational goals and enhances customer engagement. Ultimately, a well-executed internet strategy can foster growth, increase competitiveness, and improve customer loyalty for small-scale businesses.

References

  • Baker, M. J. (2021). Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses on Social Media. Journal of Digital Marketing, 15(3), 45–60.
  • Chaffey, D. (2019). Digital Business and E-Commerce Management. Pearson.
  • Hanna, R., & Chen, X. (2020). Integration of Social Media and E-Commerce in Small Business Growth. International Journal of Business Innovation, 8(2), 70–85.
  • Johnston, K., & Kong, S. (2019). Customer Relationship Management: Fundamentals and Practices. Routledge.
  • Kumar, V., & Reinartz, W. (2018). Customer Relationship Management: Concept, Strategy, and Implementation. Springer.
  • Ryan, D., & Jones, C. (2016). Understanding Digital Marketing: Marketing Strategies for Online Success. Kogan Page.
  • Smith, A. (2020). Developing Small Business Websites: A Practical Guide. TechPress.

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