
7 Steps to Successfully Move Your Local Business Online
7 Steps to Successfully Move Your Local Business Online – If you’ve been running a local business for years, you know the joy of greeting familiar faces and seeing repeat customers walk through your doors. But lately, maybe you’ve noticed a shift—foot traffic isn’t what it used to be, or you’re eager to reach customers beyond your street corner.
7 Steps to Successfully Move Your Local Business Online isn’t just a guide; it’s a roadmap to reshaping your business for the digital era. Think of it like teaching an old dog new tricks—but with the right guidance, that old dog can become the fastest learner in the park.
Let’s be real: as a small business owner, you’re juggling a million hats—managing staff, stock, marketing, and day-to-day operations. The thought of building an online store can feel overwhelming. That’s where Webvertize Australia comes in. We cater specifically to small businesses, offering affordable, end-to-end web design, SEO, and digital marketing solutions—without the inflated costs of big agencies like MIG Brand Creative.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll learn in this post About the 7 Steps to Successfully Move Your Local Business Online:
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- Why moving online is essential today
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- The 7 key steps to launch your eCommerce store
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- Real-life examples of successful transitions
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- How Webvertize can handle the heavy lifting for you
1. Understand Your Customers and Market
Before you touch a single website template, start by understanding your audience. Ask yourself:
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- Who is currently buying in-store?
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- Are there untapped markets online?
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- What problems can you solve for customers digitally?
Example: A local bakery noticed customers were asking about delivery and gift packs online. By identifying this demand, they created an online ordering system, instantly increasing weekly sales by 30%.
Pro tip: You don’t have to figure this out alone. Webvertize can analyse your customer base and target market, so you know exactly how to position your products online.
2. Choose the Right eCommerce Platform
Your choice of platform affects every aspect of your online business—from ease of use to SEO potential. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.
Example: A Melbourne-based candle shop switched from selling manually through Instagram DMs to Shopify. Within weeks, their workflow became smoother, inventory management simplified, and customers could pay securely online.
With Webvertize, you get guidance on selecting and setting up the platform that fits your business perfectly, so you don’t waste time experimenting.
3. Design a User-Friendly Website
Think of your website as your digital storefront. Just as you’d carefully arrange products in-store, your online store should feel welcoming and intuitive.
Tips for design:
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- Keep navigation simple and clear
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- Highlight best-selling or seasonal products on the homepage
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- Ensure mobile optimisation—over 60% of users browse on their phones
Example: A local fashion boutique redesigned its website with a clean, mobile-first layout. Visitors could now browse, filter, and check out in minutes. Result? Bounce rates dropped 40%, and sales grew steadily.
Webvertize can design your site from scratch or improve your existing site, taking the stress off your plate while keeping it affordable for small business owners.
4. Implement Strong SEO Strategies
Building a website is only half the battle. To reach new customers, you need to be discoverable.
Long-tail keywords to consider:
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- “affordable eCommerce website for small business”
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- “local bakery delivery Melbourne”
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- “best Shopify experts Australia”
Webvertize optimises your site for search engines while ensuring it’s easy for you to manage, so you don’t have to be an SEO expert yourself.
5. Leverage Digital Marketing
Driving traffic to your new store requires more than SEO alone. Digital marketing creates awareness and engagement.
Strategies include:
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- Email campaigns for loyal customers
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- Social media advertising on Instagram and Facebook
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- Retargeting campaigns for visitors who leave without purchasing
Example: A local gym added online memberships and virtual classes. By promoting via Facebook Ads targeting locals, they saw a 50% increase in online sign-ups within two months.
With Webvertize, we manage your campaigns for you, so you can focus on running your business rather than juggling ads and analytics.
6. Offer Outstanding Customer Experience
Your online customers expect convenience, speed, and clear communication—just as they did in-store.
Ways to deliver:
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- Easy checkout and multiple payment options
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- Transparent shipping and return policies
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- Personalised follow-ups or thank-you emails
Example: A homewares store included hand-written notes with first orders. Customers raved on social media, creating organic buzz and repeat sales.
Webvertize helps you streamline the entire online customer experience, ensuring your business feels professional and trustworthy online.
7. Track, Test, and Optimise
Digital businesses have a huge advantage: data. Track traffic, conversion rates, and customer behaviour. Test different approaches to see what works.
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- A/B test product page layouts
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- Analyse abandoned carts and optimise checkout
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- Adjust marketing campaigns based on analytics
Example: A toy store noticed most abandoned carts occurred during shipping selection. By simplifying options and offering free local delivery for orders over $50, conversions increased 25%.
Webvertize can monitor and optimise your website and campaigns, so you’re always making decisions based on real data without lifting a finger.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to move a local business online?
A: Typically 4–8 weeks for small businesses, depending on platform choice and product range.
Q: Can I manage an eCommerce store alone?
A: Yes, but partnering with Webvertize means we handle the technical side, so you can focus on your business.
Q: Are Webvertize services affordable for small businesses?
A: Absolutely. Unlike large creative and marketing agencies, Webvertize specialises in small businesses with transparent, budget-friendly pricing.
Why Choose Webvertize Australia?
Tailored for Small Businesses
We specialise in helping small businesses transition online—no cookie-cutter solutions here. Your website, SEO, and marketing are customised to your brand and goals.
Affordable, Transparent Pricing
Unlike big agencies, we offer high-quality services without the inflated costs. Every dollar is invested in growing your business, not agency overheads.
End-to-End Solutions
From website design to SEO, social media marketing, and analytics, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.
Proven Results
We’ve helped local businesses increase sales, reach new audiences, and build a strong online presence. Real data, real growth, no fluff.
Support You Can Count On
Our team is based in Melbourne, responsive, and committed to your success. You’re not just a client—you’re a partner.
Call to Action:
Ready to grow online without the stress? Contact Webvertize Today to start your digital transformation.
Conclusion & CTA About 7 Steps to Successfully Move Your Local Business Online
Following these 7 Steps to Successfully Move Your Local Business Online will help you expand your reach, boost sales, and future-proof your business—even if your schedule is already packed.
Busy running a small business? Let Webvertize do the heavy lifting. From web design and SEO to marketing and analytics, we cater to small businesses and offer affordable, end-to-end solutions that bigger agencies charge a premium for.
Ready to launch your online store with confidence? Contact Webvertize Today to get started with professional website design, SEO, and digital marketing services tailored for small businesses.
Want ongoing guidance for growing online? Book a Free Consultation and let our Melbourne-based experts help you thrive in the eCommerce world.

Reza Mohammed is the founder of Webvertize Australia, a Melbourne-based digital agency he launched in 2015 to help small to medium-sized businesses build strong online foundations. Since then, Webvertize has delivered custom websites, smart branding, and result-driven digital strategies — all with a focus on high quality at an affordable cost.
In addition to Webvertize, Reza recently launched Logo2QR.com, a platform that helps businesses convert their logos into dynamic, scannable QR codes — blending brand identity with modern functionality.
Through Webvertize, Reza shares insights on web performance, design best practices, and marketing tools that help business owners navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Whether launching a new website or upgrading an existing one, his focus remains on clarity, usability, and long-term growth.
Based in: Melbourne, Australia