How to Promote your E-commerce Business as we Head into a New Year
How to Promote your E-commerce Business as we Head into a New Year
These days e-commerce businesses make up a large portion of the purchases made by Canadians and international consumers. With that being said, just as they offer a range of unique attributes, in turn they require a unique set of safety protocols. Of course, one important security measure is to have the proper insurance in place for these specific business needs.If you are an e-commerce business owner, let’s take a look at how you can promote your business, while also maintaining its safety as we head into the New Year.
Advertising
Of course, driving people to your website is a very important first step that can set the tone for this entire process. There are various methods of advertising you can use for your e-commerce business, such as posting on social media sites as well as participating in online events and virtual gatherings, which assist getting your name out there. Google Ads are another popular option. These types of online Ads can really help when it comes to search engine rankings as they have the potential to increase the traffic on your site.
With online holiday shopping ramping up this time of year, the nature of the online advertising that you use to promote your products and services can certainly contribute to the success of your business well into the next year.
Creating Engaging Content
Another key method of gaining momentum for your business is establishing content that will pique consumer interest. Not only can you include information on your site that is unique to your brand and products and/or services, it is also helpful to try and put yourself in the ‘shoes’ of your potential clients and identify what they really want to see and hear, and feel connected to.
Through the use of engaging content that can range from pictures, videos, and other graphics, this type of imagery can help you continue to gather and sustain a strong customer base.
Building Client Relationships and Trust
As an online retailer, it is also likely that you are looking for new and innovated methods of growing your business. However, there is still something to be said for the tried and true method of staying in touch with your clients through email. Continuing to manage your email lists has the potential to hold the attention of your existing clients, and by building and maintaining those relationships, you can promote your products and services at the same time.
Trust is another important element of e-commerce businesses and perhaps can be a little more challenging as you miss out on the in person connections that can help establish customer relationships.
With that said, one significant step you can take to build trust is to communicate with your online client base by making them aware of the security measures you have in place to protect them. It is important for your customers to know the safety of their personal data is being protected – and in turn this can greatly contribute to the level of trust and client relationships you build and maintain over time.
Being Aware of E-commerce Fraud
Even if you are doing everything you can to promote your online business, if you are not taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your clients from e-commerce fraud, the overall success of your business is likely to suffer.
Some ways you can protect your business, include taking steps to secure your website data and customer transactions. In addition to current security, it is also important to stay up-to-speed on the various fraud trends that can affect your business.
During the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an even greater spike in fraud cases. As a result, it is even more important to have the proper protocols in place, so you don’t jeopardize the safety of your online store and livelihood.
Acquire Ecommerce Fraud Insurance
With that being said, another step you can take to protect your business is to have the necessary insurance to cover yourself in the event of issues of fraud, weakened security, and other online retail-related risks.
Not only does having the right insurance allow you to foster an enduring reputation for your business, you can also have more peace of mind that you are protected from a wide range of cyber threats. When all is said and done, in a highly competitive market, your e-commerce business can continue to thrive.
Contact Leaders Insurance today to learn more about the variety of ways we can help ensure your e-commerce business is safe and protected as the New Year swiftly approaches.
3 signs your small business needs commercial insurance
3 Signs your Small Business Needs Commercial Insurance
As a small business owner, you may have started out with an insurance package that at the time, had sufficiently met your needs. However, if you are expanding or altering your business in any way, then it might be time to look at discussing Commercial Insurance policy options with your insurance agent.Here are some signs to help you identify if your small business will benefit from making the move to commercial insurance.
Sign #1 - You Have Purchased New Equipment (and Inventory)
If you have recently purchased some new equipment to operate your business, then it might be a good time to consider moving to commercial insurance. If, for example, you rely on expensive items, these can range from computers to vehicles, as well as many others, then you will want to ensure your insurance adequately covers these costs, should you need to promptly replace them in order to keep your business up and running.
Another important part to this, could also be that you have expanded your range of products and services With a larger inventory than you previously had, additional commercial insurance is likely necessary to ensure you also have enough coverage to replace these items, in the event there are any major losses.
With equipment and vehicle insurance being key elements of operating your business, having this type of commercial insurance in place may be the right move for you at this time.
Sign #2 - You Have Hired Additional Employees
As a small business owner, you may have started out as being the only employee. That said, the time may have come that you now require some additional help and are ready to take on another employee. Whether you are taking on a second employee or increasing your number of employees more significantly, either way, this is an important sign that you should reevaluate your insurance.
For example, worker’s compensation insurance is a commercial insurance option that helps to ensure you have enough coverage to support all of your employees and that you are both protected.
Sign #3 - Your Revenue has Increased
Perhaps you have also experienced an increase in revenue and your business is growing in this area as well. If you are now making a substantially larger amount of money compared to when your business began, then this is also a strong indication that you will want to make an insurance adjustment.
With increased equipment and employee needs, your revenue may also be on the rise and you will want to seek out the best level of insurance coverage that matches the trajectory and evolution of your business.
Bonus Sign #4: You are Moving into a New Business Space
One additional sign that also deserves mention, is whether you have made any changes to your business space. If you have or are thinking about renovating or moving into a larger work space, perhaps even leasing or buying a property, then you will also want to contact your agent. This can be a valuable opportunity to discuss the necessary commercial insurance coverage needed for this type of expansion.
Commercial insurance can cover a variety of unique areas pertaining to small businesses. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these aspects, so that you have the peace of mind that you are fully covered.
If you are ready to expand your small business operations in any way, you can contact our experts at Leaders Insurance to find out more about commercial insurance and what is the most suitable coverage for your business needs.
5 Questions to ask your home insurance agent
5 Questions to Ask Your Home Insurance Agent
As a homeowner, it is important to keep up-to-late on the latest ins and outs of your home insurance policy. You can start by knowing the right questions to ask.Here are 5 questions to ask your home insurance agent.
How do I know if I have enough coverage to replace all of my household possessions?
Naturally, one of the first questions you will have is to find out if you have the right amount of coverage. In the event, you need to replace all of your household possessions, you will then have peace of mind, knowing that all of your insurance needs are covered.
In order to perform an accurate assessment of your belongings, you can take pictures of all of your most valuable items. These items can range from furniture to clothing, from appliances to electronics, and so on. You should also be sure to keep these items in a safe place, not located in your home.
Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?
A second inquiry you are likely to ask your insurance agent is whether you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home. Not only does this include your possessions, it includes the structure, itself.
Additionally, you should also include in this conversation whether your policy covers a range of scenarios in which your home and possessions are lost. For example, if your home and belongings are destroyed due to natural disasters, is this still covered? In fact, it never hurts to ask as this could save you a lot of additional worry – and of course money in the long run.
Under what circumstances do I need Liability Insurance?
An aspect of your home insurance that you will also want to look into is liability insurance. A viable question to ask your agent is what specific kinds of liability coverage you might need as well as how much. For example, in the instance an individual has an accident or is injured while on your property – you could be considered liable.
Another scenario that falls under this category is in the event, your actions or your home itself causes damage to another person’s property. Either way, it is a good idea to check with your agent to see that you have the proper coverage to ensure you are financially protected against these range of situations.
What happens if the value of my home changes?
It can also benefit you to find out whether you may need to adjust your insurance and under which situations, this might be necessary. If you know you will be renovating or increasing the value of your home in terms of any upgrades, such as a pool or hot tub, etc. then your home insurance will likely need to revised to better reflect its current value. An increase in household possessions can also be included in this updated appraisal and your insurance agent can help guide you in making these amendments.
Do I qualify for any discounts?
One last question you shouldn’t be afraid to ask is whether you qualify for any discounts. For example, you may have options to bundle various insurance packages together. For example, you may be able to combine your vehicle and your home insurance into one policy and this could allow you to save on your overall insurance costs as well.
Secondly, if you let you insurance agent know you have additional safety measures in place to protect your home, such as a security system, smoke and sprinkler systems, this may entitle you to a bit of a break on your insurance fees.
In the end, owning a home is a substantial financial commitment. Therefore, being able to turn to your home insurance agent and ask the right questions can help to make this a more positive experience.
At Leaders Insurance, we want you to feel open to asking us the home insurance questions that are on your mind. In turn, we will provide the support you need in order to feel confident in your home insurance policy.
How to Protect your vehicle for winter driving
How to Protect your Vehicle for Winter Driving
The inevitable is coming - winter weather in Canada. While winter temperatures can vary across the country, one thing is for sure, you can still expect at some point to see icy or snowy weather in BC. With that being said, one important step you can take right now is to prepare your car for the winter roads.Here are some specific aspects of car maintenance you can perform in order to protect your vehicle during the winter season.
Washing the Exterior & Interior Regularly
First of all, it is important to wash your vehicle’s exterior on a regular basis. As temperatures drop and icy weather arrives, roads salt will be used to contribute to the safety of our driving. This material, however can also do a number on your car’s paint job. Furthermore, if there are any areas where rust has occurred, then the paint on your vehicle will be even more likely to experience additional damage. It is also recommended that you include a wax job afterwards, as the wax acts as a barrier by deterring the buildup of dirt, mud, water and snow, and of course, salt.
As for the interior, snow, water, and salt can also work their way into the inside of the vehicle and in turn can cause additional wear and tear to your vehicle’s upholstery. In order to avoid causing this type of damage to the interior of your vehicle, it is ideal to clean it regularly and remove any salt and snow before it leaves a deeper stain. For added protection against these elements, you can use rubber, all-weather mats to help keep the interior in good condition throughout the winter months.
2. Installing Winter Tires
Another method of protecting your car during the winter is to consider installing winter tires. While these can be a bit more expensive than other tires, this can also be seen as a bit of an investment in your vehicle and your safety. Not only do these tires help grip the roads in slippery conditions, and you can then also steer and break more effectively. In the end, with winter tires you are less likely to get stuck in deeper snow and yet can have more peace of mind that your vehicle will get you where you need to go – and as safely as possible.
3. Maintaining Wipers and Wiper Fluid
Next on the list is the windshield wipers. While windshield wipers serve an important purpose all year round, they are likely to see a lot more action during the winter time. With that said, it is important to make sure your wipers are in good working order as the last thing you want is to not have them do their job, if you find you are driving in inclement weather.
Another essential protective measure is to ensure you are keeping your vehicle’s wiper fluid topped up. That said, the type of wiper fluid you choose is also important and can depend on the temperatures in your area. However, it is Canada after all, and while we can never know from one moment to another, how mild or how frigid our winters will be, it is none-the-less, a good preventative step to use a wiper fluid that is designed to support colder weather. These steps can ultimately help to improve the safety of your driving as well as protect your vehicle during the winter season.
4. Being a Smart Driver
When all is said and done, even if you do have your vehicle in good working order, it won’t matter if you are not driving smartly. In order to protect yourself and your car during winter driving it is equally important to approach this with safety in mind. For example, when roads are slippery, remember to drive with caution and awareness, and this can include, braking sooner and leaving extra space between the other vehicles and yourself. By being even more alert when driving on wintery roads, this can help protect your vehicle as well as others around you.
When it comes right down to it, a large part of protecting your vehicle and yourself while driving all year round has to do with having the proper insurance. Especially during winter, this can become even more critical.
Feel free to contact Leaders Insurance to find out more about how we can contribute to your approach to safe driving, as well as to help you protect your vehicle while you are out on the roads this winter.