Grow your online service business and gain more bookings with these tips

What if you sell services online instead? Such as consultancy or creative works, and offline services as well.

These are all potentially lucrative fields and can be a great option for many experts, especially when many people are used to working from home. Curious to know more? Then continue reading to understand how to grow an online service business from scratch.

What is an online service business?

A product is often a physical thing that has defined specifications. A service, on the other hand, is the process of exchanging one's knowledge or physically assisting and advising. 

The main types of services that you can sell and provide online are:

• Consulting

• Coaching

• Supervision

• Training

• Teaching

• Beauty services

• Repair services

• Creative work

• Home care

• And more;

So, you can be a teacher, investment advisor, house cleaner, dog walker, or anything else; you technically can sell your service online and take your business to the next level.

In general, services are sold in one of two ways: indirectly or directly. Many people sell services indirectly, using websites to market their services and attract potential consumers through a promise. On the other hand, direct selling involves allowing potential customers to order and even pay for services directly on your website.

When selling services online, it's critical to convey what the service is, how it operates, and what the buyer may expect. You must also provide the sale's terms and conditions, such as payment methods, delivery dates, and return policies.

Why should you sell services online?

Selling services online serves a variety of reasons. We've compiled a list of some of the most important advantages to consider.

Automate your work

Allowing potential clients to browse your services and then choose and book them on your website saves you a lot of time and effort that would otherwise be spent sending quotes or contacting customers.

With a website you can automate your process and provide clients with immediate answers to basic inquiries, then let them arrange for your services.

Provide cost transparency

You might be able to establish a database of potential consumers by selling only. People, believe it or not, are sometimes hesitant to inquire about rates for services that aren't published. For instance, they would want to know if their wedding budget will cover your services. 

You're not just giving potential clients cost transparency when you provide them tools to assess the price of your services; you're also getting them one step closer to making an order or contacting you with any additional queries they may have.

Scale your business easily

When you have services to sell online, scaling your business is a breeze. By reaching out to more clients, you may easily offer new services and improve your sales. This is due to the fact that providing services online allows you to access a worldwide audience.

To grow your business, you'll need a terrific website, high-quality services, and a solid marketing approach. Having these three items in place will assist you in expanding your business and increasing your profits.

Allow customer to book appointments anytime

When you sell services online, you can make a lot of money while also giving your consumers easy access. Services are available for purchase 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Customers will be able to find what they need fast, and you will be able to generate revenue even when you are not working. To get started, all you need is a website or online store, as well as a payment processor.

How to start selling services online?

Here are the basic steps to start selling your services online and helping your customers find you better.

01. Analyze your list of services

Starting with one or a few of the most popular services is always a good idea. Consider services from a sales perspective. What are the most often asked questions, particularly those concerning service cost? Examine your price list to determine what your base service is, how much it costs, and what extras might be included.

Also, conduct your own research on your target audience. Who are your customers? What do they do? What are their salaries? What are their hobbies? What are their challenges, or goals? Don’t try to appeal to every customer out there.

02. Define pricing

It's critical to define the correct setting of default pricing when selling services online. A prospective customer should be able to adjust the price in both directions. A customer may be annoyed if you start with the lowest price and only give a "bare" service while hiding actual prices through extras.

The best way is to define your service and price as suitable and optimized solutions that your customers can easily choose.

03. Build a website for your service

You don't need years of technical skill or a massive budget to create a high-impact website, thankfully. In reality, with an easy-to-use ecommerce website builder, creating your own website is now easier than ever.

We recommend utilizing one of the market leaders, such as Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace, because they are all simple to use, economical, and give service-based businesses with the resources they need to get started selling.

04. Promote your online service business

In principle, marketing your services should be simple. There are only three things you need to do:

• Determine what distinguishes your services from those of your competitors.

• Determine where the attention of your target audience is drawn.

• Directly communicate to your audience why your services are superior.

Of course, in practice, addressing and implementing these three points is more difficult – which is why developing and sticking to a marketing plan is a smart place to start. This strategy might encompass everything from social media content and advertising to Good Search Ads on high-value search phrases.

The best method is through being transparent, honest, and hard-working to build a relationship with customers. After all, word of mouth marketing is still the most powerful way to ensure customers come back.

How to grow an online service business with more bookings?

Here are some tips and real-life examples that you can use to grow your service business, gain more bookings, and convince customers to keep choosing your store.

Focus on solving your customers’ problems

When someone can't solve a certain problem on their own, they look for help. That should be your primary focus - you need to demonstrate that you can solve their problem and make their life easier. Use a catchy design and language to assist users find the answer they're looking for on your website in seconds.

Of course, you should talk about your own brand or organization as well; your storytelling should be centered on the value you provide. Describe your background and expertise in terms of how you assist your clients in solving difficulties and improving their lives.

Describe clearly the benefits of your service

It's all about problem-solving and a customer-centric approach. Clarify the advantages of your service and the needs that you or your team can meet. People are looking for straightforward solutions, and you want to make yours as straightforward as possible.

Concentrate on the client's side of things, particularly the challenges and threats they're facing. You must dispel their concern about ordering someone's services online. The easiest method to do so is to demonstrate that you understand their concerns and are willing to assist them.

Remember to use social proof

Allow your work and customer testimonials to speak for themselves. It's the most effective technique to show off your professionalism as well as the quality of your services.

You should allow your consumers to write reviews on your website. This type of social proof can be really useful. Reviews can not only inform others about your services, but they can also give you valuable feedback. You can utilize them to improve your services and give your customers a better experience.

Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself to your potential customers and let them know who stands behind your company to add some emotion and personality to your brand story. It doesn't have to be your entire biography or the entire history of your organization — just a brief overview of your past and what makes you a trustworthy professional will be enough.

Add a touch of personalization

You can go a step further and let your audience build their own package with only the services they require. If you're an event planner, for example, you may include a membership form on your website so that visitors can specify their needs and preferences before contacting you. 

With such knowledge, you can create a one-of-a-kind concept for them.

Final words

Now, you’ve got all the knowledge you need of selling your service online. With the right strategy, you have the opportunity to make your business grow with many customers. Go for it.

At Xopify, our app aims to provide a better solution for online service business. If you are looking for one, click here to find out more.