Jalissa owns a sandwich shop and wants to expand her business. She has talked to other local shop owners for ideas about how to do this and a few suggested adopting an online presence. How could e-commerce help Jalissa expand her business?
A. It can attract customers from a wider area.
B. It can eliminate the need for workers in her actual shop.
C. It can increase her revenue by allowing her to increase prices.
D. It can decrease her security costs.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. It can attract customers from a wider area.
Explanation
Adopting an e-commerce strategy could significantly help Jalissa expand her sandwich shop by attracting customers from a wider geographic area. With a physical location, her customer base is generally limited to those who can physically visit her shop. However, with an online presence, she can reach a broader audience, including customers who may not be local but are interested in her products. This can be particularly advantageous if her sandwiches have unique features or flavors that set them apart from competitors.
Having an e-commerce platform allows Jalissa to showcase her menu, special promotions, and even customer reviews, making her business more appealing to potential customers. She could offer online ordering for pickup or delivery, thereby meeting the increasing demand for convenience in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Many consumers prefer to browse and order food online, which has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people now prioritize minimal contact and convenience.
Furthermore, by implementing targeted digital marketing strategies such as social media advertising, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), Jalissa can increase her visibility to potential customers. For instance, using local SEO can help her attract nearby customers searching for sandwich shops online. Engaging content, such as sharing behind-the-scenes videos or customer testimonials, can create a loyal online community that supports her business.
In contrast, the other options—B, C, and D—do not directly address the primary advantage of e-commerce in expanding the customer base. Eliminating workers may not be feasible, and increasing prices or decreasing security costs are not sustainable strategies for growth. Overall, the potential to attract a wider customer base through e-commerce is the most compelling reason for Jalissa to expand her business online.