How can I get more business out of my website? We are a real flower shop in suburban Chicago. Need help.?

We are a real brick and mortar store. Most internet florist are nothing more than order takers. They take 30% off the total and call the order to a brick and mortar shop. This is not fair to customers and real florist. We have enough competion with grocery and big box stores. How can a small floral shop get big response to our website? I would gladly pay to see big results! I would bet that more than 75% of the advertised florist on the web have nothing more than a computor and phone to run there business. 1-800-flower is the worst of all. They take over 32% for the money that is spent on your order.

How can I get more business out of my website? We are a real flower shop in suburban Chicago. Need help.?
First, don't knock the competition. They do what they do, you do what you do and your goal is to focus on how you do it better.





Small florist huh? What is your specialty. Do you or your staff hand pick the arrangements that you send? Do you have a picture of your store and/or staff on your website?





How about special occasions the other 'big box' stores don't cover? Forget the same old 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy New Year' sales gimmick. Take a page from Hallmark's play book - they have 'Stick To Your Diet' cards with the theme song from Rocky. How about brides over 20 arrangements, 2nd Wives Club for men that charges a low annual membership, 2nd Husband Club for women (same concept) and yes, women do send flowers to men.





A historical arrangement just for those who relocated to/or from Illinois? What you want to think about is people move around, a lot! A special floral arrangement 'from home' may make being away easier for some of them. And a 'Welcome Home' arrangement for new arrivals makes the move less stressful. Family and friends will send them instead of a card.





Also, don't start lowering your prices if you decide to do any of these 'special arrangements'. Go for premium pricing. Why the competition is fighting tooth and claw is that they 'low ball' hoping to make it up in volume.





You're in a highly unique position to make up your own rules. Charge premium prices for a 'price has nothing to do with it, it's different' crowd.





Hope this got your creative brain going;)