There’s no denying that the floral industry is a lucrative one. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), the global market for cut flowers was worth $30.7 billion in 2020. The same report estimates that this could grow to $43.8 billion by 2027. Clearly, there’s a lot of money in the floral industry. However, the industry is also a highly competitive one, so it’s not easy for floral businesses to flourish. The following tips are some of the ways you can drive your floral business to mainstream success.
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a great strategy to increase organic website traffic and thus, attract new leads. By targeting keywords, creating a responsive website, providing long-form content, using links, prioritizing user experience, and optimizing images and videos, you can encourage your website to rank higher in search engine results.
SEO is useful because it increases brand awareness, appeals to your target audience, and increases organic traffic to your website. Investing in SEO is integral to business with and without e-commerce options because online research is important for brick-and-mortar businesses as well. Since SEO can be the difference between consumers reaching the conversion stage or abandoning up in the middle of the process, we think it’s one of the key ways you can ensure success in the floral industry.
2. Floral E-Commerce
Whether you’re a grower, wholesaler, or retail florist, it’s integral that you embrace floral e-commerce. Floral e-commerce has been gaining popularity through the years but flourished when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and consumers’ shopping habits changed. Even now, as the world is returning to normal, people are still enjoying the convenience of shopping online through floral e-commerce websites.
In addition to being convenient, floral e-commerce is available to customers 24/7 and not just during regular business hours. Additionally, it allows businesses to reach new markets and not just their locality. It allows you to sell more by putting your entire catalog on display and can boost sales while aiding SEO and digital marketing efforts. As you begin your online store, make sure to use a business process diagram to track growth and identify any issues happening.
3. Floral Industry Websites
If floral e-commerce alone isn’t enough of a reason for you to consider investing in a floral website, consider your business’ credibility. If your floral business doesn’t have a web presence, it’s automatically less trustworthy. In fact, 84% of consumers think that a business with a website is more credible than one that only has social media pages.
Simply having a floral website isn’t enough – web design matters. 94% of first impressions are related to website design and 75% of your website’s credibility comes from its design. It’s also important to remember that the floral industry is a highly visual one and the first impression you make on visitors determines whether they stay on the website and continue to explore your products and services or leave and visit a competitor’s website.
4. Hire Floral Industry Consultants
Hiring floral industry consultants is another way to help your floral business succeed. Instead of hiring individuals, you have to train, floral industry consultants already know the ins and outs of the industry and what your business needs to flourish.
New Bloom Solutions’ floral industry consultants work closely with all players in the floral supply chain, including growers, flower farms, wholesalers, distributors, and retail florists. Let us help your business bloom by scheduling an appointment with us here.