Benefits of online store and why every business should have one

Key takeaways: 

• An online store helps your business reach a wider audience, increase visibility, and sell products anywhere, anytime.
• It reduces overhead costs and boosts profit margins while giving customers better prices.
• Built-in e-commerce tools provide valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling you to enhance marketing strategies and drive more sales.

Did you know that more than 2.6 billion people now shop online? That’s about one in every three people around the world buying from their phones or laptops. This shift reminds us it’s time to bring your business online and connect with customers where they spend most of their day scrolling and shopping.

With more shoppers turning to the internet, the benefits of having an online store make even more sense. An e-commerce store lets you reach customers anywhere and compete with physical stores without the extra costs of rent or staffing. For shoppers, the advantages of online shopping are obvious: no more waiting in line, faster checkout, and easy price comparisons before buying.

That’s why more entrepreneurs are shifting to online selling. This guide explains the main advantages of an online store and how it can drive growth for your business.

Why sell online?

Selling online is how today’s businesses grow and get noticed. It helps you connect with new audiences, boost visibility, and run your online business with the flexibility and reach that a brick-and-mortar store or physical storefront can’t offer.

Let’s break down what’s driving this trend:

• Shift in consumer behavior toward online shopping
• Growth potential of an e-commerce store
• Competitive pressure from large retailers like Amazon
• Online presence as a trust signal

Shift in consumer behavior toward online shopping

Shopping habits are changing fast. In 2025 Q2, in-store shopping grew by 9.2 percent while e-commerce sales rose 6.24 percent. This implies that people now shop wherever it’s most convenient. Online shoppers use their phones like mini storefronts to browse, check reviews, and compare prices before deciding to buy online or visit brick-and-mortar locations nearby.

What began during the COVID-19 pandemic has now become a new normal. Shoppers like the convenience of buying from home but still visit stores for items they can’t purchase online. For small businesses, it’s an opportunity to strengthen customer retention through consistent presence across both channels.

Growth potential of an e-commerce store

Selling online removes the limits of traditional shopping. With an e-commerce business, you can launch with minimal costs, sell from anywhere, and grow without the high expenses of rent or daily staffing. With the help of mobile devices, you can stay connected to customers at any time and meet their preferences with a 24/7 global operation that helps your business grow faster.

Competitive pressure from large retailers like Amazon

Big players like Amazon and Walmart have set the bar high. They sell across multiple channels, making shopping online easy and convenient. That means small businesses compete not just with local shops but also with the experience online retailers already offer.

It may seem like a tough race, but small businesses have a clear advantage: focusing on what big brands often miss—personal service, niche products, and local trust. You don’t need a huge setup to succeed, just the same reliable experience people expect, whether they purchase online or shop in-store.

Online presence as a trust signal

People trust what they see. In the digital age, customers expect every business to have an e-commerce website where they can explore products, check reviews, and make secure online shopping decisions. A visible presence on Google, directories, and social media helps your business look active and trustworthy.

Your e-commerce website also connects what happens online and offline. When shoppers find the same information and quality in your in-store purchases and online listings, it helps your brand earn trust. Why? Because it proves your business is real, reliable, and ready to serve customers wherever they choose to shop.

Now that you know why selling online matters, check out our guide on How To Make an Online Store: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025 to see how you can start building a smooth online shopping experience.

Key benefits of an online store for customers 

Shopping habits have evolved, and customers now expect speed, flexibility, and a wide range of choices. For small business owners, understanding what keeps buyers coming back is the key to achieving better customer retention and stronger loyalty. Prioritizing these benefits of online shopping helps you create experiences that keep your brand at the forefront of your customers’ minds and ahead of competitors.

Here’s a quick look at the main benefits customers enjoy when shopping online:

• Convenience and 24/7 accessibility
• Price comparisons, discounts, and deal hunting
• Product reviews, ratings, and social proof
• Personalized shopping experience
• Avoiding crowds and low-pressure shopping
• Saving items for later or wishlists
• Access to niche and specialty products
• International product access

Convenience and 24/7 accessibility 

An online store never closes. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores with fixed hours, an e-commerce website stays open around the clock. Shoppers can browse, compare, and purchase products at their own convenience. This flexibility fosters long-term relationships and keeps your business active even when you’re off the clock.

Price comparisons, discounts, and deal hunting

Shoppers today love the thrill of the hunt. Before they purchase products, they quickly switch between tabs, check online reviews, and compare deals. It’s no surprise that the price comparison website market reached $29.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $59.5 billion by 2033. Clear prices and visible discounts help people make decisions faster and feel confident about the deal.

Product reviews, ratings, and social proof

Today, checking reviews is simply part of how people shop. With only about 3% of consumers saying they never read reviews, that means roughly 97% check them at some point before buying. Most shoppers rely on real experiences, star ratings, and UGC to feel confident about their choices. When people compare products or look for a trustworthy brand, they search for signs of honesty and transparency, so featuring clear and recent reviews helps them see real value, spot good deals, and decide if your business is worth buying from.

Personalized shopping experience 

Personalization is what keeps shopping online exciting. Instead of a generic shelf like in a brick-and-mortar store, your online retail space can greet each shopper with a handpicked experience. When a site remembers what someone viewed and suggests relevant products on the homepage, it saves time and feels helpful rather than pushy. So, if a customer frequently buys skincare products, you can feature new items in that category. Alternatively, if someone browses winter coats, highlighting matching scarves or boots can be effective.

To support this kind of experience, our E-commerce Website Builder works with integrations and add-ons that help you set up personalized recommendations that fit your store. In turn, these simple touches can lead to bigger carts, higher order values, and stronger customer loyalty.

Avoiding crowds and low-pressure shopping

Crowded malls and long lines are no longer appealing. Many people now enjoy the convenience of online shopping, where they can browse and buy without the rush. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of shoppers prefer to shop online rather than visit physical stores. With an e-commerce platform, it’s easier to compare options, take your time, and check out comfortably from home. Even those who still enjoy occasional in-store visits like having the choice to shop quietly and conveniently whenever it suits them.

Saving items for later/wishlists

One of the best parts about online shopping is the freedom to shop your way. People can save items they like, compare prices, and come back anytime they’re ready to buy. Unlike a traditional store, online wishlists keep everything in one place, so nothing gets lost. With an e-commerce platform, shoppers can shop anytime and pick up where they left off. Many e-commerce companies use this feature to send gentle reminders that turn interest into sales while keeping their brand top of mind.

Access to niche and specialty products

Shopping online today opens doors to products you don’t always see in a physical shop. Your store can have a dedicated corner for hard-to-find pieces that people love, so they can browse without sorting through unrelated items. It might be small-batch snacks, artist-made goods, or tools for a specific hobby. Grouping these items in one place guides shoppers toward the items that interest them and keeps the feeling of discovery alive. It also helps customers enjoy the same spark they get when they stumble on something special in person.

International product access

Online shopping opens your store to the world. The key advantages are easy to see: buyers in other countries can discover your catalog, compare options in their own language, and make purchases directly without waiting for a local reseller. To make that experience stress-free, show total costs and delivery times upfront, support local payments, and offer clear return policies. Real-time tracking and realistic ETAs reduce worry about shipping delays. As your audience grows, consider cross-border tools inside your platform for taxes, translations, and localized checkout so that many customers feel like you built the store just for them.

Key benefits of an online store for businesses 

An online store is not only beneficial for customers, but it also gives your business more flexibility to grow. You can reach new audiences, manage online sales, and work at your own pace without needing a big team or physical space. For small business owners, going digital means lower costs, easier growth, and the freedom to reach more customers anytime.

Here’s how having an e-commerce store gives your business a real advantage:

• Global reach and market expansion
• Lower overhead and operational costs
• Product and inventory flexibility
• Centralized inventory and unified channel management
• Real-time data, analytics, and customer insights
• Personalization and targeted marketing
• Scalability and growth potential
• Omnichannel shopping experience (online + in-store integration)

Global reach and market expansion 

Taking your business online helps you reach people wherever they are. Customers can find you whether they’re nearby or across the country. A local fashion boutique, for example, can sell a weekend’s worth of orders to shoppers in other cities without opening new branches.

Do you run a small fashion business? Create an online store to sell your apparel beyond your brick-and-mortar store and bring in extra sales.

Lower overhead and operational costs 

Running an online store costs far less than maintaining a traditional retail setup. You save on rent, utilities, and the cost of hiring several sales associates or a sales assistant. For many small sellers, this helps keep expenses in check. Someone who makes candles at home, for instance, can run their shop online without paying for mall space or a storefront. Those savings can go toward marketing or stocking up on better inventory, so your business stays competitive with larger online retailers. Lower expenses also make it easier to keep prices fair and profits steady, which is especially helpful for startups and side hustles that want to grow without heavy overhead.

Product and inventory flexibility

For many e-commerce companies, flexibility is the key to staying competitive. Instead of sticking to fixed stock in a physical store, businesses can test new products through dropshipping or a hybrid setup to manage inventory more easily. This setup helps you respond quickly to what customers want. A craft seller can try a few new designs in small batches and see which ones attract orders before committing to larger production. You can experiment with trends, adjust what’s selling, or introduce new products without the pressure of unsold items.

Centralized inventory and unified channel management

Modern online retail works best when everything is connected. Omnichannel tools let you sync stock across your website, social media shops, and POS systems so you can manage inventory easily and avoid overselling. A small pet supply shop, for example, can list products on its website and Facebook Shop while keeping inventory updated in one place. You can still inspect products in person when needed while tracking updates digitally in real time. This kind of setup keeps operations running smoothly and makes online shopping simpler and more reliable for both you and your customers.

Real-time data, analytics, and customer insights 

For online retailers, data is gold. Most e-commerce platform dashboards now track best-selling products, traffic sources, and abandoned carts in real time. These insights help boost e-commerce sales by showing what’s working and what needs improvement. A coffee roaster, for instance, can check which roast sells fastest and shift their marketing toward those products right away. With the right analytics, you can make smarter business moves, adjust your marketing fast, and manage inventory based on what customers actually do.

Personalization and targeted marketing 

Strong customer relationships start with understanding your target audience. Modern e-commerce companies use data from past purchases and behavior to send offers and recommendations that match each customer’s interests. A skincare seller might notice that a customer buys mostly serums or gentle formulas, so they feature moisturizers that fit that routine. With tools like email automation and CRM integration, you can reach the right people at the right time and maintain high engagement. The result is marketing that’s more personal and delivers a higher ROI without wasting effort or budget.

Scalability and growth potential

Running your store on an e-commerce platform makes growth easier to handle. The global e-commerce market continues to grow, with Statista projecting revenue to reach $3.66 trillion in 2025. That gives small businesses more chances to capture more sales and scale up. With the right setup, you don’t need a big team or extra space to grow. A homemade snacks business can take on a holiday surge in orders because automation tools handle many of the tasks behind the scenes. This kind of support helps improve profit margins as your store expands.

Omnichannel shopping experience (online + in-store integration)

Most shoppers move between online and in-store experiences. For small businesses, connecting your online shopping site with your physical shop is one of the smartest moves you can make. A small bookstore can allow customers to place an order online and pick it up in-store, creating a smoother experience across both channels. This setup lets people browse and buy however they want while keeping your business connected across every touchpoint. Whether you offer in-store pickup or shared rewards, this kind of approach builds trust, convenience, and loyalty that big online retailers can’t easily match.

Building customer trust online 

You don’t need to be a household name to earn trust online. With a smart setup in place, your store can appear just as credible and secure as any big brand.

What helps you build trust from the first click:

• SSL, HTTPS, and secure payment processing
• PCI compliance and fraud protection
• Trust signals: Reviews, return policies, transparency, and UX

SSL, HTTPS, and secure payment processing 

One of the biggest security concerns in online shopping is whether customer data stays safe at checkout. Adding SSL certificates and HTTPS encryption protects every transaction and makes your store look more credible.

This is how SSL and HTTPS build confidence in your e-commerce platform:

• Encrypt sensitive data, such as payment and login details, so that hackers can’t intercept it.
• Show visible trust cues such as the padlock icon or “https://” in your store’s URL.
• Protect your reputation by preventing browser warnings that drive shoppers away.
• Support secure payment gateways to keep transactions fast, safe, and reliable.

Strengthen your store’s protection with our SSL Certificates and SiteLock Website Security.

PCI compliance and fraud protection

Handling online payments also means keeping your customers’ trust. PCI compliance (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of global rules that protect cardholder information whenever people buy from your e-commerce store. Following these standards helps prevent fraud, data breaches, and costly penalties that could affect your business.

PCI compliance matters because it:

• Protects customer data by requiring encrypted transactions and secure storage
• Prevents chargebacks and fines that come from non-compliance or payment fraud
• Builds buyer confidence by showing your business meets global security standards
• Works alongside fraud detection tools that flag unusual activity and verify each purchase

Learn more about protecting your online store with this guide to website security.

Trust signals: Reviews, return policies, transparency, and UX

Trust grows when shoppers see proof and honesty. Verified reviews give real insight into what others experienced and help customers feel confident when shopping online. Clear return policies and contact details add to that sense of security, showing that e-commerce companies value transparency.

Good design also builds trust. Fast-loading pages, simple navigation, and ADA-compliant features make an online retail store more welcoming to everyone. When your site looks polished and easy to use, people are more likely to stay, explore, and buy again.

Overcoming e-commerce challenges 

Managing an e-commerce business isn’t always smooth sailing, but most challenges have straightforward fixes. Once you understand what causes common issues, you can turn them into chances to build trust and grow your brand.

Below are some of the most common e-commerce challenges and practical ways to overcome them.

• Handling returns, delays, and hidden costs
• Competing with market giants: Differentiation tactics
• Technical complexity and integration challenges
• Inventory and order management

Handling returns, delays, and hidden costs

Late deliveries, unclear return policies, and surprise fees are the top reasons shoppers hesitate to buy again. According to AlixPartners’ 2024 Home Delivery Survey, 92% of consumers say free shipping impacts their purchasing decisions, and nearly one in four will switch retailers if expectations aren’t met.

Simple fixes make a big difference. Add clear refund pages, show upfront prices for shipping and taxes, and offer real-time tracking to earn customer confidence.

Providing local delivery or in-store pickup options also helps. Customers appreciate having choices, whether they prefer in-store shopping or online shopping. When you keep the process smooth and transparent, you protect both the shopping experience and your brand’s reputation.

Competing with market giants (differentiation tactics)

Competing with giants in online retail can seem tough, but small businesses have an edge that money can’t buy: connection. While e-commerce companies like Amazon focus on size and speed, you can make an impact through personal service and genuine care. Share your story, respond quickly, and show customers they matter.

Simple touches go a long way. Create loyalty programs, offer discounts to repeat buyers, and celebrate milestones with your shoppers. Big brands may win on volume, but small businesses earn loyalty when every interaction is honest and sincere.

Technical complexity and integration challenges 

Many small business owners hesitate to enter online retail because they think it’s too technical. But creating a store today is easier than it used to be.

Most platforms now have drag-and-drop tools, built-in payments, and plug-ins that work together smoothly. You don’t need coding experience to start e-commerce sales or manage day-to-day tasks online. Even better, e-commerce platforms like ours offer support that helps you launch and grow without the tech headaches.

Inventory and order management 

Keeping track of products and orders is a big part of running e-commerce sales smoothly. Smaller businesses often begin with easy-to-use tools, such as spreadsheets or store dashboards, and later transition to inventory software that integrates with POS systems. Features such as stock alerts and order-tracking apps help avoid overselling and missed shipments.

In online retail, staying organized behind the scenes builds customer confidence and encourages repeat purchases.

Is an online store right for you? 

If you run a physical shop or sell products through social media, this quick checklist can help you determine if starting an online store makes sense for you.

Ask yourself:

1. Do you want to reach more customers?

An online store opens your business to shoppers outside your neighborhood and connects you with people who search and buy from anywhere.

2. Do you want simpler daily operations?

E-commerce tools can handle payments, inventory, and order tracking so you can focus on growth instead of manual tasks.

3. Do you want stronger customer loyalty?

Shoppers appreciate convenience and trust. A smooth online experience can turn casual browsers into repeat buyers.

4. Do you want to lower overhead costs?

Selling online can reduce rent, utility costs, and some staffing needs. You can redirect more of your budget to marketing or new products.

5. Do you want a store that grows with your brand?

A professional website gives you more control over how you sell, how you present your products, and how you scale over time.

If most of these sound like a yes, then an online store could be a strong next move for your business.

Ready to bring your business online? Try our AI Website Builder to create your store in minutes. 

Frequently asked questions 

Building an online store with Network Solutions 

An online store helps you reach more customers, stay open 24/7, and grow beyond the limits of a physical shop. Still, many small business owners hold back because of setup costs, security worries, or fear of falling behind the competition.

You can set up and manage your online store in one place. We bring together everything you need, including domain registration, hosting, website design, SSL certificates, and marketing services, so you can run your online store with confidence.

Start your e-commerce journey today with Network Solutions and take your business online with ease.