We are web developers and publishers. We have promoted the major relay services online through affiliate programs for years to our online audiences. Over the years, several florists have asked us if we can promote them direct to our audience but we couldn't find a way that would provide them value for their money, and fit in with the way they do business, and give our readers what they want. Now I think we've finally found it. We are in the final stages of designing our package for florists and would welcome any feedback, questions, etc.
The Package:
1. your own domain name (essential to protect your interests)
2. a website that we manage but you can update photos, prices etc. This is not an online shopping cart. It is designed to get customers to phone, email non-urgent orders, or come into your shop, and to provide a way you can show them examples while you talk on the phone.
3. Promotion of your website - in our websites (can't post them because I'm a new member) plus we submit you to google local listings etc.
4. Opportunity to earn commission from online sales - so that if your customer wants to order online, you pass them to a relay system website and earn commission on the sale. You can also have complementary online shops (gifts, hampers etc) listed and earn commission on those sales. That reinforces you as the place to go for gifts to your customers. None of this requires any work on your part.
The Cost:
Still finalising but we are looking for a monthly direct debit charge rather than the big upfront costs you usually get with a website. It's possible that the commission earned could cover your costs or more. Commission is tracked through our own private affiliate platform, not one of the public ones
An example:
The first website has gone online on Friday: Look for Flowers by Louise at Lawnton 4501 and you'll find it
Still some work to do - we only started a week ago.
It gives their customers 4 options: phone, email non-urgent queries, come into the shop, or order online through Teleflora. If they order through Teleflora, we share the commission from Teleflora with the florist. (This florist is a Teleflora member) If they order anything else from the online shops page, commission is shared there too.
The florist can log in and add/change categories, products, photos, prices etc on their website any time they like.
Passing online orders on to the relay network means that they don't have to keep checking their computer for urgent orders. It means they don't have to worry about all the security issues with online shops. It's also because florists are so much more than fulfillers of online orders. People looking at this website could be looking for individual service, weddings, functions, corporate etc.
Having your own domain name means that any advertising you do, advertises you and nobody else. Having your own domain also means that if you decide to move on, you keep your domain name and all the investment you've made in it. You can have emailadresses@yourdomain.com.au
Feedback and questions are welcome.
Gayle
