Many businesses faced significant challenges in the aftermath of Covid-19 in 2020. In recent years, many companies have ventured into the online space to expand their digital presence. Starting in 2021, there was a surge in companies inquiring about whether they could receive support through technology vouchers for their online stores. In theory, online stores fall within the scope of technology voucher funding. However, it’s essential to note that creating an online store goes beyond just adding a new sales channel. The interface should be visually appealing and offer an excellent user experience. Whether on a computer or a mobile device, it must be clear and easy to navigate, with a simple and intuitive user interface. Additionally, incorporating videos to highlight product advantages and providing comprehensive information are also crucial aspects to consider when developing an online store.
Why can online stores successfully apply for the Hong Kong Technology Voucher?
The purpose of the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) in Hong Kong is to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt technology services and solutions to improve productivity or upgrade and transform their business processes. The reasons why online stores or e-commerce businesses can successfully apply for the Hong Kong Technology Voucher can be seen from several perspectives:
Necessity of Technological Upgrades: Online stores often need to upgrade their technology platforms to provide better customer experiences. This includes optimizing websites, improving site speed, and enhancing system security. The TVP can assist these businesses in purchasing new servers, adopting the latest e-commerce solutions, or enhancing website security.
Data Analysis and Marketing Strategies: Technology plays an essential role in modern e-commerce. Online stores can use technology to analyze customer data, understand market trends, and carry out more targeted marketing campaigns. This helps online stores better target their market and customer base, thereby increasing sales.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency: As businesses expand, online stores need more efficient management tools to handle inventory, logistics, and orders. The TVP can support these businesses in adopting automated warehouse management systems, logistics tracking tools, and other technology solutions to streamline their daily operations.
Strategic Application: Successful TVP applications require not only technological needs but also a clear business strategy and plan. Online stores need to explain to the funding agency how the selected technology will directly contribute to business growth and efficiency.
Website Scalability: Online stores need user-friendly backend interfaces for easy page management, which helps establish a strong brand image and build customer trust in the long run. Moreover, online stores need to invest in value-added services like search engine optimization (SEO) to improve their website’s ranking on Google’s front page, increasing click-through rates and traffic. In addition to aesthetics and functionality, online stores also need to integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) systems to handle orders and customer feedback.
We recommend that companies interested in expanding their online business consider using TVP funding to establish an online store, implement customer management systems, and invest in search engine optimization. If necessary, they can also acquire retail systems such as point-of-sale (POS) systems. Since TVP can provide up to 75% funding, applying for the program can significantly reduce the costs involved in these initiatives.
How should one choose an e-commerce platform?
There are basically two choices when it comes to setting up an online store platform, which are suitable for different user needs:
Option 1: Using a DIY Platform
A hosted platform is a paid DIY web platform for selling products. In Hong Kong, some well-known options include Shopline, Shopify, and 掌舖. These are all examples of DIY web platforms. DIY website platforms are easy to use and handle various aspects such as website setup, page layout modules, payment gateways, and integration with logistics providers. Users do not need coding experience, and they can manage these tasks themselves. However, these DIY web platforms have lower flexibility, and if you require customized features, it can be more challenging to implement.
Option 2: Setting Up Your Own Website
There are some open-source website building options available, and we recommend WordPress. WordPress is not only SEO-friendly but also offers a wide range of features. It can be used to add e-commerce capabilities to your company website, as well as incorporate membership systems and manage orders, among other functionalities.
Website required features" or "Functionality needed for the website
- Online Store System
Frontend: This is the part of the website that visitors can see, displaying all products, prices, features, discounts, and more. Additionally, the shopping cart functionality allows visitors to add items to their cart and proceed to checkout. Backend Control: This is the dedicated area for website owners or administrators, allowing them to monitor and manage all activities on the website. Drag and Drop Functionality: With this feature, administrators can adjust the webpage layout or add new products through a simple drag-and-drop interface, without the need for coding. Product Management: Administrators can add, edit, or delete products, set prices, and add product descriptions and images. Order Management: This feature enables tracking of all orders, viewing which orders are completed or in progress, and handling refunds or returns. Sales Reports: Display sales data, revenue, and other statistical information related to sales.
- Membership System
Member Registration: Visitors can register as members on the website, typically requiring email, password, and other basic information. Modify Member Information: Members can update or modify their data on their personal profile page. Secure Member Data Storage: The system securely stores all member data. Delete Member Data: When necessary, administrators can delete all data associated with a particular member.
- Content Management System (CMS)
Using a CMS, you can easily add, edit, or delete content on the website. You can update text, images, audio, and video without requiring professional web design or editing skills.
- Information or Messaging System
Direct Interaction: When customers leave messages or inquiries on your website, you can respond to them directly, addressing their questions in real-time. Message Management: This includes viewing, posting, replying to, editing, and deleting messages, allowing you to manage customer interactions more effectively.
These functionalities together provide businesses with a comprehensive and powerful e-commerce platform to meet all the requirements of modern e-commerce.
Why can SEO successfully apply for the Technology Voucher Program (TVP)?
In the current digital age, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a key way for businesses to gain online exposure, attract target customers, and maintain connections with existing customers. Therefore, SEO is not only a technical strategy but also a business development strategy.
Through professional SEO services, businesses can improve their website’s rankings in search engines, which is crucial for increasing website traffic, subsequently boosting conversion rates and sales. Furthermore, an optimized website can enhance user experience, improve brand image, and reputation.
Therefore, when small and medium-sized enterprises invest in SEO services through the Technology Voucher Program (TVP), they are actually investing in a strategy that can yield long-term returns, aligning perfectly with the goals and intentions of the TVP. Additionally, since the results of SEO efforts may take some time to materialize, businesses require long-term and professional support, making the TVP an ideal choice for funding such long-term investments.
