This article featured in Wines & Vines is an excellent read about one of the sessions held at the Wine Industry Technology Symposium in Napa this week. Visit: http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=119242
I have worked with James Marshall Barry and admire his ability to deliver low cost, effective website design and e-commerce solutions. This article gives a clear overview of some of the latest cloud based apps and technologies that are helping wineries grow their business while reducing costs. Wineries have many choices when it comes to online presence, e-commerce, POS, mobility, social and communication tools. Ultimately the customer is the biggest focus when making decisions around technology and how it is used. As Direct to Consumer wine sales continue to grow at a rapid pace, customers have more choices than ever to buy wine online, join a wine club or register for an event. Data management is key to understanding customer preferences so that meaningful conversations can be delivered through the use of technology. The WOW experience at the tasting room can be carried through to the first wine club shipment by using technology to understand members preferences and interests. A hand written note, small gift, thoughtful packaging extends the tasting room experience into the living room and builds brand loyalty. What was the most impressive wine shipment you remember receiving? We all have at least one we love to talk about.
I recently started my own DTC Wine Consulting firm and used WordPress, Zoho CRM and Project Management Tools, Gmail and Mail Chimp to make it happen. It took me one week to build my WordPress site, configure my cloud based programs, build out customer segment types, workshop project plans and also send my first email distribution. Keep in mind that I have a background in CRM, E-Commerce and Technology sales, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how to use many of the cloud based systems now available. With a little admin training around how to configure settings, import and segment data, wineries can manage CRM and Email Marketing programs on their own. Wineries don’t need to spend a fortune to build their Direct to Consumer wine business and nurture member relationships. Zoho CRM and Project Management software is FREE for smaller wineries (up to three users and 5000 contact records) and ranges from $15 to $35 per month for the full blown Enterprise Edition. With the proper guidance around use of cloud based technology with best practices in DTC wine sale processes, wineries can save a significant chunk of change without compromising quality, customization and ease-of-use.
About DTC Wine Workshops:
DTC Wine Workshops helps winery teams make the right moves with DTC wine technology evaluation/implementation, sales strategies, marketing programs and staff training. We are here to help when the time is right.