--- title: "SME Classroom: Moving to Online Shopping – Set Goals and Choose the Right Tools" locale: "en" language: "en-HK" published: "2020-09-21T13:12:50+08:00" updated: "2026-03-17T23:02:00.694Z" canonical: "https://accordhk.com/blog/sme-classroom-moving-to-online-shopping-set-goals-and-choose-the-right-tools-85" --- # SME Classroom: Moving to Online Shopping – Set Goals and Choose the Right Tools Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more consumers have switched to online shopping. To stand out in competitive e-commerce, SMEs need a well-developed sales plan, and there are many lower-barrier social platforms and small tools to help them develop online store sales. ## In brief SMEs moving online should first define their target customers, such as overseas or mainland Chinese, then choose suitable tools. Facebook Business Suite helps manage Facebook and Instagram in one place, while AlipayHK open mini programs help merchants reach the mainland market with lower development and operating costs. Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more consumers have switched to online shopping. However, competition in e-commerce is intense, and to stand out, a business needs a well-developed sales plan. There are quite a few lower-barrier [social platforms]() and small tools available that help SMEs develop online store sales. Before developing an online business, a company should first consider its target customer group, for example whether its customers lean towards overseas customers or mainland Chinese customers, and then draw up a suitable plan, such as using WeChat or [Facebook]() and other platforms for promotion and management. Recently, Facebook launched a new business suite application ([Business Suite]()). Through the new interface, businesses can simultaneously manage their Pages or information on Facebook and its family of apps, making it easier to set up and promote a merchant's online store. In addition, users can post on Facebook and [Instagram]() at the same time, and manage and receive messages and notifications in one place, which saves a considerable amount of time. Users can also easily use the Insights reports on Facebook and Instagram to track a Page's promotional campaigns, understand how effective their strategies are, and review post reach and engagement. By creating ads, they can help boost engagement and connect effectively with customers and resonate with them. To use the new application, businesses must first connect their Facebook and Instagram business accounts. After logging in to Facebook Business, users can select Business Suite on the page, and the application will be offered for download in two versions, iOS and Android. Facebook said it plans to extend the service to major enterprises next year. Business Suite also plans to extend its features over the coming year to WhatsApp, its fourth-largest instant messaging tool. In addition, to break into the mainland market, businesses may consider using the newly launched open mini programs on [AlipayHK](), which allow merchants to quickly have their own dedicated application and to quickly move their services or products online. Because mini programs are built into AlipayHK, they are already compatible with the two major systems, iOS and Android, so merchants do not need to revise them for different systems, saving merchants considerable development and operating costs. Merchants can define the content of their mini programs and list products as needed. The data and information within the mini programs are processed directly through the merchant's own server, so merchants can independently control their mini programs and all operational arrangements. Original article: https://bit.ly/2ZRzP4a ## Frequently asked questions ### What should a business consider before developing its online business? It should first consider its target customer group, for example whether customers lean towards overseas or mainland Chinese customers. It can then draw up a suitable plan, such as using WeChat or Facebook for promotion and management. ### What can Facebook Business Suite do for businesses? Businesses can manage their Pages or information on Facebook and its family of apps at the same time, post on Facebook and Instagram simultaneously, and manage and receive messages and notifications in one place. They can also use the Insights reports to track campaigns and create ads. ### How do businesses start using Business Suite? They first need to connect their Facebook and Instagram business accounts. After logging in to Facebook Business, they can select Business Suite on the page, and the application is available for download in iOS and Android versions. ### Why might merchants consider AlipayHK mini programs for the mainland market? The mini programs are built into AlipayHK and already compatible with iOS and Android, so merchants do not need to revise them for different systems, which saves development and operating costs. Data is processed directly through the merchant's own server, giving merchants control over their operations.