Now, this one is once again for small business owners in Ireland who are looking to get online and tap into digital marketing – the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) could be the right opportunity for you. This great scheme, known as the trading online voucher (TOV) scheme, helps small businesses like yours get online by developing a tailored digital marketing strategy. Let’s get into how TOV marketing can help your business and why you should consider it.
Chrisa
The TOV is a government-funded program designed to assist small businesses in Ireland with their online activities. The online voucher TOV scheme is a government-funded initiative aimed at enhancing the online trading capabilities of small businesses. It offers financial support to cover a portion of your costs related to digital marketing and online presence improvements. The maximum value that businesses can receive is €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenses, underscoring the importance of understanding these limits when applying for the voucher. This means you can invest in vital online tools and strategies without bearing the full financial burden yourself.
Before we dive into how you can use the Trading Online Voucher (TOV), let’s talk about the eligibility criteria. As a business owner in Ireland, to qualify for the TOV, your business must be registered and trading in the Republic of Ireland, have fewer than 10 employees, and a turnover of €2 million or less. You need to show a genuine commitment to trading online, and your business should have been operational for at least 6 months with a physical location in Ireland. Make sure to provide accurate business details, such as your company name, address, CRO number, and a description of your business. This ensures a smooth application process. As a TOV agency in Ireland, we are well-prepared to help you through this process and maximise the benefits of the voucher for your business.
Enhancing online sales capabilities through initiatives like the Trading Online Voucher Scheme can lead to increased revenue, access to new markets, and sustainable business growth. The online voucher TOV scheme supports microbusinesses in developing robust e-commerce practices and improving their digital presence. Here’s how you can use the voucher to get the most out of it:
You run a local store with no website or an old one. With the TOV you can invest in a new, professionally designed e-commerce website that reflects YOU and your brand’s unique identity. This site could include beautiful images of your products, an easy-to-use menu, online ordering for convenience and much more. Plus, it’ll allow you to create a new, well-optimised blog page where you can share tips and special offers can keep your customers engaged and attract new ones.
➡️ Read More: What’s a content strategy and why you need one
A website is your online shopfront for several reasons. It’s the first impression you give to potential customers who find you online. A modern, user-friendly site attracts visitors and gives you a platform to showcase your products and services. With features optimized for user experience and SEO like clear navigation and keyword-rich content, your site can rank higher in search results. This increased visibility brings more traffic to your site, converts visitors into customers and ultimately drives more sales.
You’re a retailer looking to expand your market. The TOV can fund the development of a full e-commerce platform with shopping cart, secure payment gateway and inventory management system. This will give you a smooth shopping experience with features like product recommendations and easy checkout.
E-commerce is key to growing your business beyond your physical location. An online store lets you reach customers in different regions, 24/7 and give a seamless shopping experience. By incorporating SEO best practices into your e-commerce site like optimising product descriptions with keywords and creating SEO-friendly URLs you can increase your site’s visibility and attract more potential customers. This increased visibility will drive more traffic to your online store, more sales and a stronger customer base. Additionally, remember online advertising always helps in promoting your e-commerce platform, enhancing visibility, and reaching targeted audiences through digital channels like Google and social media.
As you can already tell, the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) can be used to fund various digital marketing activities to help you get online. This includes creating a digital marketing plan, which is a detailed strategy for growing your business online. It also covers implementing this plan, which may involve training to help you use digital marketing tools.
For example, you can use the TOV to pay for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), so people can find your website on search engines. You can also fund social media ads to target specific groups of people and Google Ads to reach people looking for services like yours. Digital marketing brings more traffic to your site, raises your profile and helps you connect with customers. By using SEO, social media ads and Google Ads you can be different, engage and grow.
You run a small accounting firm and need software to manage your business. With the TOV you can invest in customer relationship management (CRM) software or data analytics tools. These tools help manage client interactions, track business performance and gain insights into customer behaviour.
Internet-related software is key to improving operational efficiency and making informed business decisions. CRM systems help manage and nurture client relationships improve communication and service. Data analytics tools provide valuable insights that can drive strategic decisions and optimise your marketing. By using these tools you can streamline processes, improve client satisfaction and ultimately improve your business. Social media marketing also helps enhance business operations by increasing brand visibility, engaging customers, and generating leads through platforms.
“The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a valuable government initiative designed to help small businesses enhance their online trading capabilities.”
If you like what you see and want to see how the TOV can work for you we’re here to help. Check out our case studies page to see how other businesses like yours have used the TOV.
Get in touch today to apply for the TOV and get the most out of your digital marketing. 💫 Questions or need help with your application? We’ve got you covered! Read below:
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOV) is a government initiative designed to help small businesses enhance their digital presence. It offers financial assistance to cover various costs associated with developing and improving online platforms, such as website development, digital marketing, and e-commerce functionality.
To qualify for the Trading Online Voucher, businesses must be registered and trading in the Republic of Ireland, have fewer than 10 employees, and an annual turnover of €2 million or less. They should also demonstrate a genuine commitment to trading online.
The TOV can be used for a range of digital marketing and online development activities. This includes website development, e-commerce functionality, digital marketing strategies, and internet-related software. For example, it can fund the creation of a new website, implement SEO, or purchase CRM software.
The TOV supports digital marketing by funding activities such as SEO, social media advertising, and online advertising campaigns. This helps businesses improve their online visibility, attract more customers, and drive engagement through targeted marketing efforts.
The maximum value of the Trading Online Voucher is €2,500, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, excluding VAT. This allows businesses to make significant improvements to their online presence while receiving substantial financial support.
Yes, the TOV can be used to set up or enhance an e-commerce platform. This includes integrating shopping carts, payment gateways, and inventory management systems. An effective e-commerce site helps businesses expand their reach and increase online sales.
Businesses must provide recent financial statements, proof of turnover, employee numbers, and business registration details. These documents are used to verify eligibility and ensure the voucher will be used effectively to achieve measurable outcomes.
By using the TOV to invest in a new website, e-commerce features, or digital marketing strategies, businesses can boost their online sales capabilities. Improved online platforms attract more customers, facilitate seamless transactions, and enhance overall customer experience, leading to increased sales and growth.
