Lisbon helps mom-and-pop shops get digital presence

No need to be tech-savvy to participate in the city’s new platform

Lisbon has decided to give a solid shoulder to its small merchants with the creation of the online LisbonShopping platform, which was launched last week on 16 November and is ready to receive applications for inclusion.

The aim of the authorities is to overcome the lack of digital presence that plagues many of the small business establishments, which traditionally are used to rely on word-of-mouth and customer loyalty for their operations. In a rapidly changing environment where digital presence is becoming the norm, however, these old ways of doing business might be insufficient, however.

It is completely free to join and use

LisbonShopping thus has the ambition to become a complete and exhaustive directory and guide to all the neighbourhood shops and services that are available to residents and visitors of the Portuguese capital. The information contained there is meant to be up-to-date, precise and searchable by district and/or business activity.

Registration is completely free – the only condition for the enterprises, whether they are physical or digital, is to be based on the territory of Lisbon. Registered merchants can advertise their establishments, also for free, create campaigns and special offers and enhance their digital presence, by allowing links to their websites, online stores and social networks (in case they have such).

The people behind the platform explained that photos of the shops are not compulsory but are highly recommended, being that visual information is highly prized by online users. Shop owners can send their own photographs but if they would like a more professional take of the premises, the platform also offers an expert photographer at a special price.

The platform is also providing information on the history and particular feel of each neighborhood of Lisbon, giving tourists a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of what the district is all about. It also suggests shopping and tourist itineraries.