10 IMPORTANT POINTS TO INCREASE YOUR ONLINE SALES
The success of an online store depends on many important factors to consider. These factors may not seem important to many, but in fact they represent the key to a successful online business. In this article, we will share with you ten important tips that will help you increase sales on your e-commerce site. Our web agency provides special online store development services.
- Make your website menu as simple as possible
Anyone who sells a lot of products will probably want to make categories in the menu. The idea itself is not a bad one, but it is recommended to simplify the menu to make life easier for visitors. Let’s say you’re dealing with clothing, instead of adding all categories such as “t-shirt”, “long-sleeved” and “sweater” to your menu, it would be better to combine them into one category: “Outerwear”.
- Reduce the number of steps to checkout
People don’t want to spend too much time trying to buy an item online. Studies show that 28% of online shoppers cancel their order if the buying process is too long.
Your goal is to get more visitors and make more money. So don’t make the process too long. In most cases, you only need to know your contact information, shipping address and payment information. The phone number alone is an achievement, as you can contact your customer later and clarify all the nuances in a conversation with them.
- Encourage customers to create a profile
Again, creating a profile should be a suggestion, not a requirement. Your customers should be able to place an order without having to register. If for some reason you want your potential customers to sign up, it’s better to tell them about the benefits they will receive if they do. You can also promise to send them useful information about a product they are interested in.
- send a reminder about pending orders
A customer may add an item to their cart but forget to place an order. In such a situation, it is important to remind them by sending an email reminder. It’s important to note that you can only send reminders to the customer if they have already purchased from you.
- Publish blog articles regularly
Create a separate section on your website for posting articles. You should have a blog where you update new material at least once a month. This will attract more potential customers. Remember, if there is more traffic to your site, the likelihood of getting a customer will increase. In short, your site should showcase not only your products, but also more informative content that can continue to attract your potential customers.
- Provide a variety of payment options.
Increase your chances of sales by providing as many payment options as possible.
You may decide to use card payments, but that option isn’t right for everyone. That’s why you should make sure you offer all possible payment methods, since your goal is to make the buying process easier for all of your potential customers regardless of the payment method you use.
Rule of thumb: The more payment options, the better.
- Avoid third-party advertising on your site
Never use your online store for advertising
If you are already using your internet store for advertising, you should stop it.
It seems tempting to get extra money from Google Adsense, but by doing so, you are immediately sending your customers to your competitors. Adsense is also perceived by some users as spam. According to a study by Rakuten Marketing, 82% of U.S. users admitted that banner ads in online stores are a signal to leave the site.
- Free shipping.
In most cases, people who add an item to their shopping cart don’t proceed with the checkout because of some unplanned costs, such as shipping charges.
Studies show that the main reason is unanticipated expenses, such as shipping costs.
Just put yourself in the shoes of a customer who has made the decision to buy an item based on its initial price. And as soon as they add it to their cart, they see a different price with additional costs. They might leave the order and walk out. So one option would be to include the cost of shipping in the price of the item.
- Upload quality videos and photos of products
Unlike regular stores, people online can’t touch or try on products. Therefore, first and foremost, customers rely on photos to understand what they are buying.
Take several pictures of the product you’re selling from different angles. Yes, it can be tedious, but it’s important for good sales.
Sometimes photos alone aren’t enough, you need to show users videos of the products. According to Forbes, 90% of consumers say it’s the video that helps them make their final buying decision.
- Allow customers to leave reviews
Reviews are one of the best ways to build trust in your online store and products.
Ask your customers for their opinions, talk to them and find out if they like your product or not. Post a feedback form. Be prepared for the fact that not all reviews will be positive. But there is a positive side to this. First, you’ll get feedback and be able to improve your service, and second, a few negative comments among many positive reviews will amplify the positive effect of the latter.
I hope that these tips will help you increase sales in your online store. If you need help, contact our experts.