If you have an eCommerce website merely because it’s amusing and “something to do when there’s nothing to watch on Netflix”, then you don’t need to read this.
But if you’re dramatically less unfettered by reality, you’re probably looking to expand your audience base, instill customer loyalty and, of course, generate more revenue from your eCommerce site.
That means your focus should be on converting more sales.
So How Does One Boost One’s Sales Conversions?
Well, for starters, “one” can do this by incorporating the following (relatively) simple methods.
1. Secure Your Site
People are freaking out these days about security. And with good reason. No one wants to be robbed. Especially of their identity. It’s so hard to find a new one.
At any rate, if you want people to spend money on your eCommerce site, they need to know that their information is safe and secure at all times.
Reassure your customers that you are doing everything you can to keep them safe.
Some of the simplest ways you can do this are to:
- Get an SSL certificate
- Display credit card images/PayPal logo to demonstrate that you only accept trusted payment options
- Implement secure registration logins
- NEVER store your customer's credit card data in case there’s a data breach
Leaving your customers feeling nervous about pressing that “Confirm Purchase” button is no way to gain sales conversions. Assume they’ve got enough to worry about right now. They probably do.
2. Offer Coupons and/or Discounts
Especially to repeat customers. It’s a no-brainer.
With a coupon, they’re more enticed to finalize their transaction. They get a deal and you get a sale. You also get their continued loyalty.
You can offer coupons in specific amounts off the total purchase price. Or maybe it’s a discounted percentage. Possibly a free bonus product. Just be sure it’s not a puppy. Or any other living creature. Except maybe a plant.
Consider having a dedicated section just for coupons and discounts. Much like a blog. Speaking of which…
3. Get A Blog Already
Seriously.
Okay, so creating a blog might not sound all that simple. But with the right content and some regular contributions (whether you write them or you hire a blog writer), you can get it up and running in no time.
Plus, giving your customers the option of extra reading material that will educate, entertain, or even enlighten is going to give you more click through traffic. And it infuses your eCommerce site with a more human element.
Being able to inform your loyal customers about your business, services or products and special deals is effective in boosting those sales conversions.
4. Provide Live Chat Support
If your customer has an issue, do they have the option of live chat to get support? Yeah, this one might cost you some dough on the front end. But giving your customers access to live chat can easily pay for itself.
It’s up to 30% cheaper than providing phone support. And those who are manning the desk can handle multiple chats - thereby increasing efficiency.
Plus, people like it. In our “instant gratification” culture, they get quick or even immediate response. No more hoping for return emails or waiting on the phone and listening to Mel Tormé’s cover of Michael Jackson’s Beat It, praying that you don’t get disconnected in spite of the musical torture.
You can collect data from those chat sessions to better understand your customers’ gripes and how to alleviate them. As such, live chat instills more trust in your brand and customers are 20% more likely to convert after a successful live chat session.
Live chat allows online stores to act more like brick-and-mortar retailers.
Now, with all of that said, here’s the most important question to ask yourself:
How Solid Is My eCommerce Site’s Foundation?
We’ll spare you the plethora of “the importance of a strong foundation” metaphors. They’re as played-out as that $1 Hall and Oates on scratched vinyl at the record store.
But that’s not to say it isn’t so.
Your site can be secure, interesting and chock full of coupons and live chatters, but these methods are only going to work if you have a solid foundation at the beginning.
And the foundation in the case of your eCommerce site is user experience (UX). So if you haven’t addressed that part, then you’re going to have to spend some time building that foundation.
2. Give it adequate (not over-the-top) branding.
3. Provide a smooth checkout process.
Plus, the design should be in line with your brand and product base. And would it kill ya to throw in some great imagery? No. No, it wouldn’t.
Finally, the search function should not require a search function to locate. Because that’s ludicrous.
But don’t stress.
There Are Many All-in-One eCommerce Platforms Available
Or if there is someone you know (or can bribe) who is more tech-savvy, you can have it built from scratch. You could also solicit the wisdom of advertising professionals. They can help you figure it all out.
Yet another option would be to just scrap the whole idea and binge watch Game of Thrones on Netflix for the third time.
But that last option only applies if you don’t care about your eCommerce website. Or, really, life in general.
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