E-Commerce Strategies to Optimize and Increase Online Sales

Posted in Marketing | 14 comments

The continuous growth of e-commerce sites makes it a tough challenge for entrepreneurs to compete for sales and traffic. You have to know where to start and how your business will stand out. You need to attract visitors and buyers to stay in business.

It’s no big secret how to increase the sales in your E-Commerce site. However, you can bring in more sales and leads when you engage with your shoppers and convert their interest into a transaction.

Take a quick glance at your homepage and ask yourself these questions:

• Can shoppers see what you sell within five seconds?
• Can they easily tell your product prices and shipping costs?
• Can they contact you right away?
• Can they trust your business?
• Does my site offer payment options that customers want to use?

If you answer “NO” to any of these questions, it’s time to work on your E-commerce site.

You can use some of these tips to improve the effectiveness of your online site:

1. Have a Clear Call to Action.
Urgency is a powerful motivator. You need to have a sense of urgency to encourage shoppers to make a purchase or seal the deal. Try to include these words – “Shop Now,” “Act now or you will miss this great deal!” or “Get yours now!” – and watch as your online sales increase.

2. Make Customer Service a Priority
Shoppers should be able to contact you easily. Being easily accessible for any questions, inquiries or returns will turn visitors into buyers, and every shopper into a repeat customer. Make sure your phone numbers, emails, contact forms and online chat widget are displayed prominently on your e-Commerce site. This gives buyers the confidence to make an online purchase.

3. Highlight Homepage Promotion
New customers love to get a good deal. To entice them to purchase, display your promotional offers on your homepage. Customers are more likely to purchase when you give them discounts, free shipping, buy 1 get 1 free offers or other kind of promos. They will surely come back after they get to experience your great products and services.

4. Display Prices and Fees
Avoid making it difficult for your shoppers. Ensure that your product’s prices are stated clearly. Also, show the shipping costs, taxes (if applicable) or any other fees, so they know right away the final price before checkout. Also include statements about refund policies.

5. Add Reviews and Testimonials
Increase your credibility through customer reviews and testimonials. Choose an effective customer testimonial that states how your product or service benefitted them. When visitors read great experiences of people who have purchased and liked your products or services, their purchasing decision will increase. You can add these to your homepage. It’s much better if you can include their photo in their reviews and testimonials.

6. Wish List for “Window Shoppers”
You will always have “window shoppers” who browse your online store, fill the shopping cart with products they want, but leave the site before the checkout process. Realize that they are soon-to-be customers. Provide them with an option to create their wish list. They can save the items they want or intend to buy, and the best thing is, they can share this list with other people through email or within their social network.

7. Safe and Convenient Online Shopping.
Make it easy for customers to complete their purchases. Most customers are so frustrated by complex checkout systems that they abandon their shopping cart before completing the transaction.  Simplify your checkout process.  Do not add obstructions, surveys or registration forms that require answers to lots of personal questions. You need to build trust. Always ensure the buyer of the safety and security of your payment methods.

8. Spruce Up Your Online Sites and Services
Do everything you can so your customer’s shopping experience is fun, fast and fabulous. Always explain your store policies up front and deliver on your promises. Strive to provide better services than your competitors. Make it a goal that customers should make a purchase and return for another. Offer free samples, discounts and loyalty rewards to give them reasons to return to your E-Commerce site. Also, ask them to spread the good word about your online store to their friends!

Need help on how to attract buyers and boost your online store sales? The Business Maximizer can assist you. Schedule your complimentary Business Breakthrough Strategy Session today!