10 Things You Need for a Successful E-Commerce Website
May 7th, 2015
Getting ready to launch a new e-commerce store or thinking of how to revamp your current one to drive more customers and entice them to make a purchase? Here are a few things you might consider.
Show who you are
Take a long and critical look at your store's / brand's logo and where it is located on your web page. Is it recognizable? Can people read it easily? When it comes to shopping online, a trustworthy and recognizable logo is a reassuring symbol. The clearly-defined logo that fits the theme of the brand is like a first date when you make the choice whether you'd like to see this person again or not. Don't ruin that chance.
Free stuff
Let's admit it - we all love when we get something for free. For e-commerce, this can be either deal, free shipping, or other freebies. Most people don't take long to decide whether they like your website or not, so you have a small window of opportunity to grab their attention with something eye-catching. Different people might be interested in various things, but almost everyone is interested in one kind of a promo or another. To use this chance, place a banner on your website that would tell the customers that you've prepared something special for them.
Popular products and latest news
Once you have the customer's attention, you can "feed" them with more information about your fresh news, popular products, or upcoming events. Find a place for this on your homepage, so your visitors won't have to dig through a number of pages looking for news about exclusive deals or hot prices. Also, many people like to browse items that go on sale because, as strange as it may seem, the choice options are narrower. (Yeah, people seem to prefer less choice than a lot, even if they like to choose.)
Brand products
Have branded goods on sale? Display them upfront. You can't always predict what the next customer will be interested in and you can't (or, at least, shouldn't) put all your products on the homepage. Yet, with a few brand products, it is possible to gain interest.
Icons of Payment Systems
Which cards do you allow on your e-commerce website? Put the icons on the homepage too, so the client will easily understand whether s/he would be able to pay for the goods they are planning on getting. Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, whatever else - up to you. But make the information readily available for the customer without having him look for the info in the depth of Help page.
Login, Cart, and Search
Login, Cart, and Search - those three features usually are placed together on the web page. This is done for the customer's convenience and if it is not yet so on your website, consider moving icons around.
The Importance of Social Media
Nowadays, people make about 20% of online purchases after surfing through social media like Facebook, Pinterest, or other. There is something about seeing one's friends recommend a product that kindles that desire to have something like that too. Also, having a Facebook brand page will allow your customers to have access to the most recent information, sale announcements, news, and, perhaps, some inside stories from your business.
All this to say, invest time in being present on social media and make those links available to customers on your website. (And, by the way, you can follow Grossum on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter!)
Online Chats and Phone Numbers
What should a customer do when s/he has a question about something? While some might prefer to just read the FAQ page, it is much faster to consult with a actual person. Also, keep in mind that while phone numbers are great, online chats would be preferable to people outside of your country or those introverts who prefer to write rather than speak on the phone with a stranger :)
Offline Store Map
Have several offline stores? Make the task of finding you easier for the customers and consider creating an interactive map or a store finder tab.
Trust Marks
Last, but not the least. So-called trust marks are little icons or logos that show security guarantee by an external party. The study has shown that these trust marks gave most reassurance to the customers:
- PayPal (29%)
- Verisign (25%)
- McAfee (23%)
- BBB (7%)
- TRUSTe (3%)
Besides the trust marks and all other features, consider having a clear design, convenient menus, good and detailed product descriptions, and honest user reviews. This would contribute to your online reputation.
Interested in revamping your e-commerce website or want to create one?
