Amongst new ecommerce entrepreneurs, there is a sense that
the big challenge of getting an online store off the ground has to do with
generating traffic to the website. They tend to think that if you just find
enough buyers you’ll be bound to sell lots of products.
That’s certainly accurate in the sense that you need lots of
targeted traffic to your website if you want to generate sales. However, simply
having visits won’t ensure a healthy bottom line. In order to get profits month
after month you have to have plenty of conversions from that traffic.
In this article we are going to give you a handful of tips
you can use to jumpstart your ecommerce conversions starting today. Let’s begin
by defining a successful website visit…
Figure Out Which
Conversions You Need
The first step in boosting ecommerce conversions is defining
what a good outcome looks like on your website. More often than not, that’s
going to be a finished sale. However, if your customers make decisions in
stages then a “conversion” might mean downloading a buying guide or getting
them to watch a demo video.
Once you know what your goal is, it’s easier to set up your
online store in a way that funnels visitors towards that outcome.
Upgrade Your
Marketing Tools
In some ways, we seem to be entering a golden age of ecommerce.
Not only are there tools for advanced analytics and mobile-friendly
programming, but also content management systems that allow you to track buyers
on a contact-by-contact basis.
You can use these platforms to streamline your marketing,
customize offers, and refine your landing and product pages over time.
Offer Social Media
Specials
Social media sites haven’t exactly replaced search engines,
but they are influencing buyers more than ever. If you can build a strong
following on Facebook or Twitter, for example, you’ll have the ability to
broadcast coupon codes, live events, and limited-time offers to your audience.
Each of these can generate fast sales at high margins,
particularly if you create a sense of urgency in your social messaging.
Make Use of Reviews
and Testimonials
Buyers like reading about product specifications and seeing
informational videos. When it’s time to share their credit card number, though,
they want to know what other customers like them thought about your products.
That’s where real-world reviews and testimonials can carry a great deal of
weight.
By making it easy for buyers to leave their feedback, and for
shoppers to find verified reviews, you increase your own credibility and make
your product pages more persuasive.
Remove Any Barriers
to the Sale
Most customers will be a little bit nervous placing an order
with you for the first time, even if they feel good about your products and
prices. So, sharing information like industry awards or money-back guarantees
can go a long way towards easing their minds.
The biggest barrier between you and a new customer is one of
doubt and skepticism. When you put trust indicators in your online store to
show that purchases are safe, you take away a big mental stumbling block that
could otherwise keep buyers from submitting an order.
Need More Ecommerce
Firepower?
At Kinetik IT in Arizona we have helped dozens of entrepreneurs
to launch – and even revive – their ecommerce websites. Whether you need help
with design, programming, or online marketing, our team of creative experts is
here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and online store
review!