If you sell products online, there are a number of steps you can take to increase your online sales. Through specific, targeted and relevant changes, you can increase your conversion rate and build a website that does the selling for you. No matter what you are selling online, you should have a good understanding of your target customer.
1. Product details
Each product you are selling online should have its details which makes it easier for customers to find the information they require before making a purchase. Further, this can improve your search ranking.
Product details should answer all basic questions a customer asks. Who: Who needs it? Who is it made for? What: What is the product and what are its features? Where: Where is the product made? Why: Why do customers need it? Why is it better? Why should they purchase it? When? When was it made? Where should it be used?2. Allow product reviews
When purchasing online, customers want some assurance and feedback that they are spending their money, wisely and properly. Allowing reviews provides valuable feedback for consequent customers, and in many cases give them the satisfaction to purchase the product.
3. Offer refund on suitable products and put your policy in writing
Many times, customers want to minimize their risk when making purchases especially shopping online. There are times when it is not possible to refund some products. However, you can offer refund on particular products and put your complete policy in writing, on your website making it good customer service.
4. Stock your items
If you happen to run out of something, do provide information as to when the product will be available and choose to email/call the customer when the item is available. If you are out of an item, make sure to mention it on the product page. For example, some online retailers visually alert visitors when they fall short of products, usually through a pop-up saying: Hurry, Only 3 items left for sale.
5. Track your site searches
If you observe what customers are searching on your site, you may discover an item you do not presently carry would actually be your top seller. Thus, it is important to monitor your search statistics to find what hidden items should be added to your inventory.
6. Advertising
Whether you choose social media to spread the word about your website or through programs such as AdWords, it is important to advertise your business and products to generate interest among customers and to drive web traffic to your site. Online cycle is extremely social and it is undeniably important to have a strong online presence and following on social media.
7. Shopping cart system
Test your shopping cart regularly and opt for one that gets your customers from sign in to sale in little time. Choose one that has a range of options, allowing customers to pay with the one most convenient to them. Also, protect your customers’ private details with a secure system.
8. Form design
According to research, label assignment plays a very important role in form submission rates. It is necessary to improve your form design to retain visiting customers. For example, if your eyes are forced to move from field to label, it increases the cognitive load which will irritate customers. The best form label assignment is the top-aligned.
These tips will help you to start selling online more effectively. However, there are many other things to do such as optimizing your website layout to A/B testing your calls to action. To continue build your online presence, you should never stop striving to improvise your website.
We hope that you enjoyed this article! Do you have more tips to add? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.