E-commerce essentially describes the process of making money by selling goods and services through the Internet. Skipping the brick-and-mortar type of business has proven to be advantageous in a number of ways, thus the continuous increase in online retail spend. According to statistics, the e-commerce industry expected to grow steadily to at least £231.2 billion by 2021, up from £96 billion in 2018. This has caused a huge impact on retailing in the UK, and many traditional stores are starting to feel the pressure from online competition.
However, just like traditional businesses, even online stores also go through plateaus and declines. It is necessary even for e-commerce businesses to constantly update their strategies and look for ways to keep up with trends to stay relevant. Here are some ideas to generate more online sales:
Leverage on an E-commerce Platform
Technology is changing the world today, especially the way people think and interact with each other. Having the right e-commerce platform is crucial to any business as it will streamline how employees and customers interact. Reliable e-commerce specialists, like the ones at Magento and other platforms, are able to provide assistance in different aspects such as hosting, web design and development, and other online features that help support a seamless shopping experience for consumers.
Invest in Paid Traffic
One of the most popular and quickest ways to get visitors to a website is through paid traffic. If done properly, paid traffic can be one of the best ways to generate sales in any e-commerce store. Paid traffic can refer to many different types, from pay-per-click advertising to banner ads. These marketing tactics differ in many aspects. Understanding how each one works will help companies choose the campaign that will work best for their online shop.
Implement Retargeting Campaigns
Cart abandonment is a problem in the e-commerce industry. In fact, around 75% of online shoppers tend to add items to their carts and leave the site without actually making a purchase. It is no wonder why numerous studies have been conducted to understand the different reasons driving this behaviour. Retargeting campaigns are placed to potentially get these visitors back through upselling, discounts, etc., and get them to complete their purchases.
Display Customer Reviews on the Website
According to a survey, 77% of people consult online reviews prior to finally deciding on a purchase. It is important for companies to be proactive when managing their reputation. Whether it be an e-commerce shop or a traditional shop, customer reviews are an integral part of any business marketing plan. These reviews improve trust and confidence within a company’s sales funnel. They can be used as social proofs on the quality and performance of the products, and they can result in increased sales. If possible, use reviews and feedback with names and photos. This will take the testimonials a step further.
Create a Mobile-friendly Website
To reach out to a wider consumer market, businesses should not overlook optimising their sites for mobile use. Nowadays, mobile devices are used more often than desktops, and many customers have shown to have little tolerance for mobile-unfriendly e-commerce shops. In fact, 62% of people are less likely to buy from a site if they are encountering poor mobile experience.
The road to creating a successful online shop can be difficult if unaware of e-commerce marketing techniques and guidelines that will help increase sales and customer retention.
