The Internet is a big place, so it makes sense that those with an e-commerce store are keen to do what it takes to increase conversions. The journey a brand takes when increasing conversions can differ, but it is important to ensure that areas of a website are not being overlooked.
The competitive nature of the Internet means that a simple flaw with a website is all that is needed to rank lower than the competition online.
Fortunately, some steps can be taken to ensure that conversions are always the best they can be, regardless of the product or service being sold.
Ensure The Design is Persuasive
Despite there being several ways of increasing conversions, one of the important starting points is the design of the website. Of course, an e-commerce store mustn’t compromise its brand. However, the design must persuade visitors to remain on a site.
A clean design with an obvious call-to-action will always fare better than a page cluttered with options and information. Likewise, clear imagery of the products available that reflect the essence of the brand should be used instead of standard stock imagery.
An e-commerce site that can keep visitors on the site longer is more likely to see increased conversions.
Ensure the User Experience is the Best it Can Be
The design of the website may entice visitors, but niggly navigation and slow loading pages will often be enough for a potential customer to look elsewhere for products or services. Fortunately, this can be easily avoided by ensuring the user experience is the best it can be.
Not only must the site load quickly but must also be designed with mobile users in mind. It is also important that any information regarding products or services can be found quickly. Users that can find information quickly are more likely to make a purchase, thus increasing conversions.
Use Search Engine Option Optimization and Conversion Rate Optimization Together
When promoting an e-commerce store online, some may choose search engine optimization or conversation rate optimization. Both are important, but those wanting to increase conversion will find using both methods are often the key to success.
SEO is often about being found online and is carried out via keyword research. However, this doesn’t mean that visitors will stick around after visiting the site. This is where CRO comes in.
Keywords need to be used in the content, but not to the point where it is unreadable and bewilders visitors. Conversion rate optimization means taking the keywords and using them in a way that still offers value to the visitors while being complemented by a clear call-to-action and an easy sign-up process.
Take The Shopping Experience to Social Media Platforms
Very few businesses need informing about the popularity of social media, but many are surprised to discover how lucrative social media websites can be when increasing conversions.
Although nothing can replace an efficient e-commerce store, offering the same great products and services with the same branding on social media allows a business to make connections with customers that may have otherwise been overlooked.
As well as promoting products to a new audience, social media integrations mean making a purchase is easy, and can increase the likelihood of repeat purchases in the future.
Make Sure to Promote Reviews and Feedback on the Website
An e-commerce store is about finding balance when delivering information to customers but showcasing the excellence of a brand is something that should be placed on all e-commerce stores.
Despite many e-commerce stores offering fantastic products and services, some mislead or take advantage of customers. Fortunately, those shopping for products online have become more knowledgeable about checking the integrity of an e-commerce store.
An e-commerce store that has a strong social presence online will find more favor with customers than those who don’t. Customers can be left on various platforms, but there will be no issues integrating reviews into the website.
Showcasing genuine reviews from others instills confidence in those using the site, increases the likelihood of a purchase being made, and helps improve the social proof of an e-commerce store moving forward.
Abandoned Carts Should Be Treated as a Benefit
When checking the sales of a product, it can be disheartening to see an abandoned cart. However, it is important to ascertain why this has happened. If there are many abandoned carts, then it could be due to a checkout problem. Making a few changes could be all it takes to improve conversions.
However, there can be other reasons for abandoned carts that aren’t due to a fault with the e-commerce store. Some may have been in the middle of a transaction before becoming distracted by something else.
Similarly, those using a smartphone to make a purchase may have lost Internet access when trying to make a payment.
Reaching out to customers with a small discount can often be enough for them to make a purchase and gives customers an example of the brilliant service they can expect moving forward.
The steps taken to increase conversions can differ among e-commerce stores. However, taking advantage of the steps taken ensures that a website is taking full advantage of every opportunity when increasing its online conversions.
