Building Successful eCommerce Websites

6 Steps Towards Creating a Great eCommerce Website

Many factors will decide an eCommerce website’s success. Today the internet is composed of countless eCommerce sites varying in size, industry, and reach, all of which require different marketing tactics and service attributes. But they do have one common goal: sell. The factors that make an eCommerce business successful are the same that make any business succeed: offer a unique product or service that adds value to consumers and their purchasing experience. Meeting a customer’s needs and expectations while taking advantage of a digital experience will lead to a memorable and worthwhile eCommerce site. Below are 6 ways to achieve this objective.

1.

Know Your Consumer

Imagine your eCommerce site as an actual physical store. Ask yourself: “What is my consumer looking for? What services/features do they need to fulfill their purchase? What marketing tactics will hold their attention and promote a sale? What will enhance their purchasing experience and make your brand memorable?” If you can answer these questions, you will have completed the first step towards developing your site’s foundation.

2.

Choose the Right Platform

Dozens of platforms that are specifically designed for eCommerce, such as Shopify or Magento, provide the necessary framework and logistics needed to support and maintain an online store. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they each offer a variety of back-end features that can add value to your store; some of these features include having the ability to place discounts on products, accept multiple currencies, or integrate third-party marketing and analytics tools. Some platforms are better suited for enterprise businesses, while others are tailored for small-scale shops. This is why it is important to understand your current and future business objectives and consumer needs in advance.

3.

Take Advantage of Being Online

With modern technology, we have the ability to provide services and features that consumers would never be able to experience via traditional retail. Take advantage of them! Some examples include: NIKEiD, an online service developed by Nike that allows consumers to design their own kicks; or Zappo’s free shipping/customer loyalty program. Those examples may not apply directly to your business, but they illustrate how you can successfully add value to your online purchasing experience.

4.

Provide Contact Information

Sometimes online shoppers prefer not to interact with other people. But when frustrated consumers need to speak with an actual person, provide them with at least two different methods of contact. We suggest using a contact form as one, because they’re simple to use and they allow inquiries to be organized by general topics. Be sure that you monitor your inquiries regularly to maintain great customer service.

5.

Provide Secure Transaction Tools

While there are many benefits of developing your business online, there are also several areas that require careful consideration. Due to increasing identity theft over the years, it is vital that you provide secure transaction methods. Inform yourself of any applicable laws that regulate online purchasing. Implementing reliable transaction methods gives you and your consumers peace of mind.

6.

Consider Your Brand Strategy

Just as you would expect a traditional retail store to be clean and organized, consumers will expect the same aesthetics online. The design of your site will be a consumer’s first impression of your brand and product. It should not only be visually appealing and engaging, but also easy to navigate. You should also make sure that your identity is properly displayed and emphasized to promote brand recognition. Remember, perception is reality: what your customer sees on your site is a direct reflection of your business and your quality of service.

7.

Give Us A Call!

Every business is different, and every business has specific needs, so you should be sure that you are selecting the best solution. It’s important to do your research, but if you are unsure on where to start – give us a call. Deep Fried is seasoned with eCommerce sites, and has worked with a multitude of businesses varying in size, industry, and target market. If you are looking to launch or improve your online store, we’d love to hear from you!

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