Planning something right from the start is easier than fixing something wrong after its completed.
The same goes with building an eCommerce store too. It is better to include certain elements in your store, right from the start than customizing the website in the end.
Here are some such elements that you can consider while building your online store so that you won't have to waste time fixing things later.
1) A clearly identifiable brand logo
Do you know why Puma, Nike and Adidas shoes sell better than any other brands? Because, they all have a brand logo that has left a strong impression in the minds of users.
A logo is not just a symbol. It is a means to communicate with your store visitors and make them understand what your store stands for and what it means.
Take for instance the logo of Amazon.com
The above logo means two things: First, you get A to Z products from Amazon. Second, the logo implies that customers have a smile when they transact with Amazon. This symbolic expression of selling definitely leaves a mark with customers.
Once your brand logo is established with a value proposition, sometimes all it takes is the logo presence and the 'Buy now' button. It will sell on your behalf.
2) Deals, offers, freebies and so on
If there is one thing which brings visitors to an online store like bees to beehives, it is deals, offers and freebies.
Otherwise, what difference do they have from shopping from an offline store? Of course,the convenience of doorstep delivery is there, however, what really matters in online shopping is deals, offers and freebies.
At least 71% of shoppers agree that they find better deals online than in offline stores.
So prep your online storefront with deals and offers that customers would want to check out.
Check out BloggersIdeas Deals Page
3) Checkout page matters!
Do you know? Approximately 67% of store visitors abandon their carts without completing the transaction. The reasons are plenty. To begin with, they trust the very genuinity of the store.
Can I trust this store? Does this store sell original products? Is payment using my credit card safe and secure? Will I get the delivery promptly?These are some questions that goes through the minds of every buyer before making a purchase from an online store.
While it is not possible for you to personally talk to them and convince them of the security and authenticity, it is always possible to let trust seals and badges work in your favor.
This is a classic example of some types of trust badges that you can include in your eCommerce store to make it better:
Also, the checkout page must also be configured with HTTPS encryption. A Wildcard SSL certificate is an ideal choice for those ecommerce owners who are using main domain for product display and sub-domains for other purpose like transaction, logins and account management. By using a single Wildcard SSL certificate, you can secure your root domain and unlimited numbers of sub-domains.
4) Best-sellers & trending productsThere are customers who come online to look for specific products. Then there are those customers who scour the Internet randomly to find something that matches their fancy.
What if your store has something that can excite them? The best way to match their interests is by showcasing a growing list of best-selling & trending products in a separate section of the website. You can also assign a ranking to each product in its own product category and sub-category which would help customers make wise decisions without thinking a lot.
Image Source - Shopify.com
This is a way to win the customers' hearts by assuring them with social proof that the product is indeed something that is sold in great numbers. It tends to convince them to buy easier than with other persuading tactics.
Recommeded & Helpful :
Shopify Useful Resources Shopify Blog Shopify Plus Shopify Magento5) Free shipping
At least one quarter of online customers abandon their shopping carts because they are charged for shipping & delivery. You can definitely charge customers for shipping by including the cost in the total price.
But, showing the cost as a nasty surprise at the time of checkout is a sure recipe for cart abandonment. If free shipping is too expensive for your store, then consider setting a minimum order value for which free shipping is provided. This will create a win-win situation for both the store and for you, thus, leaving all happy.
6) Social sharing
At least 20% of online selling is said to be originating from social media references. The public opinion and images shared in social circles is definitely a great boost for online selling.
What if you can leverage that power of social media through your store? All you need to do is set up social sharing buttons for orders and products. Buyers can simply click on the button to share their recent buys from your online store.
It serves two purposes: brings in more organic visitors and also heightens the possibility of more conversions at zero cost.
7) Live chat & assistance
Do you know what buys 83% of online shoppers?The support after sales and assistance provided by online stores. Every customer has the right to ask and know things before they make a purchase and also after the purchase is completed.
Your store must be ready to take it up. There are technology enablements like live chat, chatbots and on call assistance all of which helps customers feel at peace. Live chat ensures that their queries are attended to round the clock without any hindrance. If you are selling to a global customer base, having live chat is a must-have.
Similarly, providing customer assistance through alternate mediums like telephone, email, social media can also be experimented.
Final Words
Every successful online store has to it certain elements that excite and impress customers. The above mentioned features are some such features which most customers expect to be available in an online store by default.
Attention : Wix vs Shopify vs WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Who Wins? CHECKDoes your online store have it? Maybe you should including them if you are planning on building a top visited eCommerce store.
