7 Ways to Reduce Customer Dropout Rates!	Visited: 488 5.0/5.0 (1 votes total) Rate: Select 1 - Terrible 2 - Poor 3 - Average 4 - Good 5 - Outstanding
by Kabir Bedi August 26, 2010

Online retailers work with an aim to increase conversions and decrease drop out rates of customers. However, events of shopping cart abandonment and incomplete order processing serve to work negatively and hamper the success of online stores.

The key to decrease dropout rates lies in enhancing the overall user experience of the website. And for this, it is imperative to understand the situation and expectations of your customers. Here are 10 tips that'll help to decrease the dropout rates on your e-commerce website.

1. User Testing

This involves having some people navigate your website and watching them as they do so! As you watch they go through the various processes, you can get a better insight about their browsing experience. You can key in areas where they stop, ponder for help or are unable to complete. By locating specific problem areas, you can seek to improvise on them.

2. No Hidden Charges

One of the typical reasons for shopping cart abandonment is when users get to see the complete cost at the checkout counter which is inclusive of all the delivery or shipping charges and so, is higher than what they expected. Don't try to hide charges in a bit to lure visitors. Even though they'll add the item in their cart, they'll back out once they see the amount at the check-out counter.

3. Save Time

People prefer online shopping because of the speedy processing of orders. So don't defeat this purpose! Remember, your customers don't have all the time in the world. So make sure they are able to get where they want in minimum number of clicks. Avoid forcing them to register or sign-up unnecessarily.

4. Be Forgiving

Users often make spelling mistakes while searching for a product on an e-commerce website. In order to enhance the usability of your website and help users locate the product they are searching for, you need to be forgiving and offer a wide range of search choices. In case of spelling mistakes and unmatched queries, suggest them similar products that may be useful for them.

5. Be a One-Stop-Shop

When customers begin to make an online purchase, they first seek to collect more and more information about the product. So make sure your website is a one-top-shop for all that they need to know. In addition to a detailed product description, include large multi-angled images of the product so that customers can get a closer feel of it. While writing the copy for products, highlight how it would be useful for them instead of simply focusing on its key features.

6. Encourage Reviews

Include a dedicated Reviews section on your product page that allows customers to leave their comments and reviews about it. Not only will it act as a steady supply of fresh content, it would also prospective customers to make a purchase. This will be like free advertising!

7. Send Newsletters

The key to repeat customers is keeping your audiences engaged. Don't let them forget you. Based on their purchase history, send them monthly newsletters and suggest them products that might interest them. You can also offer them exclusive deals and discounts that would encourage them to come shopping again!