E commerce websites have come of age. As customers realize the ease and benefits of online shopping, the popularity of e-commerce websites have soared like anything else. However, with the increase in the number of e-commerce websites vying for attention, it has become important for them to devise strategies to be better than the competition and attract more traffic.
Here are some new trends and techniques that can help your e-commerce processes.
Focus on User Experiences
Often we concentrate so much on improving the usability of the website
that we completely forget about the user experience. The way users feel
on the website goes a long way in influencing their purchase options as
well as their general perception of the website. Therefore, try to
connect with the visitors on intimate level and then build up your
branding through strategic marketing techniques.
Provide Customized Messages to Specific Audience Segments
The chances of sales increases when the audience is more targeted. When
you segment your audiences, you know about their general common
preferences and likes. This will also give you an idea about what
segments are useful and most profitable. In turn, you can customize
your sales message and make sure they receive more relevant and
personalized information and offers.
Create Compelling Content
Content is the only source of direct communication with your website
audiences. Therefore, make it as compelling as you can . The main
objective of your product page should be sales conversions. Include
product images and videos along with content that convinces them to hit
the 'Buy' button.
Eliminate Unnecessary Page Elements
A majority of e-commerce websites carry a bulk of undue weight because
of unnecessary page elements like blinking banners, rotating graphics
and annoying flash-animations. Attention grabbing works best on subtle
levels. Also make sure the information you provide on the website is
short and crisp.
Include Videos on the Website
Videos are an emerging source of product promotion with more and more
website embedding videos on their websites to promote their businesses.
You can upload videos that provide demonstrations of your products and
show how they work, exhibit their different features and show how users
can benefit from their use. Moreover, video inclusion has certain
search engine benefits as well.
Involve your Website Audiences
The three main elements of a successful website are – Content,
Communication and Commerce. You need to involve your audiences and make
them feel that they are a part of the website. Include a form on
audience interaction on your website. Provide them with an option to
review the products and participate in forum discussions etc.
Provide Free Shipping Options
A little known secret of the e commerce industry is that shoppers often
shy away from buying a product because of the additional shipping costs
that are involved. Thus if you decide to waive of the shipping costs,
you'll have more sales. If its not a profitable option individually,
provide free shipping options for bulk orders.
Optimize Products for Local Searches
While it is great to business on a global scale and cater to
international customers, you can get huge visitor traffic with
localized search engine marketing. Promote the products on your website
on domestic search engines. You can also customize your product
descriptions, tutorials, public relations and ad campaigns to suit the
tastes of the local markets.