5 Incredibly Easy Ways to Optimize Your Online Store
In the grind of running an online retail operation, many small details get ignored. But often enough, these small details can make or break your online store. With this in mind, it’s time to stop overlooking the small things, because they can have a pretty bug effect on your success. This post lists a few areas that you should review, and how to make sure that they are properly optimized.
- Make sure that you’re easily accessible
This means that you have your phone number and email address (or contact form) visible throughout your site. When you make it easy for people to contact you, it will only add to your credibility, and your existing and potential customers will perceive you as a reputable retailer. They’ve likely heard nightmare stories of terrible retailers that scammed customers out of their money. When they know that you are only a phone call or email away, they will feel more comfortable doing business with you. It’s something that some retailers don’t understand the importance of, but if you do, your site visitors who are interested in what you’re offering will appreciate your availability.
- Make sure your prices are clear
People don’t like being deceived, and if potential customers get a whiff of any trickery when it comes to prices, your conversion rates will drop. It’s better to show the full price for a product. Show any shipping costs or additional fees. Being upfront about your prices will show that you are a reputable company that really has nothing to hide. On the product page, clearly show the full price. Don’t wait until the checkout page to disclose how much the customer will actually be charged.
- Address concerns about the product quickly and openly
- Do you offer free shipping?
- Do you offer refunds and returns?
- Do you offer a price guarantee?
Customers like to see these kind of things, so don’t be afraid to tell them about it. Display any attractive policy boldly on the website, so that that any concerns that they may have about the product is diminished. Also, if there is any “catch” to the customer-friendly display them openly. For example, if you only offer free shipping on orders over $50, tell them upfront.
- Show your promos on the homepage
Have any new deals that you’re offering? If you don’t show them on the home page, then they will simply go unnoticed. The purpose of any promo or deal is to entice the visitor into purchasing your products. Create bold, colorful that display the offer, and place it on the homepage, right under the navigation bar. Make sure the font is large, and that any colors that you use stand out.
- Use bold call-to-action buttons
Here are some examples of call-to-actions that you will probably be using for your online store:
- Click here to buy now
- Add to cart
- Add to wishlist
- Subscribe to our newsletter/email list
- Checkout
Make these buttons huge, bold and colorful, so that they can be easily seen. Your call-to-actions are important, and you don’t want them to blend into the background. When the buttons are easy to see, they improve the overall user experience, which will boost your sales.
