Online shopping, especially post-pandemic, is an integral part of any retail business these days. Establishing and maintaining an effective e-commerce website is crucial. However, many businesses rush into the world of digital sales without adequate preparation, leading to the usual pitfalls.
We decided to conduct a bit of an investigation and draw conclusions based on real-life data that can help you avoid the common mistakes related to e-commerce and focus on upscaling your online business.
Do's
1. Prioritize Mobile Experience:
According to research conducted by Statista in 2023, 60% of all retail e-commerce is generated via mobile devices. Taking this into account, it’s important to ensure your website is mobile-responsive, has quick load times on mobile, and provides an intuitive mobile checkout process.
2. Offer Multiple Payment Options:
A Baymard Institute report showed that 11% of shoppers abandoned carts due to lack of payment methods. We recommend avoiding this pitfall by incorporating a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and other region-specific payment methods.
3. Invest in High-Quality Product Photos and Descriptions:
We all love beautiful lifestyle and product images, but it is also important to make sure they are not misleading to the end customer, as 22% of online product returns occur because the “product looks different than the photos.” The product images used for your webshop should be high-resolution, realistic and offer multiple angles.
Apart from that, include product descriptions that are accurate so they meet the expectations of your customers. If you want to go the extra mile, invest more time in keyword research for product description optimization, as it can help generate more traffic and potential customers.
Don'ts
1. Ignore Cart Abandonment:
Did you know that the average cart abandonment rate in 2023 stands at about 70.19%? That’s a very high percentage to ignore. Naturally, there is a need for further investigation as the reason for that can vary from webshop to webshop. However, in our experience, this number can often be reduced by implementing cart abandonment emails, offering guest checkout options, and streamlining the checkout process.
2. Neglect Customer Reviews and Feedback:
A report by Spiegel Research Center found that nearly 95% of shoppers read online reviews before making a purchase. Most likely, you are a part of that percentage as well. It is essential to monitor how your customers feel about your products and services and not shy away from an occasional bad review. Not only do they point out some pain points you can improve, they also make your e-commerce site seem more reliable and trustworthy.
You can also encourage customers to leave reviews and reward them with special offers when they do. Be sure to actively respond to feedback (both positive and negative) as this will help build a bond with your customers and increase their loyalty.
3. Overlook Security and Trustworthiness:
One of the biggest concerns that up to 77% of online consumers have these days is their data being intercepted or misused online and, honestly, we can’t blame them.
That’s why it’s crucial to use trusted SSL certificates, clearly display trust badges, and always keep your e-commerce platform and plugins updated to ensure maximum security.
Key Takeaway
The e-commerce industry is dynamic, and while having an online presence is essential, how you manage and present your digital storefront matters. Gathering valuable input from your audience and putting yourself in their shoes can guide you towards strategies that resonate most with them, increasing both sales and customer satisfaction.
Stay informed, stay adaptive, and remember – every piece of data tells a story about your customer’s journey. Make sure you’re listening.
