10 must haves for ecommerce

Turn window shoppers into buyers. With so many online shops to choose from, how do you make sure your online shop is more successful?

2. Easy to use navigation.

The navigation system of every website is vital to its success. An online shop is no different.

Divide your products into various categories and subcategories. If possible, make sure your products can be accessed by more than one category. Users browse in differing ways - some like to scan the whole shop, others like to go directly to a region within the shop.

Often users already have a product in mind when they come to your store. The quickest way for them to find it is by search. Search feature should be in a prominent position on your website.

3. Clear product photos.

Your customer can't touch, taste or smell your products, so good photography is a must. Product photos must be large enough that users can easily see all the details. Include as many photos as is necessary to showcase your product, accessories or additional product features. You may want to consider 360 degree product viewing or zoom.

4. Encourage impulse buying.

Dont miss an easy opportunity to increase your average sale. Suggest related products. Associate linked products. Have limited time offers!

Don’t just tell shoppers what an item costs. Let them know what they are saving. Show the RRP (recommended retail price) and clearly indicate any promotions or discounts on the product page. Everyone likes to think they are getting a good price - especially online where consumers assume your overheads are lower so your markup should be too.

5. FREE or cheap flat rate shipping prices.

The number 1 cause of people abandoning their shopping cart is overpriced or hidden shipping costs.

Make it clear how much postage will be upfront so users are not stung by an unexpected freight charge. You can also raise your profit margin by offering free shipping for multiple-item orders or orders that reach a certain dollar level. This will encourage users to purchase more. Also offer standard and express shipping options. 

6. Don't make general customers login to an account.

Users should not have to create an account before adding items to their shopping cart. Allow them to shop as a guest and include the account creation as part of the checkout process if required. You should also offer the option of not creating an account.

7. Great customer service.

Shoppers want to know help is available if something goes wrong. Your customer service contact information should be clearly visible on every page - not just email but also phone. Your FAQ page should include all the commonly asked questions.

8. Clear security information.

Security is always a top concern for customers. Ease their mind by displaying security information such as your SSL logo prominently.

9. Optional PayPal payment.

Most internet shoppers have experienced PayPal. When a payment is processed through PayPal, all financial data is kept confidential on PayPal’s secured servers. PayPal takes an aggressive approach to security and offers a solid buyer protection plan, which helps alleviate the concerns of purchasing online. There is no fee for opening a PayPal merchant account and no monthly fee. You will be charged a small percentage for each transaction.

10. Reward the regulars

One of the biggest online strategy mistakes is that businesses are constantly hunting for new customers... so they forget their current customers.

The most successful ecommerce websites take advantage of their ever growing customer database by contacting them via emarketing and social media with special offers, new product news and other promotional material.

Checkout these stats...