Website Tips for Excellent Profits Within Weeks
A whopping 95% of shopping will transition to online stores by 2040.
As early as today, the competition in the digital market is already not light. With 12-24 million online stores in existence, it could be daunting to start an eCommerce business.
Everyone is online, and consumers are now more dependent on shopping digitally. In addition, people want things fast and convenient.
Whether it is a service or a product, you can find it online. Entertainment, food, lifestyle, B2B, and others are available via websites across the globe.
How will your website stand out with the vast choices available to consumers?
To get customers, you have to become accessible. Therefore, your website should be appealing and easy to use.
Here are ten excellent tips that will help ensure that people will shop in your store.
- Speed up the loading time.
- Use security badges on your site.
- Include as many payment options as you can.
- Allow guest checkout in your online store.
- Use filters if you have multiple versions of products.
- Implement an efficient customer support system.
- Integrate social media.
- Get email addresses the right way.
- Create high-quality content.
- Hire a digital marketing agency.
STEP No. 1: Speed up the loading time.
Nobody is fond of queuing, falling in line, or any form of waiting.
Hence, it is no surprise that 53% of shoppers will leave a page if it loads in more than two to three seconds.
If you do not optimise your loading time, shoppers will quickly drop their carts and go to the other store.
Here’s what you can do.
- Enable compression on your website.
Using Gzip or any other tool for compressing files, you can reduce the size of your HTML, JavaScript, CSS and files bigger than 150 bytes.
You can skip using the tool for images. Instead, what you can do is manually compress them in editing software like Photoshop or Canva to retain control over quality.
- Optimise your coding.
Optimise your HTML, JavaScript, and CSS by removing unnecessary characters, including spaces and commas.
You should also remove unused code, formatting and comments.
- Reduce the redirects on your website.
When a page redirects to another, the shopper faces more waiting time as the HTTP request-response cycle has to finish.
Your mobile redirect pattern shouldn’t look like this: sample.com -> www.sample.com -> m.sample.com -> m.sample.com/home. This pattern has two additional redirects that make the loading slow.
- Remove the render-blocking JavaScript from your website.
Before a browser can render your page, it has to build a DOM tree. Then, the browser creates it by parsing HTML.
Building a DOM tree can be stopped when the browser encounters a script it needs to execute. Hence, it would be best if you avoided or minimised using blocking JavaScript.
- Use browser caching.
A browser caches plenty of information and data, including JavaScript files, images, stylesheets, images and more. By doing so, when a visitor returns to your eCommerce store, the browser wouldn’t have to load the entire page again.
- Improve the response time of your website’s server.
The server response time is directly affected by the traffic in your e-store, the resources used by every page, the software used by your server, and the hosting solution.
If you are improving your server response, you should find bottlenecks in performance and fix them. For example, you can find and resolve slow routing, lack of memory, or slow database queries.
The response time of your website’s server should be under 200ms.
- Utilise a content distribution network.
A Content distribution network (CDN) or content delivery network is a network of servers that distributes the load of delivering content.
It essentially stores copies of your website in multiple, geographically diverse data centres. This allows users to experience faster speeds on your website and give them more reliable access.
- Optimise your images.
It would be best if the images on your website are sized less than 500 KB.
You have to ensure that images on your site are no larger than they need to be. They should also be in a suitable file format.
For graphics, PNG is better as it has less than 16 colours. However, for photos, JPEG will be a better file format.
You can use CSS sprites to make a template for the images you frequently use, such as icons or buttons.
What CSS sprites do to your images is to combine them into one extensive image loading all at once, lessening HTTP requests. Then, it displays only those sections you wanted showing, saving load time by minimising the number of images being loaded.
STEP No. 2: Use security badges on your site.
You wouldn’t go to a bank that has no security, would you?
Shoppers will not checkout if you do not show them that transactions over your website are secure. They want to know if it is safe to put in their credit card details or share their information on your eCommerce site.
The following are trust badges that are non-negotiable.
- Safe Checkout Badge
You have to get a Secure Socket Layer or SSL certificate. What it does is protect the internet connection and information transferred over your website.
- Accepted Payment Badge
Tell your users that you accept many kinds of payment methods by displaying their badges. For example, show a Mastercard, Visa, or PayPal badge and list them as accepted payment options.
When you do this simple tip, users will trust your website more.
- Third-Party Endorsements
Third-party endorsements show customers that you have credibility. The application process involves the provider reviewing your site, and when you pass the standards, they will allow you to display their badge of endorsement.
- Money-Back Guarantee Badges
These badges are known as the “Homemade Special” because it is free and you can make them yourself. If you can’t make one on Adobe Ai or Ps, you can download it from the internet.
For example, you can display a “30-day money-back guarantee” badge. A study on an education website using this kind of badge has found that it motivated a sales increase of over 32% in just 11 days.
- Shipping and Returns Badge
This badge tells users that you offer free shipping and returns. It makes people trust you because it tells them that you are confident about the quality of your product.
It eliminates perceived risks of online shopping and speaks of your standards and customer service excellence.
It would be best to display these badges alongside a money-back guarantee icon.
STEP No. 3: Include as many payment options as you can.
The wider your net, the more fish you get. Likewise, the more baits you have, the more you catch.
When you have as many payment options as possible, it increases your chances of conversion.
Here are the payment options you must consider.
- Credit Cards
In the US alone, 73% of people own credit cards. In addition, the average American will have at least four credit cards.
You have to accept this kind of payment if you don’t want high cart abandonment rates.
- Debit Cards
87% of Americans use debit cards. Increase your chances of conversion by adding this option to your checkout.
- Prepaid Cards
People use prepaid cards because they give less risk of overspending, unlike cash. People find it convenient to use and reload
As a viable alternative credit or debit cards, it is a vital option that you must have on your eCommerce store.
- Digital Wallets
One hundred ten million average American adults have ditched cash and credit cards for digital wallets once or more.
- Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets are conveniently integrated into your smartphone and are significantly easy to use. Just scan a QR code, and your purchase is made.
People are now quickly turning to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and other mobile wallets.
- Cash on Delivery
Cash on delivery is an old-timer but still helps stretch your basin. Local food delivery still does the method, and so should you if it is compatible with your business.
- Cryptocurrency
Yes, you are reading the bullet right. There are retailers out there that accept Bitcoin, Etherium or other cryptocurrencies.
If you find out that your niche uses these currencies, you should consider allowing shoppers to pay using them. Just ensure that you know the technicalities of cryptocurrencies as they are still naturally speculative and have an unstable purchasing power.
STEP No. 4: Allow guest checkout in your online store.
When you do not implement guest checkout and force customers to create accounts to buy, your users will abandon their carts. 23% of people leave shopping when forced to sign-up.
If you want sign-ups, do not make it an impediment for conversion. For example, offer account creation after the purchase and not beforehand.
The key to cutting down abandonment rates is to simplify your shopping process and checkout. Think of your users as hungry people who will leave your restaurant if the queue is full and slow and there’s another restaurant that does it way faster than you.
Remove all distractions possible between the shopper and getting the product. Reduce form fields, make your loading fast, don’t put distractions and make everything simple.
STEP No. 5: Use filters if you have multiple versions of products.
If you have multiple versions of what you are selling, you will make it easier for shoppers when you implement eCommerce filters and faceted navigation. These systems will help your customer break down long lists into manageable results.
The key to filters is proper tagging and an accurate filter system. Then, your customers will thank you with purchases.
For example, if you are selling burgers, you can have filters including Non-Pork, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Ala Carte or Combo. If a user ticks both vegan and low sodium, they will see only the options that they would prefer – it makes things easier for them, and you convert quicker.
STEP No. 6: Implement an efficient customer support system.
When you implement a proper customer support system, you will better manage customer service requests. Also, you will improve the way you interact with customers and resolve their support tickets.
You can use help desk software or outsource a call centre to do this for you. Remember that customer service and support need 24/7 access for most businesses, and you cannot be awake all the time.
You can streamline customer service by automating the complete ticketing, implementing omnichannel support and making custom performance reports and dashboards. The key is faster and quality service delivery.
Remember that your customer support system is vital to your business. So do it right for an excellent competitive advantage.
STEP No. 7: Integrate social media.
Social media can be more than a promotional or engagement tool for your eCommerce. Today, many people use the platform to sell directly.
You have Facebook Business, Instagram Shopping and more. Some businesses use these platforms as their main outlet.
The vital thing you should keep in mind is that your audience will have preferred social media handles. So hunt them all over the internet and engage them where they thrive.
Whether they use Reddit, Twitter or 4chan, find a way to solve their problems with your products. Engage with them in subchannels, use the right hashtags and post content that will stir your audience’s emotions.
Run ads in the right places and to the correct demographics. Using social media ads are now significantly easier to do.
One excellent example of modern marketing on social media is the case of Instagram models. IG is well known for female models, and these girls are picking views and profits like apples.
They upload a censored NSFW photo and put a CTA to swipe up to view the full image, leading people to a landing page to sign-up and subscribe to an OnlyFans channel. Or, they pose with merch that is tagged and priced, and once you click on them, you are brought to checkout.
STEP No. 8: Get email addresses the right way.
One effective way to get emails, which is a standard procedure for most sites, is to place contact forms on all of your pages. However, there are also plenty of creative ways for you to get people’s email addresses.
Here are some tips you can do to get email ads.
- Online Contests
Run an online contest and have the winners give you their details so that you can “send them their prize”.
- Bait With Promo Codes
Offer a promo code, but for someone to get the “unique code”, require the email address so you can send it to them.
- Bait With Free Stuff
Offer a free audiobook, e-book, resource, tutorial or anything that you can virtually produce at no cost. Make it so that to get the freebie, they have to leave their email address so you can send it to them through it.
- Exit Pop-Ups
As a last resort to engage someone bouncing, you can use pop-ups to offer a discount. Say something like, “Leaving already? Here’s a gift for when you come back next time. We’ll send a 50% off promo code to your email. Leave your details here.”
When you get the email ads you want, make sure that you send the right stuff to the right person. You have to make sure that you categorise your mailing lists and do the automation correctly.
Erratic email marketing will easily make you lose face to your audience. If you don’t have the time and expertise, and DIY, you risk yourself to dire consequences.
It would be best if you let an expert agency handle your email marketing. With an expert running your emails, you will get $42 for every $1 you spend – that’s a 4200% ROI you don’t want to miss.
STEP No. 9: Create high-quality content.
Content is king. If you don’t implement high standards on your content, your audiences will not take you seriously as an authority in your niche.
When you become a reliable and trustworthy source of information for your target market, they will use your content to solve their needs. In effect, they will see your products as having the problem-solving power as your resources.
Content marketing is also not a costly thing to do. It costs 62% less than outbound marketing but generates 3x as many leads.
Content also gets 6x more conversions for businesses than traditional marketing.
You must prioritise the content on your website, but you must also find a way to dominate outlets that your audience thrives in. Your content outside the site should entice people to come to your pages – you can use backlinking and other media outlets.
Maybe you are getting impressions but are seeing little traffic and browsing. If you are experiencing this issue, you might not have enticing content on your website.
The best weapon against this issue is blogs.
About Blogs
If you create blogs on your site, you have a 126% lead growth advantage over those who do not. In addition, a hefty 61% of consumers will convert after having read recommendations on a blog.
People trust blogs as a source of information. If you post 16 articles a month, you will garner around 3.5x more business on your website.
If you prioritise blogging, you will increase your ROI 13x the usual.
Content is also a vital part of your email marketing. If you need help in this area, we have the perfect services for you.
You should also look into creating other media.
About Videos
78% of consumers watch videos on the internet every week, and 55% watch daily. Also, videos on social media will have 48% more views than other kinds of posts.
Videos promise a potential of 300% more traffic for eCommerce sites and can increase your conversions by 80%. In addition, 50% of people want to watch videos of your products before considering shopping.
Videos are a potent communication tool. You should create how-to videos for your products, presentations and educational content, testimonials, sales, ads and more.
About Audio Content
You should also get popular podcasters in your niche to talk about you. Go around and get featured, or create your own audio content.
Some Tips
One practical tip for you is to use pictures with people on your website on a different note. It makes users feel more connected to your pages.
One trick for blogs is using free stock images and editing them with text inlay to make them seem original and speak more.
Grab a free stock image, drag it to Ps, Ai or Canva and top it with a powerful statement from your article. Then, stick the final edit on the article, and you have excellent content.
Here are some places to get free images.
- Unsplash.com
- Pexels.com
- Shutterstock.com (Freebies are limited to the trial.)
- Pixabay.com
- Canva.com
- Freeimages.com
- Stocksnap.io
- Picjumbo.com
Remember that pictures with large file sizes will hurt your loading speed and can cause high bounce rates. If a page loads for more than 2-3 seconds, people will usually leave it.
Don’t compromise quality but meet practicality halfway through.
If you need help with your loading speed, click here to find solutions.
STEP No. 10: Hire a digital marketing agency.
As a business owner, you may or may not be acquainted with technical marketing expertise. But, whether you have the knowledge or not, you are already busy with vital aspects of your enterprise.
You look after employees, properties, supplies, overall management, sales, product development, and more. If you add the intricacies of marketing to your busy schedule, you will lose your humanity.
Speeding up your loading speeds requires coding. In addition, content marketing involves conceptualisation, writing and production.
Email marketing takes plenty of time and effort. And conversion rate optimisation for your website requires weeks of research and testing and, on top of that, copywriting and web design.
On top of these, you will have to do social media marketing, upload regular blogs and online content, appear in PR campaigns and more.
Another heavy lifting to do will be search engine optimisation or SEO. The process involves using the right keywords and linking on your pages to make them appear more often on search results when people type in keywords related to your business and products.
You won’t have the time, and if you stretch yourself to do everything even with an in-house team, you will risk the quality of all of your work.
You can hire a single freelancer, which would cost as much as an agency – but for only one person working on your projects. On the other hand, if you get an agency like ours for the same price, you will have a senior team of digital marketers on your side.
We are Kas Andz Marketing group, and we can make your site or improve an existing one 200% better. We can do your email marketing, get you excellent PR, book you exciting podcast appearances, do your content, manage your website and more.
We can also be your marketing consultant if you have a team in need of help.
Let’s talk about your eCommerce. We offer a free discovery consultation when you leave your contact details here.
