Hey guys, in this article, we are going to discuss the five common eCommerce website mistakes. So keep reading. It’s no secret that e-commerce is a booming industry with no signs of slowing down in sight. Today, it’s easier than ever to start your own business. Whether you’re a wholesaler, a drop shipper, or the owner of a small boutique, creating an e-commerce website isn’t nearly as complicated as it was a decade ago. However, there’s a fine line between launching an e-commerce website and launching an e-commerce website designed to optimize sales.
Because building websites is easy, many beginner entrepreneurs make vital mistakes that cost them valuable time and money. With that in mind, here are a few common eCommerce website mistakes that business owners tend to make:
Table of Contents:
1. Not Having Brand Guidelines
3. Lack of Incentive For First-time Visitors
5. Lack of On-Site Customer Service
1. Not Having Brand Guidelines
Brand guidelines are a set of clearly defined rules regarding how your business will communicate your brand across all channels. According to BANG!, a team of Phoenix web designers, brand guidelines help ensure consistency throughout your website and all other channels. Brand guidelines include directions on everything from font usage to colour palette to instructions on voice and tone.
By establishing brand guidelines early on, you’ll be better organized and cohesive with each website and product page. Take a look at how these companies approached their brand guidelines.
2. Poor Image Quality
Your imagery can make or break your e-commerce website. As an e-commerce business owner, you can’t rely on stock imagery on your site. You need high-quality photos taken at a variety of angles and, when possible, staged. For example, if you were selling handmade candles, you’d want to show your candles in different environments and stages in aesthetically pleasing ways that appeal to your target market.
Some e-commerce owners will use Photoshop to create “staged environments.” If you want to grow your online business, your product imagery should consist of high-resolution photos. You can always work with a freelance photographer or photo editor to help you. Search for local photographers on platforms like Facebook or Craigslist.
3. Lack of Incentive For First-time Visitors
As previously mentioned, the e-commerce industry is crowded. Today’s online shoppers expect some incentives as first-time buyers. This might include a discount, money-back guarantee, trial, free shipping, or gift with purchase. The goal is to hook visitors in while you have them, and you have to hook them quickly.
Incentives are also a great way to capture visitor information. You can use these leads for future marketing and lead-nurturing campaigns. To encourage visitors to take advantage of first-time incentives, you can create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time discounts.
4. Poor Navigation
Your site structure is crucial for the user experience. Think of your website as a map; it should be easy to follow. If your visitors can’t make intuitive clicks, chances are they’ll leave your website before they have a chance to consider what you have to offer fully. Your product catalogue should be broken down into simple, easily discoverable categories. Although creativity is admired, in the vast majority of cases, your navigation isn’t the place to get creative. Use clear and common terminology that any visitor would understand.
If you’re working with a web design agency, they’ll work alongside you to ensure your navigation is optimized for a seamless user experience. If you’re going the DIY route, be sure to use a sitemap tool to help you plan your site structure before you even begin modifying your template.
5. Lack of On-Site Customer Service
Today, consumers want quick and reliable customer service in a variety of ways. Online chat widgets are becoming increasingly common. According to CrazyEgg, nearly 40% of online consumers are more likely to buy from a business that offers live online chat support. Another study found that the majority of consumers are more likely to return to a site that offers live online chat support.
In addition to implementing chat support on your website, you should also have a Help Center where prospective customers can quickly access frequently asked questions such as “What is the return policy?” So that’s all from our side. I hope you liked this article on the five common eCommerce website mistakes. Thanks for reading!