A quality product matters a great deal, but it is not the be-all and end-all of eCommerce. In fact, it is only a single part of the success equation and not necessarily the pivotal one. It is best to start with the presumption that nobody knows and cares about your business, which is probably true in the beginning. So, you have to spark interest and come out of the dark. Here are the steps that go a long way in setting your store apart from the competition.
The art of search engines
Search engines are the booming mainstays of the internet and the vast majority of customers use them to find products and services. SEO helps you make the most of these patterns, which is to say you have to get familiar with the best practices and basic concepts. There is no better way to boost your visibility and the volume of traffic. Ultimately, you can climb up the Google ranking ladder and arrive in the promised land of the internet, the first few pages of search engine result pages (SERPs).
Make a good first impression
One aspect you need to pay special attention to is a landing page. It is the moment of truth when customers form first impressions and initial opinions about your brand. Thus, landing pages should be attractive, easy to navigate, and helpful. Their purpose is to direct, educate, and delight the visitor. Moreover, landing pages move customers closer to the purchasing decision and support their experience. Hence, it is highly advisable to include a call to action button to drive engagement right away.
Creativity at it’s best
Modern customers are spoiled for choice but also visual bliss. Web design is all about merging prime functionality with aesthetically pleasing solutions. Such a killer combo captures the imagination and draws people in. Hiring web designers may be more expensive, but with the help of the companies like Australian Lending Centre that provide business loans, it is possible to obtain easy financial stimuli under favorable terms and make it happen. Professional-grade results are not guaranteed in case you seek to save money and stick to generic themes.
Play your game where attention is
Next, it is time to establish a strong social media presence. You have to be where your customers are and nowadays, that means major social media networks. All-around presence is fine, but for emerging brands, it is best not to spread themselves too thin. Image-heavy platforms, like Pinterest and Instagram, are definitely worth considering due to the immense power of visual storytelling. In any regard, set up profiles, build your audience, create compelling content, and generate buzz around your brand.
Write about what you know the best
A blogosphere is not just the birthplace of light-hearted articles and know-how mojo. It has evolved into a lucrative field of opportunities for marketers and business owners. Namely, studies have shown that 61% customers buy a product based on a blog experience. What is more, stores that blog tend to acquire 91% more inbound links. So, produce quality and relevant content that echoes your business ideas and speaks of what you offer and stand for. Add value to customers’ lives and they will know how to return the favor.
Promote, promote, promote
Content marketing may have stolen the show in recent years, but that does not mean that advertising is on a dying bed. In fact, it has adapted to new realities and still holds promise. For instance, Facebook advertising is a quick and effective fix to sales and traffic problems. Its algorithms allow you to target an incredibly specific, niche audience and get the most bang for your buck. The good news is also that you can make baby steps first and experiment with a small amount of money.
Send emails you wish to receive
Many entrepreneurs lose sight of email marketing. This is a grave mistake since this type of promotion is still associated with the highest ROI. It is a great strategy to drive more sales and enjoy a steady stream of repeat purchases. Collect email addresses from everyone who expresses interest or buys your product. Add a sign-up form to the website and assemble an email list. Send regular newsletters and note that you may utilize email automation tools to streamline your activities.
Rise to the top
You have to get not only your products, but also ideas, content, and branded persona in front of the customers. Therefore, strive to expand your digital horizons and meet people on avenues where they spend most of their time. In a sense, you first have to come to them if you want to later welcome them on your eCommerce hub. So, strive to think in the long-term. Rise above the competition and witness the customers flocking to your digital storefront.
Raul Harman
