Shopping online is not new. There are many online stores that are our go-to when we are in need of an item but don’t have the time to go out and purchase it. If you own a physical store, then you know that having an online store expands your reach and helps you get customers that are just far too busy to stop in. Setting up an online store is no easy feat and there are some things that you need to make sure are put in place to maximize your opportunities for landing sales. Below are just some of the few things you can do to start.
Secure your website
One of the first things you need to make sure of when setting up your store is that your customers have a secure experience. Make sure your website is secured with an SSL certificate. The biggest deterrent for customers when purchasing is if they are going to lose their hard-earned cash through an unsafe website. If you don’t take the time to make it safe for your customers, they’ll most likely take their business elsewhere.
Give as much detail about your product as possible
Online shopping is one of the best things invented since sliced bread. It’s convenient and done at any time. The only downside to online shopping is not having a tangible object to actually inspect. Help your buyers make a confident decision with their purchase by providing all the details they need to know about your product. For example, if you were selling clothes online, it’s best to include the sizes available, the color, the type of fabric that is used to make the article of clothing, the best way to wash and dry it, a picture of the front, black and even a close up of the fabric. You’ll get bonus points if you include the article’s measurements. The more information you include, the better.
Organize your online store
Even though your store is virtual, it is very important you organize it in a way that makes it easy for your shoppers to peruse through and make purchases. When searching for “white t-shirts” in your store, make sure that the search results only show products that are white t-shirts.
Be clear with your policies
Unfortunately, with online shopping, there will be times that customers may need to return their purchase. Make sure your policies are straightforward and easy to understand. And make sure you present your policies where they are easily available.
Equip your store with the best customer service
Another downside to shopping online (for some) is not having an employee to consult with on certain products. By equipping your store with a way for customers to get in contact with you, you will bridge this gap. Look into instant chat, email support or even customer service reps that can be readily available to answer questions. Ensure that the turn around time for getting in contact with your customers is as short as possible. Resolve issues as quickly as possible.
Remember, a happy customer is a loyal customer.
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FAQs
Why is securing my online store important?
Securing your online store with an SSL certificate ensures that customer data, including payment information, is protected. Shoppers are more likely to trust and make purchases from a website that offers a safe and secure experience. Without proper security, customers may take their business elsewhere, fearing that their information could be compromised.
What kind of product details should I include in my online store?
Provide as much detail as possible about your products to help customers make informed decisions. This includes available sizes, colors, materials, product care instructions, and high-quality images showing multiple angles of the product. Offering clear, detailed information can improve customer confidence and reduce returns.
How can I organize my online store for better customer experience?
Organize your online store with clear categories and ensure the search function works accurately. For example, if a customer searches for “white t-shirts,” only relevant results should appear. A well-organized store makes it easy for shoppers to find what they are looking for and improves the overall shopping experience.
Why is customer service important in an online store?
Customer service bridges the gap created by the lack of in-person assistance when shopping online. Offering options like live chat, email support, or customer service representatives ensures customers can get answers to their questions quickly. Resolving issues promptly improves customer satisfaction and fosters loyalty.