10 Reasons Why Your eCommerce Website Failing
Published on 03 March 15
Robin980
0
eCommerce websites can work a very long way if properly understood, but also if you can deliver the right product. However, before getting there, it is imperative to attain a desirable website design and functionality. If you think that your eCommerce website is a good extension to your real store, you are wrong. While it can function as an extension, it needs a lot of other particularities to keep visitors enticed, but also to underline credibility and professionalism. Only then you can finally think about conversions. In a world where most sellers are not actual eCommerce specialists, learning about the most common issues in this industry can help you ensure a top notch functionality. So why is not your website working like it should?
Hiding Contacts
People expect information to be instant online. If they have a question, they want it addressed as soon as possible. When email is your only contact, they assume that they might need to wait for a day or two in order to get an answer. They will not bother to message you, but look elsewhere. If you truly want them to enjoy their experience and get a sense of your professionalism right away, come up with exceptional customer service like a chat , as well as a phone number.
Long and Annoying forms
The less fields your guests need to complete when dealing with forms, the more enticed they will be. Adding a million steps and gathering all kinds of details will not really help you. Just stick to the basic information. You do not want to build a psychological profile, so stop asking for marital statuses or hobbies. You are less likely to fax them either, so ask for an email address and perhaps a phone number instead.
Overlooking Shopping Card Abandonment
Just because your website looks good and functions perfectly, it does not mean that it actually produces money too. Getting someone to add a few products to the shopping cart is not so hard. Instead, the real issues arise when about to reach to the checkout. There are plenty of techniques to prevent this issue, yet one of them is simpler than others - gathering contacts. This way, you make sure that your potential customers do not forget you. Get in touch with them later on, then introduce them to special Discounts and Coupons.
Not being Clear in your Advantages
What is the first thing you see when you load a popular eCommerce website? You are most commonly prompted with special discounts. You need to do the same. However, these special offers do not necessarily have to be discounts. Instead, you need to draw the attention to your value proposition and underline the reasons why someone should buy from you. Are you offering free shipping? Do you have the widest product range? Do you practice the lowest costs on the market? Your message must be concise and clear.
Not offering Benefits
Benefits in eCommerce can take multiple forms. One of them seems to draw a lot of positive attention. It looks like a special offer, as well as an opportunity to save. Free shipping represents a solid idea for new stores. Unless you simply cannot afford it, free shipping is one of the best ways to boost sales. According to a lot of research studies, it looks like high shipping costs are some of the main reasons behind shopping card abandonment. If you cannot avoid it, at least try to increase the product price a little, only to be able to advertise for free shipping.
Distracting Customers
Distracting customers is usually a direct consequence of your attempt to make your website look more professional. While some portals are, indeed, covered in hundreds of links, banners and pictures, yours do not have to follow the same standards. Keeping things simple will give your customers the opportunity to focus on the actual products. Therefore, you should clear useless buttons, too many animations or busy backgrounds. They distract visitors, but they also make you look like an amateur.
Failing to use Professional Pictures
Copying pictures from other websites will not help you too much. The more realistic yours are, the more beneficial your eCommerce experience will be. However, unless you are a good photographer, you may not want to use your random and foggy pictures. A poor quality picture will underline a terrible conclusion. Customers will associate the picture quality with the quality of your service. If the picture is terrible, your sales will go in the exact same direction. Have someone take professional pictures. Since pictures are often better than words, never overlook their importance.
Maintaining the uncertainty at High Levels
If your customers feel uncertain, you obviously have not built enough trust. No one takes risks when buying online. If something looks slightly suspicious, most people would rather look for the same product elsewhere. In other words, you have to identify these weak points and address them right away. Some of them relate to the payment security, while others target the warranty or testimonials. If there is one element that you may not necessarily be able to control, that is the length of time in your industry. The longer you operate for, the more reliable you will appear to be.
Not being User Oriented
Just because you are an actual professional, it does not mean that your customers are too. Some of them may not necessarily understand what you are trying to say. It seems tempting to rely on jargon and technical words, yet you must keep in mind that you talk to average people who may not understand too much. Furthermore, a lot of potential customers do not feel like doing their homework and researching words. In the end, keep your note straight to the point, with simple words.
Not offering enough Payment Solutions
People feel reticent when buying online. They would have no problems sharing their credit card information with large and world renowned websites, but this is pretty much it. They would not do it with a local eCommerce website or perhaps a new one. Instead, they would rather prefer online payment platforms. Focus on implementing the most popular ones. Besides, prepaid solutions are also worth a shot. The more payment options you have, the better.
eCommerce websites can work a very long way if properly understood, but also if you can deliver the right product. However, before getting there, it is imperative to attain a desirable website design and functionality. If you think that your eCommerce website is a good extension to your real store, you are wrong. While it can function as an extension, it needs a lot of other particularities to keep visitors enticed, but also to underline credibility and professionalism. Only then you can finally think about conversions. In a world where most sellers are not actual eCommerce specialists, learning about the most common issues in this industry can help you ensure a top notch functionality. So why is not your website working like it should?
Hiding Contacts
People expect information to be instant online. If they have a question, they want it addressed as soon as possible. When email is your only contact, they assume that they might need to wait for a day or two in order to get an answer. They will not bother to message you, but look elsewhere. If you truly want them to enjoy their experience and get a sense of your professionalism right away, come up with exceptional customer service like a chat , as well as a phone number.
Long and Annoying forms
The less fields your guests need to complete when dealing with forms, the more enticed they will be. Adding a million steps and gathering all kinds of details will not really help you. Just stick to the basic information. You do not want to build a psychological profile, so stop asking for marital statuses or hobbies. You are less likely to fax them either, so ask for an email address and perhaps a phone number instead.
Overlooking Shopping Card Abandonment
Just because your website looks good and functions perfectly, it does not mean that it actually produces money too. Getting someone to add a few products to the shopping cart is not so hard. Instead, the real issues arise when about to reach to the checkout. There are plenty of techniques to prevent this issue, yet one of them is simpler than others - gathering contacts. This way, you make sure that your potential customers do not forget you. Get in touch with them later on, then introduce them to special Discounts and Coupons.
Not being Clear in your Advantages
What is the first thing you see when you load a popular eCommerce website? You are most commonly prompted with special discounts. You need to do the same. However, these special offers do not necessarily have to be discounts. Instead, you need to draw the attention to your value proposition and underline the reasons why someone should buy from you. Are you offering free shipping? Do you have the widest product range? Do you practice the lowest costs on the market? Your message must be concise and clear.
Not offering Benefits
Benefits in eCommerce can take multiple forms. One of them seems to draw a lot of positive attention. It looks like a special offer, as well as an opportunity to save. Free shipping represents a solid idea for new stores. Unless you simply cannot afford it, free shipping is one of the best ways to boost sales. According to a lot of research studies, it looks like high shipping costs are some of the main reasons behind shopping card abandonment. If you cannot avoid it, at least try to increase the product price a little, only to be able to advertise for free shipping.
Distracting Customers
Distracting customers is usually a direct consequence of your attempt to make your website look more professional. While some portals are, indeed, covered in hundreds of links, banners and pictures, yours do not have to follow the same standards. Keeping things simple will give your customers the opportunity to focus on the actual products. Therefore, you should clear useless buttons, too many animations or busy backgrounds. They distract visitors, but they also make you look like an amateur.
Failing to use Professional Pictures
Copying pictures from other websites will not help you too much. The more realistic yours are, the more beneficial your eCommerce experience will be. However, unless you are a good photographer, you may not want to use your random and foggy pictures. A poor quality picture will underline a terrible conclusion. Customers will associate the picture quality with the quality of your service. If the picture is terrible, your sales will go in the exact same direction. Have someone take professional pictures. Since pictures are often better than words, never overlook their importance.
Maintaining the uncertainty at High Levels
If your customers feel uncertain, you obviously have not built enough trust. No one takes risks when buying online. If something looks slightly suspicious, most people would rather look for the same product elsewhere. In other words, you have to identify these weak points and address them right away. Some of them relate to the payment security, while others target the warranty or testimonials. If there is one element that you may not necessarily be able to control, that is the length of time in your industry. The longer you operate for, the more reliable you will appear to be.
Not being User Oriented
Just because you are an actual professional, it does not mean that your customers are too. Some of them may not necessarily understand what you are trying to say. It seems tempting to rely on jargon and technical words, yet you must keep in mind that you talk to average people who may not understand too much. Furthermore, a lot of potential customers do not feel like doing their homework and researching words. In the end, keep your note straight to the point, with simple words.
Not offering enough Payment Solutions
People feel reticent when buying online. They would have no problems sharing their credit card information with large and world renowned websites, but this is pretty much it. They would not do it with a local eCommerce website or perhaps a new one. Instead, they would rather prefer online payment platforms. Focus on implementing the most popular ones. Besides, prepaid solutions are also worth a shot. The more payment options you have, the better.
Hiding Contacts
People expect information to be instant online. If they have a question, they want it addressed as soon as possible. When email is your only contact, they assume that they might need to wait for a day or two in order to get an answer. They will not bother to message you, but look elsewhere. If you truly want them to enjoy their experience and get a sense of your professionalism right away, come up with exceptional customer service like a chat , as well as a phone number.
Long and Annoying forms
The less fields your guests need to complete when dealing with forms, the more enticed they will be. Adding a million steps and gathering all kinds of details will not really help you. Just stick to the basic information. You do not want to build a psychological profile, so stop asking for marital statuses or hobbies. You are less likely to fax them either, so ask for an email address and perhaps a phone number instead.
Overlooking Shopping Card Abandonment
Just because your website looks good and functions perfectly, it does not mean that it actually produces money too. Getting someone to add a few products to the shopping cart is not so hard. Instead, the real issues arise when about to reach to the checkout. There are plenty of techniques to prevent this issue, yet one of them is simpler than others - gathering contacts. This way, you make sure that your potential customers do not forget you. Get in touch with them later on, then introduce them to special Discounts and Coupons.
Not being Clear in your Advantages
What is the first thing you see when you load a popular eCommerce website? You are most commonly prompted with special discounts. You need to do the same. However, these special offers do not necessarily have to be discounts. Instead, you need to draw the attention to your value proposition and underline the reasons why someone should buy from you. Are you offering free shipping? Do you have the widest product range? Do you practice the lowest costs on the market? Your message must be concise and clear.
Not offering Benefits
Benefits in eCommerce can take multiple forms. One of them seems to draw a lot of positive attention. It looks like a special offer, as well as an opportunity to save. Free shipping represents a solid idea for new stores. Unless you simply cannot afford it, free shipping is one of the best ways to boost sales. According to a lot of research studies, it looks like high shipping costs are some of the main reasons behind shopping card abandonment. If you cannot avoid it, at least try to increase the product price a little, only to be able to advertise for free shipping.
Distracting Customers
Distracting customers is usually a direct consequence of your attempt to make your website look more professional. While some portals are, indeed, covered in hundreds of links, banners and pictures, yours do not have to follow the same standards. Keeping things simple will give your customers the opportunity to focus on the actual products. Therefore, you should clear useless buttons, too many animations or busy backgrounds. They distract visitors, but they also make you look like an amateur.
Failing to use Professional Pictures
Copying pictures from other websites will not help you too much. The more realistic yours are, the more beneficial your eCommerce experience will be. However, unless you are a good photographer, you may not want to use your random and foggy pictures. A poor quality picture will underline a terrible conclusion. Customers will associate the picture quality with the quality of your service. If the picture is terrible, your sales will go in the exact same direction. Have someone take professional pictures. Since pictures are often better than words, never overlook their importance.
Maintaining the uncertainty at High Levels
If your customers feel uncertain, you obviously have not built enough trust. No one takes risks when buying online. If something looks slightly suspicious, most people would rather look for the same product elsewhere. In other words, you have to identify these weak points and address them right away. Some of them relate to the payment security, while others target the warranty or testimonials. If there is one element that you may not necessarily be able to control, that is the length of time in your industry. The longer you operate for, the more reliable you will appear to be.
Not being User Oriented
Just because you are an actual professional, it does not mean that your customers are too. Some of them may not necessarily understand what you are trying to say. It seems tempting to rely on jargon and technical words, yet you must keep in mind that you talk to average people who may not understand too much. Furthermore, a lot of potential customers do not feel like doing their homework and researching words. In the end, keep your note straight to the point, with simple words.
Not offering enough Payment Solutions
People feel reticent when buying online. They would have no problems sharing their credit card information with large and world renowned websites, but this is pretty much it. They would not do it with a local eCommerce website or perhaps a new one. Instead, they would rather prefer online payment platforms. Focus on implementing the most popular ones. Besides, prepaid solutions are also worth a shot. The more payment options you have, the better.
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