The existing misconception that ecommerce is an easy business activity makes people jump into the game without much consideration of the consequences. Coming up with a new product on the market is just the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of ins and outs of building a successful online business. Developing and running a well thought-out website is among these many and is of paramount importance. To prevent novices from getting into the trap, we have prepared a list covering major mistakes common among new ecommerce players.
#1 Underestimation of the work involved
Setting up a website does not mean you are done and should prepare to retire on one’s laurels. There is a long way to go. An online store is not only about taking an order and sending a product. Your website needs your full attention and dedication. Trial and error mode is going to become your natural state to test which techniques work and which do not bring traffic to your website. Even if eventually you manage to streamline your operations, you’ll still need to keep a watchful eye on your store to keep it going.
#2 Failing to choose well-known ecommerce software
No need to reinvent the wheel. Searching for an ecommerce software that is well-known and has a good reputation, that is frequently updated and thoroughly tested is a wise thing to do. The existing ecommerce platforms like Adobe Commerce, OpenCart, Drupal will help you to have a safe start. On top of that, your customers definitely will appreciate your thoughtfulness, as you are not going to disrupt a familiar shopping experience for them, you are not leaving them wondering which button to push to clinch a deal.
#3 Failing to make a website mobile friendly
According to the statistics, people spend on average 5 hours a day on their mobile phone. Thoughtless would it be to overlook such an opportunity to communicate information about the product you sell to the potential customer, get them interested and convince to buy.
#4 Failing to strike a balance between design and message
Building a website that is appealing and stylish is no doubt important, but as soon as your potential customers come, you need to make them feel at home. The website should provide a clear product description, compelling visuals, user-friendly navigation, and exciting content in case you have a blog. The idea is to create a flow and make it natural that customers will end up buying a product they wanted.
#5 Failing to optimize a website for SEO
If you aspire to increase sales and conversions and want to see your online business boom, you should by no means underestimate the power of SEO optimization. To optimize your site means to make it show up on every occasion a potential buyer is looking for the product you deliver. If it does not, everything you have done to make your website appealing is secondary. It is primarily by SEO optimization that you can outscore your competitors in the field of ecommerce game.
#6 Failing to provide customer support
Consumers’ shopping experience is deeply impacted by the possibility to get the needed information at the right moment. Incorporating a live chat or, for instance, implementing a feedback widget can significantly enhance the level of the customer service of your website. It also should be mentioned that to get in touch with your customers to ask for their feedback on the product, to find out whether they are satisfied with it is a simple way to convert a shopper into a loyal customer.
#7 Failing to monitor and measure what’s working and what isn’t
Keeping an eye on all the processes is an activity that shouldn’t or rather can’t be neglected. It is incredible how many ecommerce website owners do their business without understanding how important it is to measure their results. Keeping your finger on the pulse of your business can help to choose the best methods to boost sales, to identify the most effective marketing tactic or to select the best tool to improve customers’ experience.
The list does not pretend to cover the entire spectrum of things to consider when you start an online business. The points mentioned can give you guidance as to the pitfalls of the process of building an online store from scratch.
