Online shops are from the corporate and the Internet world is no longer imaginable. After all, they are an easy way to target product sales and reach customers. But why are many shops doing well and not doing at all?
We have researched the causes and found 8 simple tips with which you can optimize your online shop…
Success concept e-commerce – online shopping in numbers
E-commerce is no longer a trend, but a solid pillar in the market with steadily growing shares.
Even before Corona, online trading was growing steadily. The pandemic and the associated store closures have further accelerated this development and it can be assumed that many new users have discovered the advantages of online shops for themselves.
Forecast statistia assume that by 2025 there will be over 68 million e-commerce users. This corresponds to a large part of the population, which once again illustrates the importance of online shopping in our society.
This rapid development, the end of which is far from in sight, has clear reasons: After all, online shopping is convenient, always possible (provided there is an internet connection), and offers a Merchandise selection that local malls and arcades can only dream of. So it’s no wonder that many people appreciate the advantages of e-commerce and are increasingly turning to online shops.
8 simple tips for your online shop
1. Choose the right system as a basis
Programming and building your own webshop is a lot of work. That is why the first choice when you want to start an online shop is always a shop system. Similar to the content management systems that are used for the majority of websites, there are also ready-made solutions for shops. These make the work a lot easier.
But before you decide on a shop system as a basis, you should be clear about it, which functions you need. After all, the scope can vary. It pays to think carefully about which functions are needed beforehand. So put e.g. B. the following questions:
Do I sell nationally or internationally?
What payment options would I like to offer?
What options for product presentation and for content do I need?
How big are the customization options?
Are options for SEO given?
I also have an offline business and have to create a connection.
Can the merchandise management be connected without any problems will?
In addition, there are certainly a number of questions that will help you to find the right shop system for you. Incidentally, we at forty-four rely on Shopware. It combines excellent performance with many options for designing and implementing the webshop. In addition, there are many possibilities for a smooth sale even without extensions.
2. Get to know your target group properly
Before you can sell sensibly on the Internet, you must Know your target group. This can be achieved with a target group analysis. Ideally, you have already done this when designing your product. The Persona created are now used again in the conception of the online shop.
Ultimately, it’s about building your shop in such a way that your target group feels comfortable with it and is picked up in the best possible way. This concerns e.g. B. technical specializations (including mobile optimization) as well as design issues and the content.
Also, consider the customer journey. If you combine knowledge of your target group with knowledge of their shopping journey connect, the concept for your shop is created almost by itself.
3. Pay attention to an attractive design
Exactly how a shop in a passage has to look appealing in order to be noticed, that’s how it is also with online shops. Means: The design should enjoy a high priority. It has to reflect the company and the product adequately.
What that looks like in concrete terms can of course vary from company to company. Some prefer a futuristic-looking representation, while others choose a more sober way.
With all design questions, do not forget that the design is ultimately not an end in itself. Instead, it should guide and lead the customers in order to promote sales. As a rule of thumb: When in doubt, keep the design simple rather than overload everything unnecessarily. Because clarity in the purchase process always comes first in case of doubt!
4. Webshops also need strong content
Anyone who strolls through a shopping center often sees detailed decorated shop windows and lovingly furnished sales areas. This product presentation you have to implement is just as labor-intensive in your online shop.
In a shop, there are always salespeople on site who are available to give advice if necessary. It is also always possible for customers to touch the goods and take a closer look. You have to implement this shopping experience differently online.
You can do this by Content. This includes high-quality product photos and videos as well as extensive product texts that take SEO aspects into account. Extensive explanations and information texts in a blog or magazine are also conceivable.
You can e.g. B. educate your customers in the fashion sector about current trends or combinations for the right occasions. In other industries, such as electronics, you can use such content to present products that require explanation in more detail.
In addition, there should always be quick contact – ideally by telephone or chat – to add a personal touch to the content.
5. Usability is of the utmost importance
Would you shop in a store where you climb a climbing wall first, then a long one Climb up the rope, and finally have to solve a tricky math problem to finally be allowed to pay? Of course not!
It is accordingly important that the sales process in the online shop is as barrier-free as possible runs. This means: The shop must be clear and easy to use. Try to include as few steps as possible from the product page to the checkout. This is achieved through clear and structured navigation.
Consider: Each intermediate step could be the point at which your customers will drop out. So keep everything as user-friendly as possible and enable quick purchases!
6. Follow all guidelines for modern websites
What applies to modern websites also applies to web shops. factors such as B. mobile first with responsive design, a fast and smooth loading process, and search engine optimization should always be kept in mind.
It is also important that you always keep an eye on innovations in the Google algorithm or web use. This is the only way to keep your online shop technically up to date.
7. Build Trust with Trust Elements
Online shops are subject to special requirements when it comes to seriousness goes. After all, sensitive data such as means of payment and contact details must be provided in the course of the purchase. Your customers will only do this if they trust you.
Of course, this is easiest if you have already built up a well-known brand with shops. However, if the online shop is your only point of sale, you should pay special attention to trust elements.
This includes e.g. B. Customer ratings and votes, seals, or certifications. These should be prominently visible, ideally directly on the home page. This is how you show new visitors directly that you have landed on a reputable sales platform.
Warning: Do not try to generate artificially good ratings. Nothing seems more inauthentic than just 5-star ratings, because at some point something always goes wrong. Instead, use such negative reviews to prove how you handle such cases. Ultimately, this shows how customer-friendly and trustworthy you really are.
8. Also consider OffPage factors
There are many factors that influence the success of your online shop, but they do not directly affect your site take place. This includes above all Marketing. In order to increase the visibility of your online shop, you should be actively present on Social Media & Co.
Also, keep the review portals and actively moderate incoming reviews – both positive and negative. Do you deal with topics like Google Shopping or SEA to generate traffic and sales?
Just like a shop in a shopping street lures with promotions and advertising, you also have to stage your webshop.
Conclusion: This is how your online shop becomes a shopping experience
Choose a shop system as a basis that suits your needs and requirements.
Get to know your target group and use your knowledge of persona and customer journey.
Make sure you have an attractive design that intuitively guides the customers.
Present your products with strong content that replaces personal sales advice.
Always focus on usability and the smoothest possible purchasing process.
Respect all guidelines for modern sites.
Build trust through trust elements such as ratings, seals, and certifications.
Also consider off-page factors such as social media, Google Shopping, and SEA.
If you follow these 8 tips, you are already well on the way to building up your online shop in the best possible way. And if you succeeded? Then it’s time to optimize! evaluation ate all measures and turn the right screws to further improve your webshop – and to win more and more customers!
