When running an online store, you’ll also have to think about your logistics and supply chain because it can significantly affect your business. Enlisting the services of a trusted logistics provider will ensure that customers receive their packages within the specified time frame and lessen warehouse bulk. If you’re looking for the right courier service, you should first consider how it’ll affect your business.
But most online retailers will only ignore the different aspects that will affect their entire supply-chain management. Below is a list of the most common mistakes an online retailer makes and tips on avoiding them.
Not Listing Down the Contact Information
In addition to providing security and establishing credibility, listing your contact details on your website provides shoppers with the means to address their problems. Hence, you shouldn’t hide it. If you don’t offer your shoppers this information, you’ll lose potential customers and income.
You should also have a page listing the contact details shoppers can use to call your representatives. It’s also best to significantly boost your conversions by using real-time response systems or live-chat features.
Not Being Able to Buy Without Registering
One of the most frustrating mistakes you can make is the number of questions online customers have to answer before purchasing an item from your store. It’ll only drive a potential customer away because of the difficulties they have to deal with. Your buyers should also have the chance to order an item without registering.
You should also allow them to check the prices and product descriptions without going through a lot. That will significantly increase your overall earnings. You’ll also notice the massive changes in your conversion rates.
Displaying Poor-quality Product Photos
One mistake that affects your e-commerce business is the number of returns and product exchanges. Online shoppers have different reasons for exchanging or returning a product they brought from your store. Most of them are because the shopper couldn’t check the item correctly due to the poor-quality pictures or the lack of images.
Only posting one picture of your product will not help them. Your shopper will be more at ease if you provide them with more visual information about the item they’re planning to purchase. It’ll also help minimize the chances of returns or exchanges. Exchanges are hard, but it’s necessary. Online shoppers will want to enjoy the quality they’re paying for.
Offering product exchanges will also represent the customer support you can provide them with; however, you must first ensure you’re delivering the right parcel. It’ll minimize the risks of dealing with this tedious process and increase their trust in your brand.
Not Addressing Your Shoppers’ Problems
Your contact forms or comment sections aren’t for aesthetic purposes. Your customers will expect to get a prompt response to their concerns. Giving them prompt answers will make them feel heard and provide them with a sense of excellent support. Incorporating a contact form or comment section will address a dispute if they have one.
It’ll also gradually increase your income. In turn, it’ll increase brand awareness. Offering excellent customer service is a simple way of setting yourself apart from competitors.
Overlooking Search Engine Optimization
Many customers browse the internet with a clear idea of what they’re looking for and buying from a specific store; however, they might leave your website if they can’t find a search button that allows them to do their search quickly. In turn, they’ll head on to your other competitors who might appear during their search.
Having a Misleading Product Description
Not having an accurate product description is another problem that bothers customers when browsing a website. If your product pictures don’t relate to its description, they will not sell. Ensure to incorporate the needed information to help your customers make an informed buying decision.
Your customers will also need graphic elements to give them all the info about the product, including its specific features. Hence, having the right images will give them a visual idea of the product.
Having the Same Fees as Physical Shops
In building your website, you must have a different concept from your physical store because both platforms will require different approaches and strategies. It’s the reason physical and online stores have different prices. For example, you’re selling something online, and a similar product is at a physical store.
You’d have to use an online marketing strategy while your competitor will have to use billboards, posters, brochures, or pamphlets. You might also use video content while the physical store uses print media.
Final Thoughts
Your chosen logistics solutions will only get more complicated as you expand your online business. Your goal is to understand your shoppers’ preferences to provide them with the best services possible. Hence, educate yourself about the latest trends and check the approaches used by your competitors to address these problems.