7 Key Elements of a Successful Online Store

Starting an eCommerce business can be a daunting task. There are more than 15 million online businesses worldwide, making it difficult to make yours stand out. 

Here are seven key elements you should implement to improve the user experience, increase customer satisfaction, and build trust and loyalty with your customers.

Deep Analysis

One way to increase your chances of success is to carefully consider your target audience, including their characteristics, geographic location, and preferred communication channels. Understanding your target market allows you to tailor your marketing efforts and create a more relevant and personalised customer experience.

1. Identify your target market, including age, gender, and interests.
2. Determine the geographic location of your target market.
3. Research the social media platforms and communication channels preferred by your target audience.

Good Design

Creating a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate website is crucial. A well-designed website with simple messaging and clear calls to action can make a big impact on your conversion rates.

1. Consider the layout, flow of information, and necessary functionality (e.g. shopping cart, booking system).
2. Make it easy for visitors to find answers to their questions and engage with your business.(e.g. Chatbots, search bars, engaging and informative content).
3. Test your website on different devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions properly.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Improving your search engine ranking by using relevant keywords and creating engaging content will increase traffic and visibility for your business.

1. Research and use relevant keywords on your website.
2. Create high-quality, informative content that will likely attract links from other websites.
3. Use header tags, meta descriptions, and alt tags to improve your website’s visibility to search engines.

Social Media

Using social media platforms to connect with customers, share information about your products and services, and engage with followers can help you reach a larger audience, build brand awareness, and improve customer loyalty.

1. Set up social media pages on the platforms used by your customers.
2. Share information about your products and services to build a following.
3. Let customers share their purchases or experiences with their friends on social media.
4. Use social media marketing to target specific demographics and interests.

Reliable Search

Making it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for on your website can help high-intent shoppers locate their desired items fast. On-site search also collects important data on what your customers are looking for, what terms they use to when they talk about those products or services and how you can personalise your offering just for them.

1. Use clear, concise labels for categories and search filters.
2. Consider offering suggestions or “Did you mean?” options for misspellings or alternative terms.
3. Test your search function with different queries to ensure it returns accurate results.

Mobile Optimisation

Ensuring that your website is responsive and that it’s optimised for mobile usability will help increase sales. A massive 84% of online shoppers abandon their carts if they’re on their smartphones or tablets. Ensure that your shopping experience is as easy and intuitive on mobile as it is on desktop to help get those mobile sales over the line.

1. Use responsive design techniques to ensure your website adjusts to different screen sizes.
2. Avoid using Flash or other technologies that are not supported on mobile devices.
3. Use large, easy-to-tap buttons and links.
4. Make sure the loading speed is fast, as mobile users are less patient than desktop users.

Security

Providing your customers with a safe shopping environment where their personal information is protected can build customer trust and protect your business from potential legal issues.

1. Use a secure hosting provider that offers features like firewalls, SSL certificates, and regular backups.
2. Implement strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
3. Regularly update your website’s software and plugins to fix any known vulnerabilities.
4. Have strict policies and procedures for handling sensitive data, such as credit card information or any personally identifiable information like names, contact details, addresses, etc.
5. Consider using additional security measures like encryption for particularly sensitive transactions.