Improve eCommerce Conversion Rate

Poor user experience is one of the top reasons that people leave websites without purchasing. In fact, 25 percent of shoppers will leave a website if it is too difficult to use. One of the areas where customers find a website offers a poor user experience is during the checkout process. If the process is complicated, lengthy or intrusive, a consumer will leave that site and purchase from a competitor with a better checkout procedure. If you want to make the purchasing process easier for your customers, there are a few adjustments you can make to your system that will lead to a sale. Keep reading for a few helpful tips to improve eCommerce conversion rate.

Do Not Require Account Setup

It is understandable why an online business may want to have customers set up an account with them when they checkout. In fact, 24 percent currently do so. However, by requiring consumers to register, you may be alienating a large number of them. Signing up for an account means more steps to the checkout procedure and consumers are already exhausted by trying to remember a myriad of user names and passwords.

Customers also don’t understand the need to set up an account since when they visit a brick-and-mortar store, they are not asked to create an account. If you want to build a database of customers, adding a registration section is fine, but always include the option to purchase as a guest as well.

Multiple Payment Methods

When consumers check out on a website, as many as 58 percent of them expect a variety of payment options. Although it is impossible to offer every conceivable payment option, not all consumers use credit or debit cards to purchase items, even online. Offering a third-party payment processor, such as Paypal or Venmo, electronic checks and debit or credit card payments gives a consumer multiple methods for purchasing from your website.

According to professionals who specialize in credit card processing services for businesses, it is also a good idea to make sure that your payment process is acceptable on several different devices, and that the mobile pay is up to date.

Don’t Let Errors Slow them Down

When people are typing in information, they often make mistakes. Either they miss a number in their credit card, misspelled their email address, or added an extra numeral somewhere on accident. Make it easy for them to find and correct any errors that are made on the checkout page. If an error is discovered by you checkout system, have the screen scroll directly to the error with an explanation of the problem.

Also, when an error occurs, be sure that the data that is correct is not eliminated. Nothing frustrates a customer faster than spending ten minutes to fill out all of their information, only to have it deleted because they added one letter too many.

Don’t Overload them by Asking for Too Much Information

No one wants to fill out forms full of information when they are buying something online, especially if the information has nothing to do with the purchase. If you are asking for an email address, you probably do not need a phone number as you can ask the consumer any question you may have via email. This applies to credit card payment fields as well.

Always add a click box that allows the customer to automatically fill in the billing information when it is the same as the mailing information.

Security Concerns

One of the biggest reasons that customers leave at the checkout page is concerns about the security of their payment. In a recent study, 58 percent of customers said that they had left a website when they did not feel as if their payment would remain secure. Be sure to offer Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates that provide a secure connection and encrypts credit card data. You also should comply with the PCI Security Standards Council requirements as well.

Don’t Let Distractions Get in the Way

When a customer arrives at the checkout page, they are finished with your website and ready to purchase their items. Do not place advertisements on your checkout page or make customers click through pages with items similar to what they have purchased in hopes they will buy more.

Allow customers to navigate easily from the sales section of the site to the checkout section. Most customers will see through any gimmicks that try to get them to buy more, so when they are ready to check out, make it easy for them to do so.

If you want to keep your customers from abandoning your site and going to a competitor, do everything you can to make the purchasing process as easy as possible. There are plenty of tactics you can use to drive traffic to your site, and to keep visitors interested once they are there, but the checkout process is not the time to try these methods.

Whether your customers purchase products or services online, in the store, or through mobile payment, they are more likely to go through with the purchase if the process is convenient. Do what you can to expedite the purchasing process and enjoy happy customers that are willing to come back again and again.

The post Improve eCommerce Conversion Rate appeared first on Small Business Can.

Ways to Strengthen Customer Relations

Regardless of whether you run a PR agency or a fashion boutique, customer loyalty plays a key role in your company’s success. After all, the energy it takes to retain your current clientele should be substantially less than the necessary effort to recruit new buyers. What’s more, a fiercely allegiant customer base can be the best marketing tool at your disposal; no matter how much money you spend on advertising, no promotional message will ever be quite as impactful as word-of-mouth. The below tips provide insights on how to foster enduring relationships with your current customers to ensure loyalty and longevity.

1) Make Customer Relations a Priority Amongst Staff

As a business leader, you’re not able to micromanage every single interaction your workers have with clientele or the public. Therefore, instill solid values within them and, more importantly, firmly cemented plans of action for different scenarios. Make company policies on how to handle disgruntled customers, both in-person and online. Remember, contended employees will naturally bring a positive energy to communications with others, so also take steps to invest in your staff’s satisfaction.

2) Give Incentives for New Customers to Become Repeat Customers

Email and social marketing are affordable ways to further nurture customer relationships. Let people know about new inventory or sales, and perhaps reward loyalty with special, exclusive coupons. Depending on the nature of your product or service, consider whether you could start a membership program. Would signing up allow participants to accrue “points” with each purchase? Would they receive a monthly rate to use your facilities rather than pay per visit? Would there be special VIP privileges? Such bonuses seal the deal with customers to keep them coming back for more.

3) Provide Branded Mementos

By furnishing loyal customers with goods that display your company’s logo, you accomplish two goals at one. Firstly, you’re able to strengthen preexisting relationships and provide the clients with a lasting, positive impression of your organization every time they use the items. Secondly, others will see the recipients writing with your pen, opening up your umbrella, donning your t-shirt, or pulling out your mints. This will serve as a silent endorsement for your company and raise overall awareness. This is why it’s important you put great thought into the chosen gift that will display your logo. Find pieces that align with your overall brand identity. The items should ideally be used on a regular basis and in public forums where they can receive greater exposure.

For example, a customized watch that displays your logo will be seen by others, especially when the wearer shakes hands. Similarly, an attractive tote bag can be handy in a versatile range of settings. Goods that are poorly made, are easily disposable or are essentially useless will serve little purpose, so avoid paper weights, bookmarks, matches, etc.

4) Collect and Incorporate Feedback

Everyone likes having their opinions heard and respected, so why not use customers’ input to make your business better? Not only can you use the knowledge to circumvent troublesome issues, but it can help your clientele feel a sense of pride in your business. For example, if you own an ice cream shop, you can encourage customers to vote for which new flavors they want to see on the menu, the ones that select the winning ice cream will undoubtedly appreciate that their views hold substantial weight in your mind.

5) When Possible, Provide a Human Touch

Automation is quick and efficient, but also impersonal and can backfire. Go above and beyond to interact with your customers. For example, let’s say you offer businesses’ an online file storage and sharing system; you or your staff could follow up with any email-based tech questions by offering to hop on the phone to help the person figure out the situation step-by-step.

Essentially, people are more likely to share an emotional bond with a fellow person rather than a faceless corporation, so add personality and an emotional component into your customer interactions whenever possible.

In regards to all five points suggested above, always be seeking out new possibilities rather than staying with the tactics that seem to work year after year. Just like human relationships, the connections customers have with your business will naturally shift over time, and your strategy should evolve with it. Consistently seek out feedback and new ideas to figure out whether there truly are ways you can improve the bond your clientele shares with your brand.

The post Ways to Strengthen Customer Relations appeared first on Small Business Can.