The introduction of platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify has made it easier than ever for small businesses to sell their products online. And it’s helped level the playing field for the underdog following years of eCommerce being prohibitively expensive to deliver.
The new platforms, which are compatible with website builders like WordPress, have helped to change that. And those brands and businesses that are bold enough have been able to go into business with more customers than ever before.
But how can you make sure your eShop is performing to maximum potential? In this article we will explore some of the tips and tricks any site owner can employ to raise visibility of their products, improve the user experience and boost sales.
Keep it simple
If you’re selling a large range of products then it can be difficult to settle on the best way to categorize everything. It may also be tempting to create lots of small sub-categories in an effort to keep everything neat and tidy. However, it’s often much more effective to group items more broadly – and encourage shoppers to use the search bar if they are looking for something specific. Walmart Canada is great at this, offering up simple and accessible categories to help customers browse what’s available.
Think about colour
How can you make your products and content stand-out? Sometimes you need to think outside the box, and working with white text on a black background is a simple way to capture attention without being too over-the-top. This is a tactic used in retail, but also in other industries. For example, CasinoHacks is an online gambling site that presents users with videos on how and where to find the best deals in online casinos. The fact that the site is presented in bold, contrasting colours is not only eye-catching but it also makes it easy for users to read and is simple enough to be replicated across various media – see their video below.
Use voucher codes
Platforms like WooCommerce make it really easy to offer discounts to customers. You can set these to run for a limited time or share them with selected customers. It’s a great way to generate interest and reward regular shoppers for their support. This is a tactic utilized across eCommerce, including by smaller businesses.
Change up your stock
Your eShop may be lucky enough to stock items that your customers continue to snap up on a regular basis, and that’s great, but it’s also important to keep things fresh and interesting. Consider what new items you can add to keep people excited, including seasonal items around the holidays.
Use great photos
Photography is another industry that’s been transformed by new technology, with high-end camera phones enabling just about anybody to capture a great snap. Spend some time capturing images that show your products in their best light, and think about background and lighting. It can have a huge impact on sales. TwoMoxie Vintage, an Etsy retailer based in Ottawa, takes great photos to showcase her products.
We hope this guide has proved useful if you’re an eShop owner. Keeping on top of stock and orders can be challenging enough and there’s often little time to innovate, but by dedicating a little time to developing your platform you can very quickly gain an edge on the competition.
