Elements Of A Successful Online Store

When you buy something from an internet site, what is it that convinces you to make a purchase? Are you concerned with security? Or is product pricing a more compelling factor? What do you need to know about the products or services to determine if it is something you really want?

All of these factors are important to consider when creating a successful online store. Think not only about what you look for, but what your customers will be seeking. Let’s take a look at the most important elements to include on your e-commerce site.

Important Parts Of Your Online Store

According to most consumers, online shopping is a preferred method because it offers convenience, a broad selection, competitive pricing, and comprehensive information. These are the items that your e-commerce site needs to address. It should be easily navigable and provide everything the shopper needs to make a buying decision.

Focus on the one feature that is most important to your target market. If it is a low price, make that the main focus of your pages.

The very basics of a successful online store are: a website with your own domain name, a shopping cart (with shipping and return policies clearly stated), and a merchant account to process credit and debit card payments. These are the building blocks for creating a successful e-commerce business.

Information About Your Products

Presumably, the reason most visitors find your website is because they’re considering making a purchase of what you are selling. If you’re selling more than one, think carefully about the information you provide on each of them. Lack of pertinent information can mean the difference between a bounce and a sale.

Product descriptions should be very comprehensive. List not only the benefits and suggested usage of the item, but its price, dimensions, colour, size, manufacturer, customisation options, installation considerations, assembly information, and weight.

Make it easy for the customer to figure out the total cost of their purchase by adding a calculated field for shipping cost. Finding out everything necessary about a particular item should be no more difficult than a click of the mouse.

Do you have a client who’s raved about one of the products you carry? Include that customer testimonial on the product page – it’s a powerful form of conversion.

Information About Your Company

One of the factors that makes a considerable difference in conversion rate is who the customer is doing business with. They want to know more than just the name of your company, they want to know your motto, and important factors about how you do business and treat customers.

This is the type of information appropriate for an About Us page on your site. You should include your name, the company’s tag line and motto, and a bit of history that shows how you are qualified to run the business. Many consumers feel it is important these days to buy from “green” companies, so outline any initiatives you’ve taken to help save the environment.

If you are involved in community organisations or a member of an association, list those here as well. Customer testimonials about your excellent customer service are appropriate, as well.

FAQs And Contact Us

Make sure that visitors to your site have all their questions answered with a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, but also give them a way to contact you for further information. Include links to both these pages throughout your site so that customers do not have to search for them.

In addition to your initial website with shopping cart, remember to include detailed product descriptions, an About Us page, an FAQ page, and a Contact Us page or form. All are essential for creating a user-friendly, successful online store that will induce visitors to buy.

Have a most outstanding day.

Sean Rasmussen
Aussie Internet Marketing
www.SeanSEO.com © 2008 - 2010