Online paid advertisements (PPC) are like a sprint. They get you where you want to go faster, but require a lot of energy (investment) upfront and the race ends quickly. SEO, on the other hand, is like a marathon. It’s a slower pace and takes time to see the end of the race, but the effects (rankings, traffic) can last a long time, even if you pause or slow down your efforts. That’s why, SEO combined with content marketing, Social Media Marketing (SMM), and a brilliant UI/UX will increase your e-commerce sales massively! In this blog, we’ll see 10 such ways through which you can boost your e-commerce revenue without PPC.
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Starting an e-commerce business in today’s world can seem like a daunting task, and fairly so.
The level of competition in the e-commerce industry has grown severely within the last decade.
According to Statista, in 2014, retail e-commerce sales worldwide were $1336 billion. In 2022, this figure was $5717 billion.
It is projected to increase by about 43% by the end of 2026, potentially reaching $8148 billion.
In this context, launching your own e-commerce business can seem difficult.
However, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and with our proven tips to increase your e-commerce sales, you can look for the areas where you’re lacking.
Recommended Reading: 6 Common Reasons Why People Don’t Buy With Solutions
10 Ways to Increase Your E-Commerce Sales
Outstanding Website Design and User Experience
According to Adobe, 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the layout or content is unattractive.
In 2021, 54% of e-commerce sales were made on mobile devices, making mobile optimization crucial for conversion.
In light of the above statistics, make sure that your website is built with an aesthetic appeal, and ensure that it is mobile-friendly.
First impressions are essential, and in the e-commerce world, your website design constitutes that.
Amazon, for instance, has consistently focused on improving the user experience on its site.
This includes employing a simple approach to the buying process and making it easier for customers to find what they want.
Besides being visually appealing, a well-structured, user-friendly design is key. This includes clear navigation, intuitive search, easy checkout, and a mobile-friendly layout.
The mobile-first approach is especially important given the growing number of smartphone users worldwide.
Furthermore, a distraction-free website, such as Apple’s e-commerce site, puts the spotlight on the products, offering a clean, uncluttered user interface that reduces bounce rates and improves conversion rates.
Offer Free Shipping and Track Costs
A common pain point for online shoppers is added shipping costs at checkout.
Zappos, the online shoe retailer, tackled this issue by offering free shipping and returns on all orders, increasing customer loyalty and overall sales.
According to a National Retail Federation survey, 75% of U.S. consumers expect delivery to be free even on orders under $50.
While free shipping can boost conversions, it’s essential to balance this with your shipping costs to ensure profitability.
Solutions like flat-rate shipping or free shipping over a certain purchase amount can be implemented.
Additionally, investing in advanced logistics tracking can help optimize costs.
While such a step won’t directly increase your e-commerce sales, it will boost the confidence of people in your brand indirectly.
Advanced Digital and Social Media Marketing
Companies like Gymshark have grown exponentially using digital and social media marketing.
They employ effective SEO techniques to rank higher on search engine result pages, improving organic traffic.
Meanwhile, targeted PPC campaigns give immediate exposure and can result in significant conversion rates.
The brand also leverages its social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where it shares workout videos, health tips, and user-generated content.
These strategies, combined with the use of traditional media outlets for brand storytelling, can drive traffic, increase brand visibility, and boost conversions.
Exceptional Customer Service
Zappos is renowned for its exceptional customer service.
Their customer-centric policies include 24/7 customer support, a 365-day return policy, and personalized service.
In today’s digital age, technologies like chatbots and AI can provide instant, personalized support and improve service efficiency.
For example, Sephora’s chatbot assists customers with makeup tutorials and product recommendations, improving the shopping experience and increasing sales.
Furthermore, in the era of customers who demand instant responses, live chat agents are a great option as well.
If a customer gets in contact with your brand, they should be greeted by a chatbot, before their query is forwarded to a human agent.
However, such a solution can get tiring and expensive for an in-house customer service team.
A better solution is to outsource customer service to third-party outsourcing companies that can handle your brand’s live chat, emails, tickets, calls, and social media platforms.
Good customer service is not simply a formality, it’s a competitive edge in the current era.
Recommended: 75 Eye-Opening Statistics on the Impact of Customer Experience
Establish a Strong Brand Voice
Brands like Dove have a strong, recognizable brand voice that resonates with their audience.
Through their ‘Real Beauty‘ campaign, they promote body positivity, which is reflected across their website, social media, and marketing campaigns.
Consistency in brand voice can build strong relationships with customers, increase brand recall, and set your brand apart from competitors.
So if you’re wondering why people don’t buy your products, make sure you’re not providing them with any reason for it.
Exceptional Packaging
Apple is a brand known for its minimalist and functional packaging design, which aligns with its overall brand identity.
In the e-commerce context, packaging is more than just a protective wrapper; it’s a part of the customer experience.
Memorable packaging can lead to social media shares, positive reviews, and increased brand visibility.
The shift towards sustainable packaging, as seen with brands like Lush Cosmetics, also resonates with environmentally conscious customers.
Competitive Pricing
Pricing plays a critical role in e-commerce.
No other factor will probably play as important a role in improving your e-commerce conversion rate as reasonable pricing.
For instance, Everlane practices ‘Radical Transparency,’ revealing the cost breakdown of each product, justifying its pricing, and gaining customer trust.
It’s important to research market trends, competitor prices, and customer expectations to determine a pricing strategy that offers value to customers and ensures profitability.
Furthermore, regular discounts, flash sales, and loyalty programs can attract new customers and foster customer retention.
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and Cart Abandonment
Beyond the above strategies, specific focus should be placed on conversion rate optimization (CRO) and reducing cart abandonment.
For CRO, testing is crucial. This could involve A/B testing on various site elements to determine what leads to higher conversions.
For instance, you could test different CTA colors, copy text, or product image styles.
To reduce cart abandonment, first understand why users are leaving without purchasing.
Common reasons include unexpected shipping costs, mandatory account creation, or a complicated checkout process.
Strategies to counteract these issues could consist of offering free shipping, guest checkout options, and a simplified checkout process.
Through strategic planning and careful execution of these strategies, your e-commerce business can achieve significant sales and customer loyalty growth.
Offer Downloadable Content/Subscriptions
Digital products or subscriptions can create additional revenue streams.
For instance, Adobe transitioned to a subscription model with Adobe Creative Cloud, which resulted in steady recurring revenue and greater customer loyalty.
Downloadable products also eliminate shipping costs and delivery time, which can attract more customers.
Secure Payment Methods
Security is a top concern for online shoppers.
Brands like Amazon offer a secure and simplified checkout process, which includes a variety of payment options and a one-click buying feature, significantly reducing cart abandonment rates.
A straightforward, secure checkout process that includes multiple payment options caters to different customer preferences and improves the overall shopping experience.
Conclusion – How to Increase Your E-Commerce Sales
In conclusion, it’s clear that a strategic and well-rounded approach is crucial to increase your e-commerce sales.
By incorporating effective e-commerce marketing tactics such as outstanding website design, advanced digital marketing, and exceptional customer service, you can substantially boost online store revenue.
Ensuring a mobile-friendly e-commerce website with secure payment methods can improve the user experience and enhance online sales.
Also, offering free shipping, competitive pricing, and additional services like product customization can optimize online store performance, providing your customers with more value and reasons to shop with you.
Consider employing strategies to grow your e-commerce business like reducing shopping cart abandonment and effectively utilizing social media marketing for e-commerce.
Remember, the key to increasing e-commerce profitability lies in understanding your customer’s needs, providing value, and consistently enhancing their shopping experience.
Finally, employing e-commerce SEO practices can improve your website’s visibility and drive more organic traffic.
By diligently implementing these tips and keeping a keen eye on the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, you are well on your way to upscaling your online business and achieving sustained growth.
