Photo by CC user MVCOSHOP on Wikimedia Commons
As you move your business into 2017, what improvements would you like to see take place?
Some business owners are quite likely happy with what they’ve produced over these last 12 months, hoping to just continue the momentum.
Others, meantime, undoubtedly have some notable changes planned over the next 12 months, looking for that spark so their companies can improve performances.
No matter where you fall in this discussion, it never hurts to review your company’s performances on a regular basis. In doing so, you can look at trends, some of which can be cause for concern or at least a little bit of thinking.
One area you may be behind on compared to competitors is that of Ecommerce.
With Cyber Monday having just concluded recently, it should not come as a big surprise that the Monday after Thanksgiving has turned into a huge shopping day. From computers and mobile devices, consumers of all walks of life spend a portion of the day shopping until their hearts are content.
Although you may have been a little too late to benefit from online sales in 2016, there is no reason you can’t change that in 2017.
Getting the Best Online Sales Numbers Possible
If you are inclined to make Ecommerce for your business a success in the New Year, remember these four tips:
- Platform – Above all else, do you have the proper setup in place to do Ecommerce? Unfortunately, some business owners wanting so desperately to get in on this segment of selling rush their online platforms. In doing so, they end up with an Ecommerce program that is full of bumps in the road (see more below), one that many consumers ultimately abandon for a competitor’s setup. Even if it means delaying it for a short period of time, make sure you work out the kinks before going live with your Ecommerce plans. A little delay now to get it right should ultimately lead to more sales down the road;
- Checkout – One of the major bumps in the road that many Ecommerce sellers come across is the checkout process. Now, are you ever happy when you’re the consumer trying to buy from an online store, only to hit a snag at the end of the process? In all likelihood, the answer is no. Take any bad consumer experiences you’ve had and avoid them at all costs with your online sales efforts. Working with a proven provider in offering top-notch payment processing will remove many of the issues you want to avoid. Lastly, review the checkout stage of your platform regularly, making sure it isn’t breaking down much to your dismay.
Security Can Never Be Overlooked
- Security – Ask most consumers what one of their biggest fears is regarding online shopping and they will almost always say security. You can’t over-emphasize how important customer security is each and every time they use your Ecommerce site. Be sure to test the level of security on your site regularly, looking for any openings where cybercriminals could get in the door. If they are able to do that, you run the risk of damaging not only your credibility as a business owner, but also your wallet or purse;
- Feedback – Finally, always accept customer feedback as it pertains to your Ecommerce efforts. You can’t get better if you don’t know what some of the issues might be. Leave an area of your online store open to customer comments, making sure you actually read the responses in a timely manner. Along with improving the customer experience, you will grow too as a business owner.
With countless dollars being spent online daily worldwide, you can’t really afford to stay away from Ecommerce.
While it doesn’t have to be your main focus, having your hand in the online selling cookie jar is the right way to go in today’s business world.
As a business owner, what impact has Ecommerce had on your company to date?
