6 Key Success Factors for Your Online Shop
What are the key issues that online retailers should resolve to prosper? We identified five key areas that will help you to enhance your profits.
Marketing hacks don't have to be complicated or expensive if you know how to use the right channels. With a few tricks, you can win over new customers and ensure that your existing customers remember you fondly.
In order for your company to grow, it needs good products and excellent service as well as a certain level of awareness. Regardless of whether you run a niche store for a small customer base or sell mass-produced goods for the general public, potential customers don't want to read advertising slogans. They want to experience what your business is all about.
That's why we've put together 5 simple growth hacks to help you increase your reach and stay in the minds of your shoppers.
Publicise your customer service
Naturally, confidential information remains between you and your customers, but it generally pays off to publicise some of your good exchanges. Respond to your customers' concerns on social media, on review platforms, or in online marketplaces.
Thank them for particularly good praise and respond to critical voices in an objective and helpful manner. This way, potential buyers can see that you take your customers' opinions seriously.
Most people not only read what other customers write, but also how online shops respond to them. This gives you an impression of the customer service.
An honest review deserves a thoughtful response.
(Source: Wilton Wholefoods)
Share reviews
Speaking of reviews, you can publish your best customer reviews. Post them wherever you can because no one speaks more authentically about your business than your customers.
Display your reviews in the online shop, share individual successful product reviews on Facebook, or enrich your Instagram profile with a beautifully designed review post.
Trusted Shops members can easily transform their reviews into social media posts. In the example below, a “mother-themed” review could be posted on Mother’s Day:
(Background image source: Shutterstock/Oliver Hoffmann)
Learn more about sharing your Trusted Shops Customer Reviews on social media with our Help Centre article: How do I share reviews on social media?
Use your products as incentive
Let’s be honest: For many purchases, consumers are generally less interested in a shop than in what it is selling. Take advantage of this and ensure that your customers find your shop through the products you sell.
You can achieve this, for example, by submitting collected product reviews to Google Shopping or by presenting your products in your blog and other relevant content. Remember, Google Shopping has both free and paid options.
Highlight your brand
Shoppers might discover your brand because of the products you offer, but you should aim to make your brand memorable. Your customers should have your company logo in sight throughout the entire customer journey.
Of course, your logo will be seen throughout your homepage and your product pages, but you should do the same throughout the checkout process. Even your review invite emails should be customised to display your branding.
Already a Trusted Shops member? Learn how to adjust your review invites to display your brand logo and more: How do I personalise the design of my review invites and questionnaires?
Score points with discount vouchers
If shoppers remember the name of your shop and have a positive memory of the shopping experience, that's great. To actually encourage them to shop again, discount vouchers are a great option.
You can offer these discounts in many places, such as in newsletters, product pages, navigation, or in a pop-up that appears when someone wants to leave your site.
Shutterstock/Desizned
Conclusion: Marketing is (and remains) important
You can take action today with a few simple tasks. No matter which path you take, plan the marketing for your shop carefully and tailor everything towards your customers. Help them to easily find their favourite products in a trustworthy shop – yours!
