How to Get Customers to Spend More on Your Ecommerce Web Site
A Home Business Article Contributed by Bonny Albo
How to Get Customers to Spend More on Your Ecommerce Web Site
Increasing the number of dollars spent on your ecommerce web site isn't an easy task. Here are some quick and easy tips to get your business on the right track.
Show Expert and/or Customer Recommendations on Your Ecommerce Web Site
Gather some letters, emails or notes from previous happy customers. Ask them (preferably in writing) if you can use their testimonials for your ecommerce web site. Then use these testimonials to sell your products.
Even better, get someone in the spotlight to write up a recommendation of one of your products or services. Send them a freebie, coupon or promotional item to entice them to test out your ecommerce web site. Once you receive the favorable review, make sure to prominently display the information closest to where your online customers make their purchases.
To read more about getting customer recommendations, and how they can impact your business, read http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/columns/2003/120103ph.htm.
Offer Your Ecommerce Customers Related Services on Your Web Site as Freebies or Giveaways
If you sell a service, make sure to bundle purchases with a free information kit, manual, book or offer that relates to the services they are purchasing. Conversely, if you sell a product, try and add a favorable item that will interest the customer in coming back for more, such as a discount coupon with their next order, an in-house special, or a promotional item for them and a friend. Extended warranties also fall into this category, if applicable to your ecommerce web site.
For more information on this tactic, read up at SCORE, a free counseling service to America's small business sector, at http://www.score.org/m pr 16.html. Another excellent artible on the topic can be found at http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/packaging.htm.
Try Bundling Your Web Site Products and/or Services for Higher Ecommerce Spending
Sometimes your customer may not know they need another item packaged along with what they plan on purchasing - so let them know clearly before checkout. For instance, when purchasing rug hooking kits, many do not come with the hook required to start the project, or any backing to finish the project. Make sure to have both of these, and any other ancillary items placed near the decision making spots on your ecommerce web site for quick sales.
A service business may not have anything concrete to offer customers in addition to what they plan on purchasing, but maybe they aren't aware of all of the services you provide. A web site designer, for example, might also perform graphic design, editing, writing, and marketing services. Make sure to include these features packaged alongside the basic web site offerings, and your ecommerce sales will soar.
Finally, take a good look at your ecommerce web site. Get a couple of friends to navigate the site themselves. Pay close attention to the ease of purchase, the general feel of the transaction, and how customers can get help if required. If you've taken care of all of these aspects, your sales should increase dramatically.
