E-Commerce web design & online advertising go hand in hand. In general the success of an E-Commerce website is directly related to the quality of the website and its online advertising & marketing.
In E-commerce (as in most businesses) you are looking to attract new customers all the time as well as retain existing customers and at the time you have competitors constantly trying to take your place. A quality E-commerce set up is fully integrated with the business backend including inventory tracking, control & accounting.
Advertising has two main aims for E-Commerce:
#1: Attract new customers in a cost effective manner
#2: Maintain existing customers (generally cheaper than acquiring new ones !)
A quality E-Commerce set up is a fully integrated into business operations. If you have a multi location retail store operation then inventory between all stores should be linked and visible, each store should be capable of shipping product and each store should be capable of accepting returns (no matter which location sold/shipped the products)
Make it as easy as possible for the customer to spend his money !
Reduce/eliminate friction points !
Here is the to do list of Technical, Operational, Business and Advertising items that should be packaged in a quality quality E-Commerce operation.
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[su_spoiler title=”Minimum friction points” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Easy Checkout (Amazon) No Hassle Returns (Zappos, Home Depot) [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Well Designed Website” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Well laid out menu, mobile responsive, Quality Images [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Responsive Website” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Website should be laid out well and online sales function should be operation on desktop or mobile [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Accurate Inventory Levels” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Correct inventory levels & insight dates on low quantites [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Online Advertising” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Quality direct response online advertising that lands you on the product page [/su_spoiler]
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[su_spoiler title=”Fast Shipping” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Same day or at latest next day shipping (Amazon, Best Buy, Serious Online retailers) [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Easy Returns” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Buy online return on store [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Good Communications” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Quality Communications on order status and tracking details, seller reaches out to customer not the other way around. [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Easy Delivery” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] Shipping included in price (for most items), Buy online pick up in store (Home Depot, Best Buy) [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Re-Marketing” icon=”plus-circle” style=”fancy”] A Quality time sensitive re-Marketing campaign for non converters [/su_spoiler]
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An E-Commerce website for a store or chain of stores is not just a standalone unit, it is fully integrated into business operations. The back-end has live inventory access, order fulfillment at all stores. Returns can be handled at any location, whether purchased online or in-store. Advertising targets local and national customers both online and via direct mail or similar. The integration of the platform into business operations will reduce the amount of salaried overhead needed to complete the sale and therefore in the long run give a higher ROI.
Adapting to a new online sales medium is a frame of mind as much as a business decision, if you would like to discuss options and potential in more detail please contact us.
