20 Useful Tips for Creating an E-commerce Site
Creating an e-commerce site by yourself involves asking many important questions before taking the first step: What do you sell? Where is it? How do you get people to prefer your products? How do you market them? How and where do you get paid? How do you manage shipments?
With this guide on 20 useful tips for opening an e-commerce site, we will try to answer all these questions.
1. Choose the Right E-commerce Platform
An e-commerce platform is a tool that allows you to sell your products or services within a specialized website. It is an all-in-one solution that can make the difference between a thriving online business and one that struggles.
2. Dedicate Your Strategy to Mobile Users
Start thinking about creating a specific service for mobile devices, since this is the starting point for most users when shopping online.
3. Make a Good First Impression
Users take about 50 milliseconds to determine if your site is credible. This could come down to your header, store name, or layout. Be creative but avoid overdesigning. Your products should stand out more than the graphics.
4. Images Matter!
Customers retain 80% of visual content and only 20% of written content. Use clear, high-resolution images with a white background and shoot from multiple angles. Hire a professional photographer if possible.
5. Optimize Navigation
Create clear sections for each type of item—don’t mix everything together. Use categories like “New Arrivals” or “Brands” to help customers find what they’re looking for quickly.
6. Develop an Original Idea
Don’t copy other e-commerce websites just because they’re successful. Stand out with a unique idea and a strong identity that customers will remember.
7. Create a Motto
Think of iconic slogans like “It gives you wings.” To create yours, ask questions such as:
- What do I offer?
- What problem does my offer solve?
- Why would people want to buy it?
- Who is my offer for?
- Who am I and what credentials do I have?
- Who are my competitors?
- In which field do I want to work?
- How do I want people to act?
8. Create a Blog
A blog increases traffic, boosts customer engagement, and builds loyalty. Keep it updated with news and articles relevant to your audience.
9. Create an Engaging "About Us" Section
Tell your story. Let customers know who you are, what your experience is, and why they should trust and prefer your products or services.
10. Develop a Successful SEO Strategy
Make your site attractive to search engines using SEO techniques. Use keywords, optimize for popular products, and ensure customers can find you online.
11. Find the Right Customer with the Right Item
Use cookies and past purchase data to recommend relevant items. Create a “Recommended for you” section to personalize the experience.
12. Use Live Chat to Help Customers Make Purchases
Many customers need real-time answers. A live chat feature acts as a virtual salesperson, helping users complete purchases confidently.
13. Make Offers and Discounts
Special deals encourage purchases. Offer first-time discounts, free shipping over a certain amount, and seasonal promotions.
14. Optimize Your Cart
71% of carts are abandoned. Reasons include high shipping costs, slow loading, excessive form fields, required registration, and limited payment options. Simplify the checkout process.
15. Create a Shipping Strategy
Shipping strategies vary by business size. Free shipping is attractive, flat rates provide consistency, and weight-based rates work well for small businesses. Choose wisely.
16. Ask for Opinions
Customer reviews build credibility. Add a review section or invite feedback post-purchase to strengthen social proof.
17. Evaluate the Newsletter Service
Collect emails to share promotions and updates via newsletters. This is effective marketing, not spam, when done respectfully.
18. Show Security and Reliability to Your Customers
Choose a secure platform, use SSL authentication, provide tracking, and enforce strong passwords. Trust builds loyalty.
19. Develop a Social Strategy
Social media platforms are powerful storefronts. Create business profiles, run ad campaigns, and use them to connect with your audience and showcase products.
20. Use the Referral Program
Create a referral system where customers get rewards—like coupons or discounts—for inviting others who make a purchase. This turns happy customers into brand ambassadors.
Conclusion
Opening a successful e-commerce site is a journey that requires planning, creativity, and continuous improvement. By following these 20 tips, you’ll be better equipped to create an online store that not only looks professional but also meets your customers’ needs and builds lasting trust.
Remember, the key is to stand out, offer real value, and always prioritize the user experience. Start with a strong foundation and grow step by step—success will follow.