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Did you know that the success of your Internet business is greatly dependent on the design of your website or online store? It has a large impact in terms of $$$ because it's a deterministic factor for converting normal web visitors into real customers.
Just like you merchandise your traditional store to pull customers you also need to do the same with an online store. The design of your website plays a major role in making your online store appeal to customers. When visitors get to your site, it's the home page they see first. This is your chance to attract your visitor or anyone who is just navigating through your site. A poorly merchandised online store can turn away your potential sales, whereas an attractive one can make even a casual visitor turn into a potential sale.
Here are some important tips that can help with your online store. You will be amazed at the way it influences your revenue and return customers.
1-Review your website
Take a close look at your own website, from the user/visitor perspective. Does it look all cluttered up? Remove all the unnecessary items from your websites that take the focus away from your own products. This clutter could be due to excessive links and broken links, too many banners and affiliate ads. Also, remove the several photos that have nothing much to do with the site and the products/ services you offer.
2-Give your website a professional look
When you run an online business, your website speaks for you. Improve your design and give it a revamped professional look. Don't use colorful and funky backgrounds that are more suited for the social networking site profiles. You would of course not want to represent your business with flowers and blinking stars. For better effect, use a solid background color and put your business logo on the top.
3-Make information visible
When a visitor comes to your site, he looks for information. Don't design your website in a way that a visitor has to hunt for the information. The price points and other important information should be clearly reflected and made visible throughout the site.
4-Create an attractive home page
If you are an online retailer then don't use your home page as the ‘About Us' page. You must create different pages directed for this type of information. To properly leverage your type of business we always recommend showcasing some of your products on the main page and make it look interesting.
5-Don't overuse flash/ animation effects
I have come across several retail websites that use so much of flash/ animation effects that customers loose focus on the product that is being sold. Hence, it is recommended that you use flash animation sparingly, only wherever necessary. This will help the potential customers to focus on your merchandise.
6-Make your website easy to navigate
This is really important because not all visitors are tech savvy. You must organize your website in a simple format so that visitors can find any info in 1 to 2 clicks max. The information should all be properly organized under intuitive categories. This will help visitors find your contact information, privacy policies, shipping and returns, newsletter sign-up and consequently increase conversions.
7-Make your site appealing to customers
No matter what type of business you have, step into the shoes of the customer and view your online store. Think of the things you would like to see and implement those changes. Of course everyone wants to see "FREE FREE FREE" or some type of incredible discount. Without going bankrupt, give your customers what they want and offer some type of attractive discount but ensure that it is clearly visible to everyone.
8-Sell cross-merchandise items and seasonal products
Customers usually have the tendency to make more purchase when you offer cross merchandise items in your retail store. You can also boost your sales by being seasonal in your offerings. Sell merchandise on Valentines Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Thanksgiving and for Christmas.
If you follow the tips mentioned above, you will soon find that more visitors will turn into sales. Believe us, we do it all the time.
Need help with all of this? Contact DoDynamic.com to help you maximize your online sales.
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