Using ecommerce software and running a website as with many things in life caries various do’s and don’ts that can often be the difference between success and failure for any eCommerce business.
The Do’s:
Choose the Right Software: Starting a new eCommerce venture or increasing your efforts for your current eCommerce Business? At the core will be your eCommerce software platform, so making sure you have the right one is key. A good eCommerce solution should encompass 5 key features: A simple to use CMS, Multi Facetted Navigation, one page checkout and a built in back office to support your warehouse and stock control operations.
Use a Logical Website Structure: Key to the success of many eCommerce businesses is a logical and easy to navigate website structure. The benefits of this are two fold, the first relating to user experience. One of the basics of good website structure is no one page should be more than 3 clicks away. This can be achieved by making sure all your pages are within logical categories and sub categories where the subject matter is always themed. By taking this approach you will also improve your ability to rank in search engines as they will be able to easily spider your website and determine each pages subject matter.
The Don’ts
Ignore Your Marketing!: Simply running an eCommerce Software platform and website isn’t enough anymore. To generate revenue and sale you have to market your eCommerce website like any other business. Depending on your budget there are multiple channels available which include: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Affiliate Marketing, Pay-Per-Click Marketing, Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing. Depending on your requirements the best solution is normally to appoint an online marketing agency who can tailor a package to suit your needs and budget.
Not Testing: The only way to ensure on-going improvements is on-going testing. Simply launching your website and expecting it to perform is not enough. Website testing can encompass multiple areas, from website design changes such a changing the colour of a buy button to complete re-workings of your checkout process. To commence testing on your own website there are two simple and free tools you need to get started: The first is Google Analytics, a free and powerful website statistics tool that allows you to track how your users reached your website and how they use it once there. Secondly you will require Google Website Optimiser which allows you to carry out A/B and multiple variant testing with ease.
Author Bio:-
Exact Abacus provide eCommerce software solutions with built in Stock Control, CRM, Supply Chain Management and Warehouse Management Systems. With basic websites only systems starting from only £99pcm