Conversion Rate Optimization for eCommerce: 20 Proven Tips
Average website conversion rates top out at about 2%. If you want to dominate the e-Commerce space and generate more revenue, you’ll need to aim at that number or try to go even higher.
If your online store’s conversion rate is low, it’s time to figure out why and make a change!
With this in mind, Insights ABM has compiled a list of our top 20 proven tips for improving conversion rates as an online retailer. As a conversion rate optimization agency, we have helped many clients grow their brands and generate more revenue with these strategies.
Ready to achieve sustainable results? If so, then we recommend that you follow these guidelines.
1. Know Your Audience
Knowing who you are targeting is the very first step to improving conversion rates. Find out which types of content will resonate with your core demographic and begin incorporating this into your site.
Once you have a deeper understanding of who you are targeting, implementing the other strategies should be a breeze.
2. Make Your Site Easy to Navigate
The average consumer will quickly abandon your online store if it is difficult to navigate. Make sure that users can easily find products, make purchases, and complete other tasks on your webpage. Otherwise, your conversion rates will suffer.
3. Use HD Images
You only have a few seconds to grab a user’s attention when they visit your site. One great way to keep them engaged is to use high-definition product images. Grainy photos can make your site or product look illegitimate and might just cost you a sale.
4. Provide Engaging Product Info
Product descriptions should be both informative and engaging. After learning about a product, consumers should feel a sense of excitement or encouragement. Avoid overly technical language — instead, explain the product as though you were having a conversation about it.
5. Use Images for CTAs
Instead of using generic buttons for your call-to-actions, try to use images instead. An image of a product can provide that little extra bit of encouragement that seals the deal with a consumer.
6. Incorporate Product Videos
Videos are the best way to explain what a product does and why it is useful to consumers. Product videos allow consumers to see an item in action, which will help to improve conversions.
7. Keep Your Shopping Cart Visible
Online shoppers are in the habit of checking shopping carts periodically to verify the items they have added. For this reason, you must make sure that your cart is visible throughout the entire shopping process. Doing this will create a more natural buying experience.
8. Offer Free Shipping
Shipping might be the very thing that’s killing your conversion rates. If you want to improve your conversion rates, then you need to consider offering free shipping.
For instance, advertise that you offer free shipping on purchases over $100. Consumers might actually be encouraged to spend more in order to obtain free shipping.
9. Avoid Distractions
Avoid distracting consumers during checkout. Pop-ups, links to your blog, and other advertisements will often frustrate and confuse consumers. These distractions may even cause them to abandon their carts altogether.
10. Put Featured Products on Landing Pages
Every landing page needs to incorporate a featured product or two. This can be a new item that you have just launched or an existing product that performs well. Make sure to include a brief description and an HD photo, too.
11. Emphasize Specials and Discounts
Make sure that customers know about the specials and discounts that you are offering. Advertise these special promotions on your landing pages, home page, and blogs.
12. Display Contact Info
Building trust with consumers is an essential part of the eCommerce experience. One way that you can accomplish this goal is to clearly display your contact information. Businesses that conceal contact info are often perceived as being shady or unreliable.
13. Facilitate Various Payment Methods
Some shoppers are hesitant to make credit card purchases on eCommerce sites, especially if they are a first-time customer. Make sure that you offer flexible payment methods to encourage more purchases.
14. Offer Advanced Search Options
Every e-Commerce site should offer advanced search options. This will allow consumers to quickly find the exact products that they are looking for. Include a search bar that is prominently displayed somewhere on your site.
15. Be Mobile-Friendly
Many consumers are accessing the internet exclusively from their phones. If your site is not mobile-friendly, then you might be missing out on a lot of potential business. Ensuring that your site is mobile-optimized is a great conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategy that will produce rapid results.
16. Don’t Be Afraid to Upsell
By strategically upselling products in your store, you can improve the user experience and generate more revenue.
For instance, if a consumer is purchasing a phone case, present them with an associated product, like a charger or screen protector.
17. Seek Validation
Get your website validated by official groups that are responsible for protecting consumers. This includes the Better Business Bureau and similar organizations. Once you have done so, make sure to display this validation to increase consumer trust.
18. Highlight Reviews and Testimonials
Most consumers trust user reviews more than paid ads. Make sure to highlight all of the positive testimonials and feedback that your company has received. This can sway visitors into purchasing from your store instead of a competitor.
19. Share Your Story
Every e-Commerce site needs to share its story with consumers. You can do this by creating an “About Us” page or by leveraging social media. Give consumers a chance to get to know your company. It will help you stand out in the crowded online marketplace!
20. Partner with a Conversion Rate Optimization Agency
Perhaps the most effective way to improve conversion rates is to partner with a CRO agency. These firms can create custom strategies for businesses to improve conversion rates. A skilled CRO agency will assess the unique needs of your eCommerce site and address any issues to facilitate new growth.