How to sell online successfully

Online selling or ecommerce continues to grow. In fact, it is currently expanding at a rate of seven times the rate of offline retail growth. However, running a successful online shop has its challenges.

Adopting an effective ecommerce strategy will help you avoid the potential pitfalls, enable you to expand your marketing reach and grow your customer base

Here are 5 key points of focus needed to achieve ecommerce success:

1. Putting the Right Platform in Place

Selecting the right ecommerce technology will set the foundation for your success. Your selling platform will need not only to look great, but be scalable, customisable and, importantly, be mobile friendly.

2. Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience will help prepare your website design for maximum impact and will also guide your online marketing activities so your shop is accessible from all the right places.

3. Optimise for Conversion

Your ecommerce platform should provide essential easy to use marketing automation tools that allow you to personalise your messages and turn prospects into paying customers. Loyalty programmes, cross sales offers and discount coupons are all examples of how you can increase your sales.

4. Offer an Outstanding Customer Experience

To build a loyal customer base you need to provide excellent customer support that offers an outstanding buyer experience beyond the sale. Your online reputation will depend on it. Having live chat support available lets your customers know you are there if they need you.

5. Listen Learn and Improve