8 Common Ecommerce Business Errors and How to Avoid Them

Only 20% of ecommerce stores succeed, which shows how easy it is to make a mistake that could break your business. 

Learning from failure is key to capitalizing on your passion and consistently driving sales. But with so much information out there, it can feel overwhelming knowing what you should or shouldn’t do.  

Sounds like you? Luckily, we’ve got the answers. Here are eight common ecommerce business errors and how to avoid them. 

1. Not Knowing Your Target Audience 

A common mistake is not understanding your target audience. There’s no point in spending hours on your product, only to find out that you don’t know who wants it.

To be successful, figure out your target audience by conducting thorough market research. You’ll quickly find out whether there’s a need for your product and how your brand will relate to your target audience. If you’re overwhelmed, consider your target consumer’s pain points, so that it’s easier to tailor your marketing towards them. 

2. Choosing the Wrong Ecommerce Platform 

Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of choosing an ecommerce platform that doesn’t align with their product. Ideally, you want one that can grow with your business and is customizable to showcase your brand identity. If you’re looking for a starting point, Cloudify – Quick Commerce Platform works with most industries and is an affordable option.  

3. Not Optimizing Your Website 

Another mistake is not investing in a mobile-friendly ecommerce website. With so many consumers browsing on their smartphones, your site should quickly adapt to create a seamless experience. You can tell it’s non-responsive if the images are different sizes and you have to keep zooming in or out to use it. 

Optimizing websites can feel overwhelming, so hire a web designer who can do the heavy lifting. These professionals also understand the power of ecommerce website design to produce one that will stand out and keep customers returning. 

Further, you don’t want a website with a slow-loading page. A good rule of thumb is a website page that doesn’t take longer than two seconds. If there’s a slight delay, customers will move on to the next storefront, so be mindful of the performance. 

4. Poor Customer Service 

Poor customer service is another huge mistake online retailers make. To avoid this, hire a reputable team who can answer queries around the clock and placate angry clients. If you don’t prioritize this, you’ll lose your current customers and find it harder to attract new ones. 

Further, offer multiple contact methods so that prospects can always reach you. At the very least, offer chatbots, a phone number, and an email if the server goes down. If it’s difficult for customers to contact you, it’ll create a bad first impression and they may not return. 

5. No Marketing Strategy

Developing a robust ecommerce marketing strategy is essential.

Without it, you’ll never attract prospects to your online store and drive sales. But don’t only rely on one form of marketing because you may not reach your sales goals. For instance, if you only invest in Facebook marketing, you miss out on prospects who use Instagram or TikTok. 

Another mistake is not encouraging customers to make a purchase when they’re on your site. At the very least, you should have a countdown in the cart, so that customers are pushed to make a purchasing decision. 

If your budget allows, offer a “buy today for next day delivery” as it shows that customers are getting a great deal with shipping. And don’t forget to mention how many shoppers are viewing or have bought the product because it’ll nudge them to hit “add to cart”. 

Online retailers should also send out e-mails to remind customers about any new products. For instance, use subjects like “last chance” or “don’t miss this offer” because it’ll spark intrigue and encourage them to click. 

6. Poorly Written Product Descriptions

Be mindful of your ecommerce product descriptions because they can affect how you reach customers. A common mistake is using the same ones as your competitors because, although it sounds like a shortcut, you may rank lower on the ecommerce platform and lose out on sales. 

Instead, create keyword-rich content that’s snappy and creative. Make your brand’s voice shine so that prospects know who they’re buying from. You should also use plagiarism checkers if you’re worried about using similar product descriptions. 

7. Unprofessional Product Images

Around 75% of online shoppers make a purchasing decision based on product photography, which shows how important great images are. 

Check that each one is in high definition and can be zoomed in without any pixelation. It’s wise to invest in a professional product photographer to improve the images and show that you’re a credible brand worth investing in. These professionals also understand how to use lighting properly and edit each photo. 

8. Complicated Purchase Process   

Shopping online should be a seamless experience, so avoid creating a complicated buying process. For instance, if you make customers sign up when they’re ready to complete the purchase, they will likely move to another site. Instead, retailers should offer the option of a quick payment without registration and choose a single provider, so that it’s less complicated. 

Avoid These Common Ecommerce Business Errors Today

Now that you have a list of common ecommerce business errors, there’s no reason why you won’t have a thriving business. 

There are many mistakes to avoid, such as not knowing who your target audience is and choosing the wrong platform for your products. Online retailers should also spend time developing a marketing strategy and working with a photographer to shoot great images. Good luck with your venture!

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