How to Have a Successful Online Store? 14 Features to Boost Conversions

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Show Your Archived Products
  3. List Your Competitors on Your Site
  4. Include a Featured Reviews Section
  5. Testimonials on Category Pages
  6. Put a Mini-Cart in the Footer
  7. Turn Your Cart Icon into a Full Cart View
  8. Create a How-To for Returns
  9. Install an Automated 'Greeter'
  10. Put Popular Search Terms Below the Search Box
  11. Offer 110% Price Protection
  12. Create Sale Alerts for Shoppers to Save
  13. Find Your Solution Wizard
  14. Send to a Friend 2.0
  15. Offer Negotiable Pricing
  16. Conclusion
  17. FAQs

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of ecommerce, standing out in a crowded marketplace is no small feat. With more online stores launching every day, even niche businesses face fierce competition. To thrive, it's crucial to not only choose the right platform but also to incorporate innovative features that captivate your audience and drive sales. This blog post will explore 14 unconventional yet highly effective features to boost your ecommerce store's conversion rates.

By the end of this post, you will have a clear understanding of various tactics that can improve your ecommerce performance. From unique presentation ideas to advanced customer engagement strategies, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

Show Your Archived Products

One of the most intriguing ways to engage your audience is by featuring archived products in a special category. Known as the "Museum" category, these items are no longer available for purchase but offer a glimpse into your brand's history. This not only enhances brand storytelling but also sparks social media interactions as customers share their experiences with these nostalgic items.

List Your Competitors on Your Site

It may sound counterintuitive, but listing your competitors on your site can actually be beneficial. By acknowledging your competitors, you show confidence in your products. Savvy shoppers will appreciate your transparency, and this daring approach can foster trust and keep potential customers on your site longer, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

Include a Featured Reviews Section

Customer reviews are more than just testimonials; they're powerful social proof. Elevate this concept by creating a featured reviews section on your homepage and product pages. When visitors see genuine feedback from satisfied customers, they'll be more likely to trust your brand and make a purchase.

Testimonials on Category Pages

Most ecommerce stores reserve testimonials for the homepage or sidebar. Go a step further by integrating testimonials into your category pages. This strategy increases customer confidence precisely when they're considering different products, making them more likely to proceed to checkout.

Put a Mini-Cart in the Footer

Large catalogs can be overwhelming, but a mini-cart in the footer of your site keeps the checkout process top of mind. This unconventional placement can capture sales from shoppers who might otherwise get lost in your product offerings. Be cautious not to clutter your site, but strategically placed checkout opportunities can boost conversions.

Turn Your Cart Icon into a Full Cart View

Most ecommerce sites display a cart icon with a summary of items. Enhance this feature by transforming it into a sticky cart that follows the user as they navigate your site. Offering a full view of the cart can simplify the shopping experience and reduce cart abandonment.

Create a How-To for Returns

While it might seem crazy to highlight how to return products, this shows your confidence and commitment to customer satisfaction. A detailed return guide assures customers that they'll be supported even if issues arise, which can significantly boost their trust and willingness to make a purchase.

Install an Automated 'Greeter'

Welcome popups serve as virtual greeters for your ecommerce site. Timing is crucial; a well-timed popup can request feedback or offer a beginner's guide, enhancing user experience without being intrusive. Optimize timing to ensure the popup feels like a helpful assistant rather than an interruption.

Put Popular Search Terms Below the Search Box

Showcasing popular search terms beneath the search bar utilizes social proof to encourage users to explore trending products. This small tweak can guide shoppers to best-selling items they might otherwise overlook, driving additional sales.

Offer 110% Price Protection

Stand out by offering customers a 110% price guarantee. This not only builds trust but also emphasizes your commitment to competitive pricing. It's a bold move that can convert skeptical shoppers into loyal customers.

Create Sale Alerts for Shoppers to Save

Some customers are always on the lookout for deals. Implement a sale alert feature where shoppers can save items and receive notifications when they go on sale. This not only drives sales but also provides valuable insights into popular products and optimal pricing strategies.

Find Your Solution Wizard

Personalize the shopping experience with a solution wizard—a guided questionnaire that recommends products based on customer responses. This tailored approach makes customers feel valued and understood, increasing the likelihood of a purchase while providing you with valuable market research.

Send to a Friend 2.0

Upgrade your sharing features with a customized 'Send to a Friend' dialog. This allows customers to share your products with friends in a more personal and engaging way, leveraging positive emotions to drive viral marketing and increase sales.

Offer Negotiable Pricing

Introduce a negotiation tool for pricing to create an interactive shopping experience. This can attract deal-seeking customers and add an element of fun to the buying process. Set reasonable lower limits to ensure profitability while accommodating customer offers.

Conclusion

Incorporating these unconventional features can set your ecommerce store apart in a competitive market. From displaying archived products to installing automated greeters, these strategies not only enhance customer engagement but also drive conversions.

Remember, the key is to create a unique, memorable, and seamless shopping experience for your customers. Whether it's through personalized recommendations, enhanced review sections, or innovative pricing strategies, making your store stand out is all about innovation and customer-centricity.

FAQs

What are the key features necessary for a successful ecommerce store?

Essential features include a user-friendly website design, mobile responsiveness, fast loading times, high-quality product images and descriptions, easy navigation, secure and multiple payment options, customer reviews, clear return policies, personalized recommendations, and effective call-to-actions.

Why is mobile responsiveness important for an online store?

A significant portion of online shopping occurs on mobile devices. Mobile responsiveness ensures a seamless and user-friendly experience across all devices, reducing bounce rates and increasing conversions.

How do high-quality product images and descriptions affect conversions?

High-quality images and detailed descriptions build trust and confidence in your products, reducing returns and boosting purchases. They provide customers with a clear understanding of what they're buying.

Why is it important to offer multiple payment options?

Multiple payment methods cater to diverse customer preferences, reducing cart abandonment and ensuring that buyers can complete their purchases using their preferred payment option.

In summary, adopting these unconventional strategies can significantly enhance your ecommerce store's performance. By implementing these features, you'll not only boost conversions but also create a shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.

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