Is your store delivering it's 5 a day?
Yes, the WESH UK, 5-a-day for body mind and business!
As part of a successful online store, your web site should also be delivering the 5-a-day factor for your customers!
So what exactly is the WESH UK, 5 a day?
- Image // Information // Contact // Delivery // Loyalty
Its really not rocket science but you would be amazed just how many companies really cannot cover the basics, every time!
01. A professional store to build customer confidence:
How many times have you seen the product you want on a web site only to be totally put off the purchase by the lack of any effort from the store you want to buy from? Well, the internet is no different from your local high street, so if your web site looks shabby or amateurish then don't expect much business.
Not only does a professional store look and perform better but it's also the proof to your visitors that you have invested considerable time, money and effort into your web site and are less likely to be a rip off merchant!
Hosting your web site with a high quality, reputable UK web hosting company also offers reassurance that their details are kept safe in accordance with the data protection act too, so use that as a selling point. Don't be afraid to advertise the fact that your web site is hosted with a specific company as this can also bring re-assurance, as long as you have done your homework and found that reputable UK hosting company.
02. Detailed product information:
Don't assume your customers will contact you if they have questions or want to know more. Don't put them in a position of having to beg for information, just give it to them right from the first visit. How many customers have asked you for the dimensions of a product, or its weight?
Where possible, several good quality images of a product from various angles should also accompany the product information as images often speak louder than words, yet still cannot provide technical information.
03. Easy methods for customer contact:
Sometimes no matter how much information you provide a customer, they may want to contact you to test your communications and see how quickly you reply or how detailed your responses are. This is where you need to give customers easy access to contact you. Try to ensure emails are answered promptly or telephone numbers are provided clearly on your web site for enquires.
If sending email replies, be sure that your email reply clearly shows the company and name of who is replying by setting the "Your name" part of your email client to "Company name | My name" and be sure to include your web site address, name and telephone numbers in your email signature.
04. Prompt honest delivery service:
Mail order doesn't have to be snail order! Once an order is placed, you should endeavour to get it to your customer as fast as reasonably possible, often within 48 hours unless an agreed cheaper delivery is offered to save money (Such as the amazon.com budget delivery)
Its also a good idea to include some sort of personalised company note with the delivery providing simple clear instructions on what to do if the customer has any problems with the product and maybe some handy product advice to get a customer started and to save them having to contact you.
05. Keep in touch with customers:
Getting a sale through your web site is just the beginning of the transaction, not the end of it! Make sure you stay in touch with your customers regularly, keep them informed about changes and updates to your products, or growth within your own business. Customers can often forget about you and your products after the sale but little reminders can often prompt repeat business and build confidence that you are reputable and doing well.
If you add more functionality to your web site such as customer feedback, product reviews, forums or galleries then tell your customers about it and encourage them to take part.
From branding and online store design to store building and dedicated shopping carts. WESH UK can develop and grow your Ecommerce business with you, so why not Contact us to arrange a consultation.
