8 E-Commerce Tips for Small Businesses

by Je Yaranon on January 2021

E-commerce is a by-product of the internet’s growth, but at the end of the day, it’s very much like running an actual physical store. Everyone’s always trying to adapt while also aiming to get ahead in the game.

The difference is in the strategies. The trends change faster, approach is sometimes more aggressive, and there’s more branches to work on.

Here are some e-commerce strategy tips to help small businesses take-off:

Use SEO strategies

SEO is search engine optimization. It’s basically having the right amount and placement of keywords into your website to generate higher visibility in search engine results, hopefully within the top 5. It’s quite efficient since customers live online.

There’s a galaxy of strategies and guidelines in SEO, but it’s just any other marketing aspect because staying on top of the trends will get you places. The more you expand your knowledge, the easier it is to incorporate.

Have a smooth UX and fresh UI

Anyone who browses a website or software unknowingly recognizes two things first: design (user interface) and ease-of-use (user experience). It doesn’t really matter if the user is bored, in a hurry, or anything, simply because those two are the very center of the overall usage.

Addressing both needs opens up a whole lot of positives. Having a fresh UI, which preferably mixes clean and innovative designs, helps in standing out as it influences customers to stay on the page and be more curious; having smooth UX, on the other hand, lets customers feel they’re comfortable and right at home.

Now, combining the two may translate to the customer exploring the store more, and hopefully availing item/s.

Offer promos

it’s the oldest trick in the book, but hey, if it works, it works. Also, free or discounted stuff are easily among the most marketable products everywhere, regardless of target marke

Promos and discounts can and will generate a hill of attention and customers, likely more than what you’re getting on a normal day.

Alternatively, it may also be a loyalty program. It’s also a proven ploy too, and what’s better is it works for an extended period. Aside from keeping customers around, you also attract new ones to say.

Have a social media presence

Social media is king in the marketing world so establishing an online presence is pretty much a necessity – even month-old babies and pets have accounts. Make sure you’re on as many social media platforms as possible, and particularly active on Facebook and Instagram. That includes posting regularly and being responsive to instant messages.

Be mobile-friendly

Speaking of ‘kings,’ smartphones and tablets are too - they have their own thrones in the gadget world. Everyone has one of the two these days, and whoever your target market is, you can bet they’re always online through those devices.

With the widespread use of mobile devices, it is a key requirement to make your website automatically capable of fitting various screen sizes. It’s simply a way to make the customers’ browsing experience better. You don’t want them continuously zooming in and out just to view the pages, it presents terrible UX.

Have a live chat feature on the website

Customers want to inquire about everything, and they want to ask it right now and have answers ASAP. Some can’t be bothered to go to a social media or Contact Us page and make the inquiry there, thus the need for a live chat function.

Having a live chat feature avoids the need to redirect customers. It’s there, floating, and available on every page of the website – all they need to do is type and send.

Promote your packaging

Packaging can be an overlooked area in the whole marketing plan. Yes, the box, wrapper, etc., will just get thrown in the trash, but it adds in the overall visualization of the product and generates a better feel of the item, which, in turn, creates more attraction.

Write compelling product descriptions

The old adage taught us that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s true, but then again, you don’t need to be that philosophical when running a business.

Product descriptions are an extension of your brand’s voice. It shares more information about what you’re selling and how it’s better than others. If it’s compelling enough, it can sway customers who are initially having doubts.

Compelling product descriptions come in many forms. It can be short and sweet, long and informative, engaging, humorous, etc.

Have a secure and reliable checkout page

The checkout page is everything as it finalizes the purchase. Make sure that it is of high-quality, particularly in security and speed. Hopefully, it doesn’t have an old-timey, sketchy-looking interface too as it tends to drive customers away.

You can assure security and great performance through PCI certification.

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