“The secret to success is to know something nobody else knows.” – Aristotle Onassis
Did You Know: Ecommerce sales are expected to grow 18-20% to around $11 billion during the upcoming festive season, as per a report by market research firm Redseer.
Tis the season to be jolly...and profitable! The festive season is a time of year that can make or break an ecommerce business. As the festive lights twinkle and the carolers sing, brands and merchants are gearing up for a surge in online shopping. But in the rush to capitalize on the festive spirit, it's easy to make mistakes that can cost you dearly.
Before you deck the digital halls of your online store, let's talk about what you must NOT have during this merry time. Remember, we're not here to rain on your festive parade, but rather, to sprinkle some wisdom on your online store strategy.
Let’s go!
7 Festive Fumbles You Must Avoid Having on Your Online Store
To help you steer clear of common pitfalls, we've compiled a list of the top 7 must-not-haves on your online store during this festive season. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty details, offer solutions, and even introduce some Shopify checkout extension apps that can help you steer clear of these pitfalls.So, let's make sure your digital storefront shines brighter than the North Star!
1. The 'Slow-as-a-Tortoise' Website
"A slow website can turn your customers into ghosts – they'll vanish before you know it."
Imagine this: A shopper visits your online store looking for the perfect festive gift. They click on your website, and… they wait. And wait. And wait. If your website takes forever to load, you can be sure that your potential customer will bounce faster than a reindeer on Christmas Eve.
In the age of instant gratification, slow loading times are a cardinal sin. According to Kissmetrics, 47% of consumers expect a web page to load in 2 seconds or less. This festive season, ensure your website is well-optimized and loads lightning-fast. Every second counts when it comes to online shopping.
Invest in optimizing your website's speed. Compress images, leverage browser caching, and consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Shopify offers a range of apps like "Booster" and "SmartSEO" to help streamline your site's performance during the festive rush.
2. Complicated Checkout Process: The Nutcracker of Sales
"A smooth checkout process is like a beautifully wrapped gift. Keep it simple and hassle-free, and shoppers will be delighted to unwrap it."
Customers are already stressed during the festive season, and a complex checkout process can make them abandon their carts in frustration. Streamline your checkout by minimizing the number of steps required. Implement one-click payments, offer guest checkout options, and provide clear progress indicators.
Therefore, simplify your checkout process. Reduce the number of required fields and enable guest checkout options. Shopify's "One-Click Checkout" extension simplifies the process even further, making it a breeze for customers to complete their purchases.
Moreover, don't surprise customers with unexpected fees at the last minute. Be transparent about shipping costs and delivery times. Free shipping or discounts on bulk purchases can be enticing incentives.
3. Poor Mobile Optimization: Don't Leave Shoppers in the Cold
"Mobile shopping during the festive season is like online window shopping with a twist - it often leads to immediate purchases. Don't miss out!"
Mobile shopping is on the rise, and it's crucial to optimize your online store for mobile users. Neglecting this aspect is like leaving gifts behind on Santa's sleigh - a missed opportunity. Mobile optimization ensures that your website looks and functions flawlessly on smartphones and tablets.
Responsive design, fast loading times, and mobile-friendly payment options are essential. Remember, many shoppers will be browsing and buying on their mobile devices while on the go. Make sure your online store is ready for them, or they'll happily move on to a more mobile-friendly competitor.
Opt for responsive design themes and ensure that every element on your website works flawlessly on mobile devices. Shopify's "MageNative" app is a handy tool to help optimize your store for mobile shoppers.
4. A Cluttered Product Page:
"Less is more, especially when you're trying to sell 'festive magic'."
Your product page should be a canvas, not a cluttered bulletin board. It's tempting to showcase everything you have to offer during the festive season, but overwhelming your customers with too many options can lead to decision fatigue.
Instead, curate your product offerings thoughtfully. Highlight your bestsellers and seasonal favorites. Use high-quality images and compelling descriptions. Make it easy for shoppers to find what they're looking for, and you'll see those carts filling up in no time.
5. Ignoring Customer Support:
"In the world of ecommerce, customer support isn't just a service; it's a lifeline."
Last but certainly not least, don't make the mistake of neglecting customer support during the festive season. With increased traffic and orders, the chances of issues and inquiries skyrocket. Ignoring them can tarnish your brand's reputation.
Ensure your customer support team is well-prepared and adequately staffed. Consider implementing chatbots to handle common queries swiftly. And always remember, a happy customer is more likely to become a loyal one, so prioritize their satisfaction.
So, invest in a robust customer support system. Consider apps like "Gorgias" from Shopify store, which centralizes customer communication and helps you provide prompt and efficient support during the festive rush.
6. Festive Fatigue: Complicated Navigation
Ever visited a store where finding a simple product feels like embarking on a treasure hunt? It’s frustrating. During the festive season, customers crave efficiency. If your website's navigation resembles a maze, you risk losing them to competitors. Streamline the experience. Ensure categories are clear, and products are easily searchable. An intuitive interface can turn a visitor into a loyal customer.
Therefore, embrace a clean and user-friendly design. Highlight key festive promotions and products strategically. Tools like "PageFly" on Shopify can assist in creating attractive, clutter-free landing pages that guide visitors seamlessly through your store.
7. Ignoring SEO:
According to HubSpot, 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results.
SEO is your online store's best friend. During the festive season, shoppers are actively searching for gifts. Boost your store’s visibility by optimizing product descriptions, meta titles, and headers. Tools like Shopify's 'SEO Booster' app can analyze your store and provide real-time suggestions for improvement.
Conclusion
While the festive season is a golden opportunity for online stores to boost sales, it's crucial to avoid these "must-nots." Mobile optimization, website speed, customer support, security, and simplicity should be your guiding stars during this season.
"Festive success is not just about what you should do; it's also about what you should not do."
So, as you prepare your online store for the festive rush, remember that the best gifts you can give your customers are a seamless shopping experience and exceptional customer service.
And speaking of exceptional, if you're looking to supercharge your online store's performance, consider partnering with Marmeto. Our expertise in ecommerce can help you sleigh the competition and make this festive season one to remember.
Ready to make your online store shine? Contact us today and let's transform your ecommerce dreams into reality!
