Steps for Online Sales

With more and more consumers heading online for their shopping, it’s no surprise that companies are looking to their own websites to generate sales. But is it really that simple? The short answer is no. A good website is great, but not if it goes un-noticed. The only way to make sure your website receives those views, is with ongoing SEO. But once you have the viewers, how do you convert them to customers? Here at Pumpkin Web Design we are web marketing experts. As a result, this is our guide to the steps for online sales.

The consumer journey

Every consumer is on a journey. They are looking for the perfect product, or service, that matches their requirements exactly. This journey is growing in length. Consumers no longer settle for the first website they come across, preferring instead to shop around. A good website for online sales will stick in the mind of consumers, and they will come back to it after looking at the alternatives.

Interaction cost

If every consumer is on a journey, there is a level of interaction they must undergo to find what they are looking for. This is called the interaction cost. Good sales websites have a low interaction cost. This makes the consumer feel like they are in control of the process.

Value

The consumer needs to feel like what they are being shown is valuable. Content that adds value includes how to videos, blogs, vlogs, and product videos. Give the consumer good quality content to boost your online sales.

The Fold

Years ago, the fold was important in web design. It still is! Many companies forget this tip, but consumers don’t. If what they see above the fold doesn’t give them what they want, they will not scroll down. Create a content hierarchy to keep your consumers reading.

Statistics

A good website for online sales will always be improving. The data you collect about conversions, traffic, viewers and sales is what should drive your company to make changes. Compare pages and find the consumer patterns by using the data available. Make sure you base all your changes on facts supported by the data you collect to make sure you improve your consumer experience.

In summary

The steps for online sales do not need to be complicated. Websites for online sales need to recognise the consumer journey, and aim to add value to this, with little cost for the consumer. The content needs to be organised in a way that has consumers scrolling past the fold, and the progress needs to be measured by data. For all your web marketing needs, or to optimise your website for sales, contact the professionals today at Pumpkin Web Design.