Creating Successful eCommerce Websites by OuterBox Solutions

By: Justin Smith at OuterBox Solutions, Inc.

Submitted on Sun, Dec 20th, 2009 1:45 am

As we talk with prospects that are looking to start a new eCommerce website, they often ask, what makes an eCommerce website successful? There are many elements we've found that make eCommerce sites powerful selling tools. Below we'll share some of these and give some insight of the key elements that bring in the sales.

1) Be clear and make sure your design tells users "this is a site to buy from". Often we'll have clients that want a design that's so unique, no one can even tell it's an eCommerce website. While this might look cool, it won't bring in the sales. (And we all know sales are what matter!)

2) Run promotions! Whenever shopping on a website it's always great to see a promotion. This not only shows the visitor that you're website is "active", but you're creating a sense of urgency for the visitor to purchase now!

3) Use video. If you can, add video to your website. Whether this is a video about how your products are built or an actual product demo, you'll see conversion rates go through the roof.

4) Conversion optimization. What are analyze how visitors are using your website and look for problem areas. Make changes based upon what you see and try to reduce shopping cart abandonment.

5) SEO. Of course you'll also need to get those search engine rankings up! Sponsored listing and pay-per-click are also effective if run and managed properly.

6) Navigation. Make the site easy to navigate. Always think, "how can we can we get the user to purchase with the least amount of clicks possible"?

7) Pricing. Make sure your pricing is competitive. If it's not, you're setting yourself up for failure. Spend some time researching your competitors and be sure you're offering the same deals!

If you'd like more tips & tricks check out these blog posts on OuterBox Solutions website.

11 Main Reasons for Unsuccessful eCommerce Websites

11 eCommerce Website Rules

About the Author

Justin Smith
OuterBox Solutions, Inc.

Justin Smith studied at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh while founding OuterBox Solutions. He is an expert eCommerce Website Designer and has mastered Search Engine Marketing. His strong passion for art and computers blended to form strong website design and development skills. Justin has been involved in website design since 1998. OuterBox Solutions was founded in 2004 as primarily a freelance website design company, working directly with clients and various local advertising agencies. Currently, OuterBox has grown to a team of 10, offering custom eCommerce solutions and search engine marketing services as well as a wide range of general advertising services. Notable achievements include being the featured eCommerce expert on CNBC’s The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, an OuterBox website appearance on CBS, outstanding rankings for various highly competitive national keywords (#1 out of 200,000,000 + sites) and a client list of over 200 satisfied businesses, both large and small. OuterBox Solutions’ headquarters is located in downtown Akron, Ohio in the historic Selle Building.

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