Todd NesnickIn 2022, online sales made up over 15% of global retail sales. According to experts like eMarketer, online sales will continue to spread like wildfire and that number may grow to 25% by 2025.
So, without a doubt, online sales will continue to dominate in the coming year. Here are five ways to seize the immense opportunities that lie ahead, according to top online sales training courses.
Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Compared to operating a physical store, the barrier to the digital sales arena is low. You often don’t need deep pockets to kickstart your venture. Shopify reports that 68% of online businesses begin with less than $500.
However, this means that the fight to be visible can be intense and your business could get lost in the noise. SEO can help expand your company’s presence and reach by:
- Increasing organic traffic to your website. According to Backlinko, the #1 result in Google’s organic search results has an average click-through rate of 27.6%.
- Generating high-quality leads. A study by HubSpot found that inbound leads generated by solid SEO have an average close rate of 14.6%. That’s significantly higher than the 1.7% average close rate for outbound leads.
- Building brand awareness. SEO can help you build brand awareness by increasing the visibility of your website and your brand.
- Improving your credibility. When people see that your website appears high on Search Engine Results Pages, they’re more likely to trust your brand.
Deliver Great Customer Service
A staggering 73% of customers consider customer service a crucial factor in their purchasing decisions, according to a survey by Salesforce. This finding underscores the need for outstanding customer service support in the online marketplace.
Here are a few ways to deliver great experiences:
- Make shopping a breeze. A study by Baymard found that 40% of online shoppers abandon their carts because they can’t find the item or information they’re looking for.
- Personalize the shopping experience by recommending products or services based on customer preferences, purchase history, or browsing behavior. According to McKinsey, personalized customer experiences can boost sales by 10-15%.
- Be proactive when things go wrong. Contact customers about any issues with their orders before they reach out first. A study by Invespcro found that businesses that use proactive communication in online sales can increase their conversion rates by up to 35%.
Make Checkout Seamless
A long and chaotic checkout process can cause sales to take a nosedive. According to a study by Baymard Institute, 68% of shoppers abandon their carts due to a complicated checkout process.
So, keep the process simple. Here are a few strategies that many studies show work well:
- Use a one-page checkout process. According to Forrester Research, one-page checkouts can increase conversion rates by up to 20%.
- Allow buyers to complete their orders as guests. A study by PayPal found that guest checkout is less likely to be abandoned than a traditional checkout process that requires signing up for an account.
- Offer a variety of payment options. A study by CustomerGauge found that customers are more likely to shop with businesses that offer various ways to pay.
- Ensure delivery costs are clear and upfront. Statista found that 73% of shoppers abandon their cart if they don’t know the delivery costs upfront.
Optimize for Mobile
The majority of online consumers use smartphones and tablets to browse and shop. Demand Sage reports that mobile will surpass desktop in internet sales by 2023. By 2025, mobile commerce experts say it’ll account for 44.2% of all online retail revenue.
Kissmetrics says mobile-friendly websites have a 36% higher conversion rate than those that are not. Online sales trainers say that some of the best ways to optimize your site to capture shoppers on their mobile devices are to:
- Opt for a responsive website design that adjusts based on the user’s device.
- Use clear and concise text that is easy to read on a small screen.
- Have a simple and easy-to-use navigation menu.
- Offer a mobile-friendly checkout process that is secure and convenient.
Invest in Social Media Marketing
Social media is no longer just a way to pass the time. The platforms have evolved into powerful tools that can help drive sales. According to Search Logistics, 74% of customers rely heavily on social media to help them decide what to buy.
Also, OptinMonster found that customers spend 20%–40% more money on brands that they’ve interacted with on social media.
A robust presence on social media platforms is essential for driving online sales. Trainers in online sales strategies say you can build a strong footprint when you:
- Share captivating content on a regular basis. Use stunning visuals and catchy captions. Also, post consistently.
- Engage with customers. Be personal and responsive. Customers want to feel like they’re talking to a real person, not a robot. Respond to their comments and questions promptly. Don’t forget to use their names when you address them.
- Team up with influential online personalities who can spread the word about your products. Their endorsements carry weight and can drive followers to make purchases. Remember to find influencers who align with your brand values.
Encourage customers to share their experiences. Sharing user-generated content and testimonials is a great way to build trust.
The future of sales is online. These tips can help ensure your business is well positioned to take advantage of this flourishing trend. Things are sure to evolve, so stay proactive and adapt to changing customer trends. Also, keep an eye on emerging technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality to stay ahead of the curve.