Retailing online can be an exciting and lucrative journey. Managing an online business as a retailer has many advantages. Yet, when things are not working out correctly, it is often difficult to pinpoint the issues. It is the reason why often retailers depend on professional experts such as consultants to identify the problems and provide solutions.
What are the top reasons why websites loose sales? There are often common problems that cause retailers to fail online. These problems are important to know, not to repeat them. To help retailers out, here are the top reasons why websites loose sales.
Website Loading Speed
Consumers are very concerned about slow loading websites. Speed in regards to loading time is important. Slow websites are less trustworthy in the mind of the consumer. Retailers should make sure that their websites are developed properly to load quickly.
No Product Videos
Video marketing is the fastest growing marketing method. It is also one of the most effective. Many consumers expect to see product videos on e-commerce websites. When this is not the case, many will leave without making a purchase. Retailers should have a product video for each individual product sold online.
Lack of Incentives
Consumers want deals. It is one of the reasons they are online shopping. Retailers have to provide incentives to motivate website visitors to buy. These incentives are usually structured through deals, specials, seasonal discounts, freebies, gifts, and so on.
Single Product Photos
Often, retailers use a single photograph of each product. This is not sufficient enough. Consumers prefer multiple photographs, using different angles. To get better results, retailers should upload 2-3 product photos for each SKU sold online.
Poor Website Functionality
Users are quickly frustrated with poor website functions. Confusing navigation and site architecture causes potential customers to quickly abandon a website and shopping. Retailers should have professionally designed and developed websites for best results.
Unclear Shipping Charges
All too often, consumers pick the items they want from an online store, only to abandon them due to shipping charges. Unclear and unexpected high shipping charges often are the cause for lost sales. Retailers should offer free shipping when possible, and state clearly the cost of shipping when it applies.
