Unexpected Mistakes That You Commit In Your E-commerce Business

Having an e-commerce business allows the marketer to learn things that any business course can't teach. Having a website to sell products is an excellent way to earn money. Instead of having problems paying rent and other utilities, it is easier opening an online store to sell the products to everyone everywhere.

However, like a physical store, starting an online business doesn't require good sales. A lot of people think that owning an e-commerce business is a sure thing when it comes to selling products. Even so, there are still many things that can go wrong and needs a backup plan that owners overlook most of the time.

E-commerce is like a jungle that they need to survive in. Here are some mistakes to avoid and succeed in the e-commerce business.

1. Not focusing on One Category

Focusing on many categories is a common mistake that e-commerce startups commit. Always keep in mind that establishing an image while starting up is crucial.
If the business is selling different products, it is difficult for the consumers to identify the business category. During the time where the business is still starting out, focus on selling one product only. The company can add categories when they've finally mastered the niche and established its name.

No matter how small the business is, it is important to stick to a particular niche. Always get familiarized with the category before expanding.

2. The Company Lacks Logo

Another mistake that every e-commerce business owner makes is when a company lacks a logo. Logos usually give the visitor a first impression. Sometimes, without a logo, the store can be mistaken a bogus seller.

Companies are always mistaken that to acquire a logo, they must pay a huge amount to hire a designer. However, there are affordable and free selections that are available online.

3. Failed in Choosing the Right Ecommerce Platform

The e-commerce platform the business is using can have an impact on the success or failure of the firm. So the owner should choose carefully on what platform to use. There are existing hosted platforms like Shopify and popular customizable platforms like Magento that they can choose.

During the deciding process for the right platform, prioritize what best suits the business's needs and the think about the customers. The platform should provide speed, credibility, and the option for custom designs.

4. The Store Doesn't Have Social Proof

Any business gains benefits from social proof. Some merchants are failing in this section. Sometimes, the application social proof is wrong.

Here are some ways where the implementation of social proof can do more harm than good.

5. Hungry for Reviews

Adding a review to an online store is always thought as a great thing and helps in conversions. Yes, reviews can give rise to conversions, but if applied at the wrong time, it can significantly have an opposite effect.

Startup merchants probably should hold off on adding a review section on their site. And then, until there are a few customers that they could tap to add some reviews.

Some visitors might directly check the review page or section but will see no reviews. It will create different questions to the guest. Is this a good product? Why are there no reviews?
It becomes the negative effect of social proof that causes consumers to question if they should purchase.

6. Featuring Social Media Accounts with No Followers

Just like the product reviews, a lot of online shoppers uses social media as a basis when purchasing products. Especially to stores that they are buying for the first time. The business can create as many social media accounts, but if it has zero followers and engagement, the effect might be harmful.

So what can the business do? Instead of featuring every social networking sites that the firm is part of, it can start with one. It can focus on one account and try on building up some followers. As it is growing, they can now slowly add and display other social media platforms.
It will also give the business some focus, and the owner can explore any benefits offered by the channel.

7. The Site is Difficult to Navigate

There are a lot of things that can discourage a consumer than having a site that's hard to navigate. Not user-friendly sites with hard to find information and annoying colors with products that are out of stock. The e-commerce site must be user-friendly.

Having a site that is easy to navigate and can offer information is what a consumer wants. Always put the customer in consideration as the user of the site.

Takeaway

E-commerce is a highly profitable industry. There is no denying it. If you make the right move, the business will be extremely lucrative. However, at the same time, a simple wrong move can destroy everything.

Article written by Susan Culp

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