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Below are some of the mistakes that commonly happen when a business sets up an online store. By being aware of them and focusing on what you should do, you are already on your way to a successful business.

#1 Not budgeting enough money for marketing

Build in a marketing plan and budget while designing and building your e-commerce website. No one will come and visit  your website if you don’t announce and optimize it for new and returning customers.

#2 Understanding the commitment involved for your customers to purchasing products

It takes a special experience to keep attracting customers to come back and purchase from you over and over. The experience is much more unique than someone signing up for a newsletter on a website. There can be a lot of steps in purchasing a product and it’s up to you as the business owner to make sure to keep it as simple as possible. Reduce obstacles, add value to the customer’s shopping experience, and build trust that it’s safe and easy to shop on your site.

#3 Remembering that your customers can’t feel/touch your products

Don’t forget to account for zoom-in photos, product descriptions, and other tricks to help your customers get to know your products. Pay close attention to your competitors and how they are marketing similar products.

#4 Ignoring how to set goals for the design revisions

It’s easy to want to keep tweaking the design layout or framework of your website since it’s less expensive than a print catalog to create and maintain. Don’t let yourself get caught up in that cycle. Be sure to work with your web designer or development firm on each step to know which would be the best plan and direction for your site. Don’t expect perfection, but aim to achieve your branding and personal touch as much as possible.

#5 Reusing print material  for online marketing

The same flyer you used for a trunk sale may not translate the same as an email newsletter online. Work with a graphic designer who can help you get set up or deliver marketing assets both in a digital-online and prin format that is appropiate for each distribution channel.

Check back next week for the final 5 tips!

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