5 Tips for Businesses Adding E-Commerce
by Flynn Zaiger, Founder & CEO, Online Optimism
Whether you’re ready for it or not, your small business is very likely about to become an e-commerce business due to COVID-19. If you’re like my own agency, Online Optimism, that has meant adjusting to an entirely remote staff. For many StayLocal members, though, it means thinking through how to add online purchasing, and local delivery, to their sales process. For those who haven’t had to deal with the complexities (and opportunities) that come with E-Commerce, here’s 5 tips to get started.
1. It’s surprisingly easy to set up an E-Commerce site quickly.
If your website never had e-commerce functionality before, it’s probably easier (and quicker) to set up your e-commerce systems on a platform solely designed for E-Commerce. For most businesses, we’d recommend Shopify, one of the largest players in the E-Commerce industry. If you’re on a particularly tight budget - which is expected for most at this point - Square’s Online Store actually has zero initial or monthly costs, and you’ll only pay a transaction fee if you’re able to sell something. It’s one of the few risk-free things you can do.
2. Simplify Your Checkout Process.
One of the main drivers for customers to purchase from an ecommerce platform is ease of use. Customers don’t want to be bombarded with a bunch of questions during the purchase stage. Just ask the questions necessary to fulfill their order. This provides the customer with an excellent user experience.
3. Do Your Best to Lower Delivery Costs - Preferably to Zero
Another major driving factor for customers shopping online are the shipping costs. A survey showed that 88% of customers are more likely to shop at a site if the shipping is free. Many delivery companies offer great deals to businesses that ship frequently - use them and pass on that saving to your customer. Even if your business does not ship frequently, there are plenty of convenient services available to you. USPS offers free pickup from your home or business, free shipping labels and free shipping packages in. Research which delivery company works best for you and utilize their services.
4. Provide Incentives to Your Customers to Shop Again Soon
Don’t forget your repeat customers. If a customer loves your product, a 10% discount on their next order is a great incentive for them to purchase again in the future. It costs your business a lot more money to gain a new customer than it does to retain an existing one - look after your repeat customers and they will look after you!
5. Lastly, Emphasize the Local Impact Their Purchase Will Have
Over the next couple months, there’ll be a lot of stories of the trials and tribulations we’re all about to experience. As a community, New Orleans will support you if you give them the chance. One way to do that is in your messaging. If you’re using Square or Shopify, both platforms will allow you to sell gift cards, which provides potential customers with an easy way to support your distance while staying quarantined. Your job is to make that support for Staying Local in their shopping as easy as possible.
Customers who choose to invest in small businesses during this time is what keeps our communities together - let's provide them with an excellent service!