Online shopping is definitely coming into its own; let’s face it, it’s made its way and is here to stay. For my US folks, just look to your towering Amazon.com box collections and you’ll realize just how much eCommerce has become a constant and indispensable part of our lives (i know you feel seen, sorry not sorry).
More than 90% of consumers surveyed across 11 countries said they make at least 25% of their purchases online. It’s an exciting time for all brands looking to extend their reach into the global marketplace—but it’s also a time to get serious about building a strong online presence.
Not only are today’s consumers knowledgeable about the products and services they’re looking for, they’re also discerning about what websites will earn their business— performance, design, and overall experience are all highly significant criteria. More brands that are upping their eCommerce game means that consumers have more places to look for, and get to find exactly what they want when they want it. Add that to a global marketplace that is steadily increasing in size and accessibility, and the stakes are higher than ever for brands that want to remain relevant and competitive in this online world.
In short, you risk losing business to a whole slew of online retailers queuing up behind you, if you aren’t up to par at least.
Here are 3 key things that are keeping people from purchasing your product/service on your eCommerce site, and how to fix them.
- Your website is too slow
While about 10% of people will be a good sport and wait for your website to get it
together, the vast majority of people will take that time to find a new place to spend their
money. In fact, nearly 65% of global consumers aren’t willing to wait more than 3
seconds for a website to load! You can encourage people to stick around by optimizing
your site for faster loading- highly recommended.
The number one culprit for slow-loading eCommerce sites is poorly optimized images
(which takes up 50-60% of the average page’s total weight). Sizing, image format, and
composition can all make a drastic difference, so keep that in mind.
- You’re neglecting mobile
The gap between in-store and online buying is closing, mainly because the online
(buying experience is becoming more and more comparable in terms of usability.
Eighty-five percent of all consumers expect the same quality and speed of performance
when shopping on mobile as they do when shopping online. To meet these
expectations, you’ll need to ensure that the consumer’s buying experience is as
consistent and frictionless as possible. Put it plainly, super user friendly. Is the
navigation clear and clutter-free? Are forms simple and easy to manage on a small
screen? Are menu options, contact information, and shipping/return policies easy to
find? These are all things that many eCommerce sites do NOT do wellProviding a stellar
mobile eCommerce experience is one way to lift your brand well above your competitors
in the marketplace.
- Your user experience gets lost in translation
Consumers want a fast, easy, and seamless shopping experience. Simplicity is
essential, especially for retailers who are hoping to reach a global audience. There are
simple things you can do to make your site more international-friendly.
• Clearly state that you accept international orders
• ist out general shipping costs so these consumers know what to expect
• offer measurements and specs in metric as well as customary units
• prioritize minimal copy and images that are self-explanatory
• look into site functionality that will let consumers toggle to their local currency. A
simple, intuitive user experience will go a long way in eliminating distrust and
encouraging people to click “Buy Now.”
67% of consumers surveyed globally have shopped online with retailers in other countries, and that number will only continue to increase as technology and connectivity
improve. The bottom line is, make it as easy as possible for consumers around the world to buy from you. Optimizing your eCommerce website and prioritizing an efficient,
intuitive user experience—across all devices—will help make your brand the one people keep coming back to.
