How to Optimize Your Ecommerce Site for the Holiday Shopping Season
The trend of online shopping is growing very fast in the internet world. In the festive season, people shop online in large numbers. At this time shoppers should primarily prepare their e-commerce website well. Also, to provide better service to customers, it is important to take care of some special things.
The number of customers increases a lot in the festive season. Currently everyone buys gifts for their family and friends. In such a situation, shopkeepers should prepare their website in such a way that customers do not have any problem in shopping. They also get good service.
1. Increase website speed
- Speed testing: To increase the speed of the website, it should first be tested. This will show where improvement is needed. Make large photos smaller and remove unnecessary things. Use caching to make the website faster. This will make the pages load faster. Keep doing speed tests at regular intervals so that there is no problem. Keep optimizing the database from time to time so that the speed of the site is maintained.
- Eliminate technical flaws: Make sure that there are no technical flaws in the website. Fix broken links and correct incorrect information. Increase server capacity so that more customers can shop at once. Make the website mobile-friendly. Customize the error page so that the user gets a better experience. Test that the site works properly in all browsers.
2. Improve Search Function
- Make search options easier: Place the search bar in the right place to make it easier for customers to find goods. Keep in mind that you see the right results when you search. Give the option of filters so that customers can easily find the goods of their choice. Also add the option of voice search so that there is no need to type. Use sliders and checkboxes for advanced filters.
- Add auto suggestions: When customers type something, they see related suggestions. Show correct results even on wrong spellings. Show Popular Search at the top. Divide search results into categories. Highlight new trending products in search results. Prioritize seasonal products in search.
3. Simplify the checkout process
- Keep fewer steps: Customers must go through the minimum steps at the time of purchase. Ask for only the necessary information and avoid long forms. Give the option of guest checkout. Make all payment options available. Show the progress bar so that the customer knows how many steps are left. Also give the option to go back to the previous step.
- Improve the shopping cart: Show full information about the goods in the cart. Price, delivery charges and taxes are clearly visible. Give the option to easily remove or enhance the accessories. Instead of entering the coupon code, it is easy to see. Give the option to save to the wish list so that it can be purchased later. Show related product recommendations in cart too.
4. Increase product information
- Provide detailed information: Provide complete information about each product. Photos should be of good quality andshow from different angles. Give full details of size, color and specification. Also add videos if necessary. Give information about the use of the product through video. Provide warranty and guarantee information clearly.
- Add review sections: Show customer reviews that help new customers. Have a rating system. Give the option to insert a review with the photo. Show both good and bad reviews. Highlight verified buyers’ reviews. Give the option to filter reviews.
5. Clarify delivery information
- State the time frame: Specify the delivery time. Give information about how many days delivery will be done in which area. Give the option of fast delivery. Explain the return and exchange policy. Give the option of special delivery time slots. Give information about different timings of delivery on festivals.
- Install tracking systems: Allow customers to track their orders. Give live updates. Provide delivery partner’s information and contact number. Give the option of help if there is a problem. Facilitate live location tracking on the map. Send alerts by SMS or email before delivery.
6. Create a Marketing Strategy
- Do email marketing: Inform regular customers about offers by email. Send information about festival special discounts. Tell us about the new product. Give the option to subscribe to the newsletter. Send personalized emails that are according to the customer’s choice. Send reminder email to Abandon cart.
- Use social media: Post regularly on social media. Show products from live video. Organize contests and games. Interact with customers and get their opinion. Resort to influencer marketing. Give a direct alternative to shopping on social media.
7. Strengthen security
- Payment Security: Take full care of the security of the payment gateway. Install the SSLcertificate. Make all security updates on time. Keep customer data safe. Give the option of multi-factor authentication. Make OTP verification mandatory at the time of payment.
- Fraud prevention: Install a verification system to avoid fake orders. Keep an eye out for suspicious activities. Install a security alert system. Give customers safety tips. Put in place a real-time fraud detection system. Get security audits done regularly.
8. Increase Customer Support
- Create a Help Center: Answer common questionsin FAQs. Facilitate chat support. Provide phone and email support 24×7. Create a video guide. Divide self-help articles into categories. Update the knowledge base regularly.
- Give quick solutions: Solve customers’ problems as soon as possible. Strengthen the grievance redressal system. Take feedback and make improvements. Train the staff. Create a ticket escalation system. Solve problems on a priority basis.
9. Develop Mobile App
- User Friendly App: Make the mobile app simple and attractive. All features are easily available. Add a notification system. Facilitate offline mode. Give the option of dark mode. Give the option to change the language.
- Extra Features: Give special offers to app users. Give exclusive discounts and reward points. Add easy payment options. Facilitate one-click ordering. Give the option to try the product virtual with the AR feature. Allow product search by scanning barcodes.
It is important to take care of all these things to improve the e-commerce site in the festive season. Make the website fast and secure. Serve customers better and solve their problems promptly. Make a good marketing strategy and use social media properly.