Running an ecommerce business is rewarding and challenging. Even though many factors go into running a successful online store, understanding what not to do can often prove just as important. Avoiding costly mistakes at the beginning will pave the way for long-term success. In this article, Common Thread Collective shares what you should avoid when starting an ecommerce business.
Not Doing Your Research
It’s essential to do your research before you start an ecommerce business. This means understanding the market, researching your competition, and learning as much as possible about the products or services you plan to offer. You also need to understand what potential customers want and how they shop online—this will help you create a website that provides a great user experience.
Using the Wrong Payment Platform
When starting an ecommerce business, one of the most important decisions you have to make is which payment platform you’ll use. The right payment platform will make it easy for customers to purchase from your store, while the wrong one could cost you sales. Make sure to research and choose a payment platform that offers features such as multiple languages, currencies, and payment methods.
Not Investing in Quality Web Design/Development Services
Investing in quality web design or development services is essential to create an effective online store. Poorly designed websites can be hard to navigate and difficult for customers to use—which could lead them away from your store instead of towards it. A good web design team can help create a beautiful website that looks great on all devices and delivers an excellent user experience.
Not Considering Mobile Shopping Habits
Mobile shopping habits are becoming increasingly popular among online shoppers. Optimize your ecommerce store for mobile devices if you want to stay competitive in today’s market. Make sure your website looks great on smartphones and tablets so that customers can easily browse and make purchases regardless of their device.
Not Prioritizing Security Measures
The last thing any ecommerce business wants is for their customer’s data or credit card information to be compromised. So it’s crucial to take security measures seriously when creating an online store. Investing in security measures such as SSL certificates, secure payment gateways, and two-factor authentication will help keep customer data safe and ensure customers feel safe shopping on your site.
Lack of Product Knowledge
When running an ecommerce business, it’s essential to know about the products you are selling, so customers get the best possible experience. Take the time to research each product thoroughly before listing them in your store, and be sure that they meet all safety standards set by authorities such as The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Failing To Focus On Customer Service
If there is one thing that sets successful ecommerce businesses apart from their competitors, it’s customer service. Make sure you prioritize customer service by hiring knowledgeable staff who can quickly answer questions or provide technical support. Don’t forget about after-sale services like refunds or exchanges; these are essential for keeping loyal customers coming back again and again!
Not Tracking and Analyzing Metrics Properly
It’s vital that metrics, such as conversion rates, average order value (AOV), and customer lifetime value (CLV), are correctly tracked when running an ecommerce business so that you can continually optimize your website for better results. It’s also critical that this data is regularly analyzed to identify problems quickly and address them before they become significant issues.
Thinking You Can Do Everything Yourself
Finally, you will need help to run your ecommerce business! It takes a team—from developers and designers to marketers and customer service representatives—to run a successful ecommerce business. Consider outsourcing specific tasks such as web design or content creation so that you can stay focused on growing your store while still ensuring quality results!
Final Thoughts
Common Thread Collective understands that having a successful ecommerce business involves many elements. There are common pitfalls that entrepreneurs fall into, which can lead their companies down the wrong path! Following these tips, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success with their new venture right out of the gate!